Rick is the newest member of the Valley Forge team, hired June 2020 as chief metallurgist. He began his career with the venerable U.S. Steel and transitioned to the fastener side of the steel business with Massachusetts-based Olympic Manufacturing Group. Bailey’s wife has roots in Arizona, making his move to Valley Forge a homecoming of sorts.
Here are three questions from an interview with Rick —two for work, one for fun.
What do you think is your greatest strength as a metallurgist?
I treat product creation holistically and am continually involved through every step, from raw materials through forming, machining, and heat treating to get quality levels that customers need. My role is to turn science into practice, applying the technical side of metallurgy to improve processes. By embracing continuous improvement, we’re always learning and better serving our customers.
Why did you choose to join the team at Valley Forge?
I’m really happy to be part of an organization that’s making innovative, high-value products. I also felt my prior knowledge of key markets like mining, power gen, and oil and gas meshed well with the company’s goals. I was intrigued by Load Indicating Technology, too. We’re often making huge bolts for heavy applications, where it’s crucial to start with material that has the correct properties so the finished product calibrates properly. I feel I can help with that.
What is something your co-workers might not know about you?
They may not know that I was born in Reno, Nevada, so I think of the western U.S. as home. My wife and I look forward to exploring and seeing more of the western states now that we are settled in Arizona. I also like to schedule four or five 5K running races per year to keep me motivated. I love to read, especially history. My wife and I enjoy tennis and hope to start playing mixed doubles together.
