Sibling Synergy
The Strength of Family Bonds at Siemens EnergySibling relationships are often the most enduring connections in an individual’s life. These bonds are rooted in shared history and an unspoken understanding. At Siemens Energy, we not only recognize the impact of these relationships but also celebrate the unique dynamic they bring to our professional environment.
The presence of siblings within our teams is not a mere coincidence but a testament to the trust and confidence that our employees have in Siemens Energy as an employer. It speaks volumes when a team member can wholeheartedly recommend our company to their closest relatives, knowing that the values we uphold will resonate on a personal level.
“We’re very proud of our multi-generational legacy in many of our locations,” says Rich Voorberg, head of Siemens Energy North America. “This legacy is not just a reflection of our company's stability and growth but also of the caring and respectful culture that we have nurtured—a culture where every individual is valued for their unique contributions and potential.”
As we delve into the stories of sibling employees at Siemens Energy, we’ll explore how they contribute to a stronger, more cohesive workforce. Join us as we recognize the sibling relationships that enrich our company and reinforce our commitment to a workplace that is as diverse and dynamic as the families that are part of it.
Richard Adams and Rolando Melendez
Richard and Rolando work in the blades and vanes group at the Gibsonton, Florida, facility, where they are NDT Level 2 borescope inspectors. They grew up in the Tampa area, hunting and fishing in a family of five boys. While they aren’t the closest in age, they have the closest relationship of all the brothers.
Previously in the tree industry, Rolando joined the company in 2009. Two weeks later, Richard left behind his job as a medical equipment driver for Hospice to join him.
They have discovered having a brother in the same role can be advantageous. “We support each other,” says Richard. “For example, we are required to complete testing and classroom hours to maintain our Level 2 certification, so we help each other study.”
While they are both proud of the work they do, they are driven by personal motivations.
Richard thrives on the daily challenges. “I enjoy learning about every part and the instructions behind them. It’s like taking a test every day.”
Rolando, on the other hand, finds his motivation in the impact he makes. “I love my job and knowing that I’m making a difference,” he says. It’s fairly new to me and I have a lot to learn, but there are plenty of opportunities for growth here, and that’s what keeps me going.”
Leslie Hues and Halie Tanner
At our Deer Park, Texas, facility, the concept of family extends beyond the conventional boundaries for two half-sisters, Leslie and Halie. Working under the same roof but in different departments, they’ve helped foster a unique dynamic that exemplifies our company's family oriented culture.
Starting as a contractor, Leslie has risen through the ranks over 25 years to become a respected parts business leader. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and the opportunities for growth that our company provides. Halie, who joined the team more recently in 2018 through Siemens Energy Staffing, has swiftly transitioned to a full-time role as a human resources representative.
Leslie's experience has equipped her with valuable insights about the importance of a supportive work environment. She emphasizes, “In my group, we take pride in having a close work family. If you want to stay with a company for the long haul, look for an organization that’s family oriented. Even on the most challenging days, being with your secondary family makes coming to work a rewarding experience.”
Despite a 12-year age gap, Leslie and Halie have found that working together has strengthened their bond. Their individual interests – Leslie's passion for fishing with her daughter and Halie's enthusiasm for cruising and go-kart racing with her husband – are complemented by shared family activities. The sisters cherish the time spent with their extended family, including their 92-year-old grandparents. Favorite family outings include cheering on the Houston Astros and attending baseball/softball games to support their younger brother and cousin’s daughter, who are high school seniors.
Leslie's pride in her professional accomplishments is matched by her personal achievements, notably her return to college later in life to earn a degree in business management and the adoption of her daughter, whom she has lovingly raised and legally adopted. Halie, too, expresses pride in her role. “It was a big decision for me to apply for this position. I was excited to join Siemens Energy and I’m so proud to be part of #TeamPurple.”
Clay and Juan Carlos Wheeland
Siblings Clay and Juan Carlos exemplify the spirit of collaboration and shared passion for sustainable energy. Both brothers have carved out their careers within the company, contributing to the growth and success of Siemens Gamesa (SGRE) in unique yet complementary roles.
