Henri LeVeque

Boiler and Machinery Consultant and Authorized Inspector at TÜV SÜD ARISE

#FutureInYourHands – This motto properly describes how TÜV SÜD empowers its employees. It’s best to hear from TÜV SÜD executives and staff members what their personal experiences are working for TÜV SÜD.

Can you describe your role within TÜV SÜD?
I am a Jurisdictional Inspector, Repair/Authorized Inspector, Authorized Inspector Supervisor, and Senior Technical Specialist for TÜV SÜD ARISE. I conduct jurisdictional inspections and code compliance third-party inspections for new construction shops and repair firms.

What led you to a career with TÜV SÜD?
Several years ago, I worked for an industrial construction company that was a US&R certificate holder. During my time there, I was the quality control manager, and I was directly involved with various TÜV SÜD ARISE authorized inspectors and repair inspectors over a handful of states. I got to know the TÜV SÜD ARISE inspectors, and it amazed me that, as complete strangers, they were always helpful and very professional; I had great respect for them.

In 2014, I was asked if I would be interested in taking the In Service commission test to join TÜV SÜD ARISE. But again, it was the overall professionalism and helpfulness of TÜV SÜD ARISE employees that led me to a career with the company. Once I committed to taking the test, I did not want to work for anyone else but TÜV SÜD ARISE.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy the people I work with, our clients and fellow TÜV SÜD employees. I deal with several different aspects in new construction. Some companies I work with are boiler companies, others are pressure vessel companies, and some are heat exchanger companies. With jurisdictional inspections, I see such a variety of industries too; the resources, people and capabilities that exist amaze me. TÜV SÜD employees are also always helpful and I have such an appreciation for what they do.

What is your driving mission in this role?
My driving mission is to not do anything that would get anyone hurt. That sounds simple but that is my mission. I have been in industrial construction long enough to know that people do not go into work thinking that today is the day that they will lose an arm, a leg, or their life. I want to prevent these types of accidents by using my training and experience. Occasionally, you hear about accidents, and they are always a horrifying to learn about.

Are there any challenges that you’ve faced during your career that have taught you important lessons?
You will always face challenges. It is important to learn how to think two or three weeks ahead. For me, it is important to plan so that what I do is cost effective for TÜV SÜD and for our clients.

What do you think this industry will look like 20 years from now?
Technology is already playing a huge role in the industry, but I think it is going to make things even better in the next 20 years. As an example, now we can communicate so much faster and easier with smartphones and laptops. However, in the near future, I expect that I will be able to use a tablet to make jurisdictional or new construction inspections more efficient. Primarily, for jurisdictional inspections, I would be able to immediately input the inspection into the database, conduct the inspection, and complete the reports. Then, when the inspection is over, I would be able to type a letter all in one visit. That way, from start to finish, aside from scheduling, that inspection is done and complete. The reports are entered to the state and the letter is written to the client. I really look forward to that and I hope to see that in the next few years.

Beyond 20 years, I think we are going to face challenges with personnel. However, I do not think that there is anything that cannot be worked out. People are quick to adapt. I have seen the industry start to suffer, and it concerns me a bit. The industry has been experiencing what some people call “brain drain” in which a lot of management are retiring. These are the people that know a particular plant, top to bottom, bolt for bolt. Now, we are seeing that the people who are replacing them do not have quite the experience that the older people had. But again, that is all adaptable.

I am reluctant to look too far ahead, especially this year. Nobody could have predicted COVID-19, which may set us and the whole world back at times. Although once the smoke clears, there will be new technologies or new ways of dealing with each other, and our industry will improve as a result.

When not working, how do you spend your spare time?
On the weekends or whatever spare time I have, I spend time with my wife. Occasionally, we go bowling. My wife and I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

I really enjoy golfing and playing guitar. I have been teaching myself the guitar for about the last year. I also help with maintenance and yardwork at my church.

Meet more of Our North American Employees

Employee Spotlight: Henri LeVeque

Henri LeVeque

Boiler and Machinery Consultant and Authorized Inspector at TÜV SÜD ARISE

Meet more of Our North American Employees

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