Troy Ladouceur is right at home with complex machinery and complicated formulas. As head of Engrave-A-Crete's machine shop, Troy is a master craftsman who takes pride in producing tools that meet exacting specifications. Along with making components for existing tools, he also works closely with the company president, Darrel Adamson, to research and develop new items for the company's line-up of decorative concrete tools.
Troy enjoys making things, so he's a perfect fit for his role at Engrave-A-Crete.
“Technologically it's a challenge doing what I do, working on new equipment. I like to do a good job, and it's something I've been doing for 25 years. A challenge is nice,” Troy says, then adds with a grin, “Got one?”
Troy believes his service to the decorative concrete industry comes in the form of supplying every customer with top-quality tools achieved through stringent quality control. That requires a lot of time alone in the shop—a man and his machinery.
“I've been kind of left to do what I do here at Engrave-A-Crete and I'm all right with that,” Troy says. “Everyone else seems to be okay with it too, so as long as I do my job right, everything else will work out.”
Machining has filled most of Troy's professional life, beginning with an apprenticeship program following high school graduation. He believes learning is essential and continues for a lifetime.
“My view of life is ever-changing,” Troy says. “You learn as you go. Learning isn't always easy and I think life's an adventure with ups and downs. You take what you've got and do what you can with it.
“I learned blueprint reading, shop math and handbook while I was in vo-tech, and just being in that environment was a good learning experience. When you work with machines, you have to keep learning because they're all different. I have three books just for the Integrex (the six-axis Mazak Integrex machine Troy uses every day.) I'm glad to still be learning at my ripe old age of 48,” Troy continues with a laugh.
His fondness for making things extends into Troy's personal life as well.
“I'm pretty handy with most hand tools,” he says, “and I like getting things done. I'm the kind of person who likes to stay busy. I like to work with wood, and I've done a lot of residential work on my houses. I'm never afraid to get my hands dirty!”
When not at Engrave-A-Crete or finishing projects, Troy has plenty of other interests to keep him busy.
“I like tennis a lot,” he says. “I enjoy water sports and I'd love to get out on the water more. This is actually an excellent area for that. I like camping and rafting, and float trips are always good. I also like to garden and cook. And I might build a tree house this summer—you know, the good things in life!”