Clay's journey with Siemens Gamesa began 16 years ago, when he first started working on wind farms. His expertise led him to a role in Orlando, Florida, following the company's merger. As a logistics project manager, Clay now orchestrates supply chain and transportation, ensuring the components for wind farm projects are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Joining the company 8 years ago, Juan has managed a variety of tasks, from handling materials to supervising heavy lifts. Today, he thrives as a materials lead for new units on the wind farms, a role that takes him across the country. Despite being based in Abilene, Texas, Juan is a constant traveler, dedicating 100% of his time to the wind farms he supports.
The brothers' strong work ethic and close relationship can be traced back to their upbringing in White Settlement, Texas. Along with their third brother, they shared not just a room but many life experiences. Born within 11 months of each other and all celebrating birthdays in February, Clay and Juan even graduated from high school together. Their shared interests extended to playing on the same football team and participating in rodeo events. Family traditions, such as barbecuing, remain a cherished part of their lives, with fried turkey being a favorite treat during reunions.
Clay and Juan used to work side-by-side, but now their interactions are mostly limited to annual company meetings or the occasional project overlap. Despite this, they enjoy the shared understanding that comes from working for the same company. Juan Carlos appreciates the ability to discuss work matters with someone who truly gets it, while Clay trusts that any project involving his brother will be handled with the utmost care and skill.
Camaraderie runs strong between the brothers and their colleagues, but it’s just one of the reasons Juan loves his job.
“It’s satisfying to see something you helped build that will provide green energy. When I’m on-site at a wind farm, we work so closely together that we become a family. You watch out for each other, and you make lifelong friends,” he says. “Plus, I get to travel around the country and see the beauty of America’s landscapes – something few people will ever see.”
Kayna and Nathalia Casso
Nathalia and Kayna are also with the Siemens Gamesa team. Their story is one of cultural duality, having spent their childhood years traveling between the Dominican Republic and the United States, before finally settling in New Jersey post-college.
Nathalia's tenure with Siemens Gamesa began in 2010, and over the years, she has navigated through various operational roles. Today, she leads the resource management and planning team, a position that demands meticulous attention to detail. Five years Nathalia's junior, Kayna joined the Siemens Gamesa family in 2017, bringing with her a fresh perspective from their native Dominican Republic.
Their physical similarities often lead to amusing mix-ups at work, with colleagues mistaking one sister for the other. Nathalia recounts instances of mistaken identity with a chuckle, while Kayna, the beloved aunt, shares a heartwarming story about Nathalia's children confusing her for their mother. “Her kids called me mommy when they were little. And now her 7-month-old son stares at my eyes when I hold him. He sees that they aren’t green like Nathalia, so he knows I’m not his mom.”
Despite their roles only occasionally overlapping, Nathalia and Kayna value the understanding and support that comes from having a sibling within the same organization. They recall the merger between Gamesa and Siemens as a pivotal moment, one that they navigated together, making the decision to stay with the company and support each other through the subsequent relocation to Orlando.
When time allows, the sisters enjoy walking and outdoor cycling together. Their bond extends to a larger family network, with siblings in both Orlando and New Jersey, and their parents back in the Dominican Republic. This robust family structure serves as their support system, keeping them grounded amidst the demands of work and personal life.
Both Nathalia and Kayna are excited about what lies ahead.
Kayna explains, “It's a good company. I appreciate that even when things are challenging, the management team is always looking out for their people, regardless of the outcome.”
“What’s always been a positive in this company is that even in difficult times, we’re all working toward the same goals to make the company better and provide green energy,” adds Nathalia. “I have kids now and I care about the future of the planet, so doing whatever I can to contribute keeps me motivated and proud.”
The Weiler Brothers
At Siemens Energy's Painted Post facility in New York, the Weiler brothers are a testament to family tradition. Joshua, a manufacturing engineer with 13 years of tenure, Devon, a dedicated general machinist in Shop 5 and 6 for five years, and Matt, the eldest brother, also a general machinist in Shop 5, who has been part of the team for 12 years, all contribute their unique skills to the company's success.
