Enjoying each step of the journey.
“I know what it is like,” he says. “Those moments build empathy for the men and women who work 24/7.”
All of his experiences – as a laborer, a plumber, a foreman, a leak detection specialist, a water emergency investigator and a maintenance shift supervisor – have helped him in his current role. As Assistant Construction Maintenance Superintendent, he now manages the crews that he was once a part of. His knowledge of EBMUD’s distribution system has served him well in coordinating repairs and conducting major shutdowns.
At 5:45 a.m., his day begins. It’s the quiet before Willis’ cell phone begins ringing. He wraps up the route plan, dispatching crews to fix emergency water leaks. When he’s not meeting with foremen, he’s talking to contractors and customers. Visiting job sites and securing equipment for crews is another important part of the job.
“We put out fires every day to deal with whatever water emergencies come in,” he says. “It can be hectic, but you just have to stay calm.”
After 33 years with EBMUD, Willis is grateful for every opportunity that led to the next and the friendships built along the way. Before he hangs up his hard hat, he has one more challenge left.
“The next big thing for me is passing on the knowledge that I have and preparing someone to step into my shoes.”