Nathaniel Craig (known here at Atec as Nate) may have grown up locally in Katy, TX, but he came to Atec from much farther away- Fairbanks, Alaska, to be exact. After spending 15 years in the US Air Force, with five years spent at Alaska’s Eielson Air Force Base, Nate and his family returned to his hometown and Atec was lucky enough to add him to our exemplary Contracts Administration team.
Atec’s Contracts professionals are involved from the very beginning to the very end of every project Atec completes. Our Contracts administrators act as a liaison between the various departments involved with a project, from Accounting to Engineering to Manufacturing. Commitment to the project’s budget and goals, as well as the development of the project, are fostered by our Contracts administrators.
Nate describes his job at Atec, not according to his job title, but in terms of his objectives. “My job is to save money, maximize customer satisfaction, and ensure that our projects live up to the highest standards.” For almost a year now, Nate has used his expertise in Federal government contracts and Department of Defense procurement to “adapt that mentality to the commercial sector and make Atec more competitive in our industry.” He cites “understanding how a company runs on the other side of the industry”- the commercial side- as one of the biggest challenges he faces as an Atec employee.
As a Contracts Development Strategist, Nate spends his days working with our engineers, buyers, project managers, and accountants to coordinate the projects that Atec takes on. Negotiating contracts, devising creative solutions to address the needs and concerns of our customers, and handling financial dealings all fall under the umbrella of Nate’s position at Atec, but he hesitates to describe a typical day in his office. “Every day brings a new challenge,” he says, emphasizing that no two days are exactly alike.
The unifying aspect of every day Nate spends at Atec is his motivation. He recounts his upbringing, his family, and his dedication to the company as significant sources of motivation: “My parents taught me to work hard. At 10 years old, I started my first lawn mowing business. I’m motivated by my wife and kids- supporting their future. I feel personally invested in the success of the company because Atec’s success is my success.”
Nate’s dedication to the company already contributes to Atec’s success on a daily basis. He certainly seems to have a good grasp on his own goals, offering the following advice:
“Have a tactical and strategic understanding of your personal goals and duties. Have patience with learning your business. Don’t wait to be challenged- challenge yourself.” Spoken like a true military man.
Five Fun Questions with Nathan Craig
What song best describes your work ethic?
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
Describe your job in 3 words?
Commitment. Detail. Enthusiasm.
What are your hopes for the future of Atec?
“I’d like to see Atec grow into a strategic company with $100 Million per year in sales & revenue, who procures our competitors and strengthens our business goals.”
If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would they be?
A fire starter, a hatchet, and my Bible.
A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
He’s here because he’s hungry. He’d say: “Hola! Doce tortillas para llevar, por favor.” (Backstory: “In high school, I worked at Fajita Willie’s and that was the only Spanish phrase I knew. 12 tortillas to go, please.”)