Their connection to Siemens Energy runs deep, as their father and older brother Arthur, who once worked for the company, inspired Joshua to join the team. At one point, all five Weiler brothers were employed at the facility, showcasing a remarkable family presence within the company. They also have an older sister.
The Weilers are a close-knit family, both at home and at work. They share a property and have a strong bond, ensuring that personal matters never interfere with their professional responsibilities. "We all live on the same property and get along well. We don’t let anything that happens at home impact our work lives," Josh explains, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Collaboration is a hallmark of the Weiler brothers' relationship. After Matt visited Olean to learn the Shop 6 processes, he and Josh, who both work the first shift, teamed up to successfully install a Shop 6 at Painted Post.
While Devon, who works the third shift, does not have children, both Josh and Matt are proud fathers of three each. They hope their children will continue the family legacy at Siemens Energy. Josh expresses his open-mindedness about his children's future, "If my kids decide to go to college, that would be great. I hope they find what they want to do in life, and I’d be pleased if they applied here because it's a good place to work, where they could make a good career path for themselves."
Matt's children, already showing interest in the family business at a young age, eagerly anticipate joining the company. "During the company family Halloween festival, my kids both approached my supervisor and inquired about when they can start," Matt shares with a smile.
Each brother is driven by different motivations. Josh finds satisfaction in applying his extensive experience to support the floor staff and troubleshoot issues. Devon, with a touch of humor, admits, "I’m motivated by money – I have bills to pay." Meanwhile, Matt is future-focused, aiming to build a strong reputation that will not only benefit his children's prospects but also contribute to the long-term success of the shop.
The Brazie Family
Braelea and Braden Brazie
The lineage of dedication to the company at Painted Post is impressive, with Braelea and Braden following in the footsteps of their grandfather, uncles, and their father, who is affectionately referred to as the pillar of the factory in our next feature. Collectively, their family has contributed over a century of service, a testament to the company's stability and its role as a provider for their family through the generations.
Braelea, who joined Siemens Energy two years ago, serves as a shipping clerk, meticulously handling the essential paperwork needed to export the company's products worldwide. Her brother Braden, with a tenure of one and a half years, is a skilled manual machinist. He takes pride in his craft, having been personally trained by their father on the trio of machines he operates. "My dad has dedicated 45 years to this company. He's on the first shift with me and is a constant presence here—it's like a second home to him," Braden shares with admiration.
The siblings hail from a large and tightly knit family, including two older brothers and an older sister. Their mother, a stay-at-home mom, provides a calming influence that complements their father's outgoing nature. Braelea reflects on the family dynamics, "Our father always made us his priority. He worked the second shift for many years, which allowed him to be there for us, taking us to school and being present before heading to work."
Working alongside family members offers unique benefits, as Braelea points out. "It's one thing to build a familial bond with coworkers, but it's another to have your actual family right there with you. Sharing meals and catching up during breaks adds a personal touch that goes beyond the usual phone calls to check in on each other's day."
Outside of work, Braelea and Braden share a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing. Braden spends his spare time fine-tuning his muscle car, while Braelea prefers to work on her classic trucks. Their family bond extends to their daughters, aged 8 and 6, who they love to bring together, especially when they're participating in sports.
Braelea finds joy in the dynamic nature of her role. "I love the responsibility that comes with my job. The fact that each country has its own set of requirements and timelines means that my work is always varied and engaging."
For Braden, the work itself is a source of motivation. "There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a piece of bar stock into a piston rod. Plus, the family history here and working alongside my dad every day—it's something special," he says with a sense of pride.
Dale and Greg Brazie
Starting with Everett Sr. in 1965 and his four sons, to today with Dale, devoted father to Braden and Braelea, along with their uncle Greg, and Brock, Dale’s grandson, the Brazie family has collectively dedicated over 174 years of service to the company at Painted Post.
Greg, the elder of the duo, is about to celebrate an impressive 48-year tenure at Siemens Energy in July. As an area supervisor overseeing the machine shop, his leadership has been instrumental in the company's operations. Dale, not far behind with 45 years of service, boasts a remarkable versatility, having worked in nearly every capacity within the plant. Their father, Everett Sr., set the precedent for the Brazie family's commitment, retiring as one of the company's oldest retirees at 74 after 30 years of service. The Brazie brothers' two other siblings, Everett Jr. with 23 years and Douglas with 25 years also contributed a combined 48 years to the company's success. Continuing the family tradition, Dale's grandson, Brock, recently began his own journey with Siemens Energy, joining the ranks after graduating from high school.
The Brazie family's dedication to the company illustrates their work ethic and values. Greg fondly recalls their father's advice: "I got your foot in the door, but you guys have to do the rest." His words have propelled them to excel in their respective roles and set an example for others.
Working together has its perks, as the brothers share more than just a last name. "I think we communicate better," Greg observes. "You work harder to avoid favoritism, and you stay a little later."
The Brazies are strong proponents of family members working in tandem, having witnessed firsthand the benefits it brings. "We encourage it because it can help grow the business," explains Greg. "When you're part of the Siemens Energy family, you invest more personally. And if you succeed, everyone succeeds."
Outside of work, Greg and Dale share a passion for automobiles, spending their weekends restoring Greg’s impressive collection of 11 cars. Dale owns a side business in home painting, where he has lent his expertise to the homes of many Siemens Energy employees.
As the most experienced siblings at the plant, Dale and Greg have been witnesses to its evolution and the challenges it has faced. They recall significant events, such as the 1972 flood that inundated the plant with 10 feet of water, and a dramatic incident where a water tank explosion demolished a reinforced concrete wall. Dale's quick thinking and bravery were on display when he used his shirt to stem a colleague's bleeding, waiting with him until help arrived.
The Brazie brothers' story is one of dedication, resilience, and the enduring strength of family ties. Their legacy at Siemens Energy is a powerful reminder of the impact that a family can have on a company, and the positive influence a company can have on a family.
Elizabeth (Beth) and Edwin (Ed) Spitzer
The Spitzer siblings’ story has intertwined with the company's history for generations. Beth proudly recounts the family's deep-rooted connection to the company. "Our grandfather laid the foundation for our family's journey with Siemens Energy at the East Pittsburgh Westinghouse plant. Today, we’re continuing this legacy into the fourth generation, as my nephew, Ed's stepson, starts his career through the EDP program."
Beth and Ed, originally from Pittsburgh, have carved out their careers within Siemens Energy in Orlando, but at different locations. As the environmental, health, and safety program manager for North America, Beth sits at the company's main campus. Meanwhile, Ed brings his expertise to the FAST Logistics Center as a quality supervisor. Their time with the company spans over two decades, with Beth at 23 years and Ed at 25. Their sister, Nancy, contributed several years to the Finance department before her retirement.
Working for the same organization comes with its quirks, as Beth and Ed occasionally find themselves on the receiving end of each other's emails or being mistaken for spouses rather than siblings. However, these minor inconveniences are overshadowed by the advantages. Ed notes, "Beth supports the safety program at FAST, which means I'm doubly committed to following all safety guidelines. It's not just about following rules; it's about safety and looking out for one another."
The Spitzers maintain a close-knit relationship, balancing their professional lives with personal connections, including planning a family getaway to Lexington, Kentucky, this year. While they keep work and family life separate, they always make time to celebrate each other's accomplishments.
Ed recalls beaming with pride when his stepson chose to follow in the family's footsteps. "I never expected Nick to join Siemens Energy, but thanks to Beth's timely information about the EDP program's relaunch, he's now joining the team. I know he’s going to do well here."
Beth echoes his enthusiasm, not just for Nick, but for all her nieces and nephews. She's thrilled to see the Spitzer lineage continue at Siemens Energy, where both she and Ed have built fulfilling careers.