Swanton Welding’s Hall of Fame Celebrates Its Greatest Asset—Our People

Swanton Welding’s greatest asset is our people, and we want to show our team exactly how much we stand behind that statement. We are proud to launch a Hall of Fame to recognize Swanton Welding team members who exemplify the Swanton Welding Way. Every day, our team members apply their skills and dedication to their projects. Our employees aren’t just part of the team – they are part of a legacy built on precision pride and perseverance. The employees who will be recognized in the Hall of Fame demonstrate what it means to uphold our core values every day. With this Hall of Fame, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and work toward building a future together, standing behind the Swanton Welding Name with pride.

Swanton Welding’s Core Values

Our Core Values are promises we make to each other, our clients, and our community. They are:

• Dependability – Employees we can rely on.
• Growth – Employees who have challenged themselves to learn and grow.
• Respect – Employees who treat others respectfully at all times.
• Forward-Thinking – Employees who think about how they can help advance our company in the future.
• Commitment to Well-Being – Employees who exemplify inclusion in the workplace.

What Might These Values Look Like?

These values present themselves in different ways. They can be someone from the welding department applying precise welds, someone from the fabrication team building complex structures, or a dedicated project manager guiding each project through to completion. They can be support staff working behind the scenes making sure operations run smoothly. But whatever the role, a team member who demonstrates these values brings dedication and expertise to keep Swanton Welding thriving and moving forward. Every person and every role forms the foundation of who we are, with our combined efforts making something bigger and better than ourselves.

2025

Chris Paffrath – Hall of Fame Inductee

Chris is a paint shop supervisor for Swanton Welding. He broke his leg on day one which is certainly a memorable way to begin your journey with us. That challenging start has become a favorite story because it highlights his remarkable resilience and determination. Over the years, his leadership, skills, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our team. Thank you, Chris, for your exceptional contributions and the example you set for all of us.

Vickie Mohr – Hall of Fame Inductee

Vickie is our longtime receptionist. For nearly four decades, she has been the welcoming voice and face of Swanton Welding. She has created a warm first impression for countless customers, vendors, and visitors, and her consistent professionalism, kindness, and care have made a lasting impact on everyone she meets. Thank you, Vickie. We are grateful for your dedication and the heart you bring to our organization every day.

Jaime Valderas– Hall of Fame Inductee

Jaime is a skilled welder, fabricator, and supervisor. This well-deserved recognition honors his years of hard work, dedication, and loyalty to Swanton Welding. His expertise, work ethic, and willingness to take on any task has made him an invaluable member of our team. Jaime, your example inspires others to follow your lead, and we want to thank you for your countless contributions to our success.

Sheldon Berry – Hall of Fame Inductee

Sheldon is a skilled welder, fabricator, and supervisor. His service, commitment, and dedication have been essential to building the company we are today. He bring a positive influence to work everyday through both his example and leadership. Sheldon’s loyalty and steady presence have shaped Swanton Welding’s team and our culture. Sheldon, thank you for your continued contributions and the impact you make every day.

Congratulations to Chris, Vickie, Jamie, and Sheldon on their well-deserved 2025 induction into the Swanton Welding Company Hall of Fame. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment inspire us all.

As we celebrate your remarkable contributions, we look forward to honoring future team members who exemplify the same spirit of service, excellence, and pride that drives our success.

2024

Keith LaPointe – Hall of Fame Inductee

Keith is a welder and fabricator in the Swanton, Ohio facility. Keith has demonstrated a strong dedication to Swanton Welding, who has a lasting impact on his department and our organization. Keith has fabricated enough handrails to circle the globe, and we are proud to recognize his exceptional work. Keith is honored by Dalton Sperling, Nick Nijakwoski, Tony Vasko, and Kody Kessler.

Jan Sulewski – Hall of Fame Inductee

Jan is the Controller for Swanton Welding. Jan has made significant contributions to Swanton. Jan holds everyone accountable for their spending as well as her informal role as a “work mom”, where she provides advice, emotional support, and practical assistance to all of us who rely on her. Jan has shown a lifetime of exceptional work at Swanton Welding. Jan is honored by Chuck Morgan, Norm E. Zeiter, Bill and John Zeiter, and John Sulewski, Jr, (her son) as well as the Georgia Plant Manager.

Jason Fagerman – Hall of Fame Inductee

Jason is a welder, fabricator, and supervisor at the heavy fabrication facility in Pettisville, Ohio. Jason is being recognized as a Hall of Fame Inductee for his exceptional contributions, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to Swanton Welding. Jason is a consummate teacher who has shaped the lives and careers of so many. Jason’s legacy of leadership will inspire future generations of welders for years to come, and the entire Swanton Welding family thanks him for his outstanding work and dedication. Jason was honored by Nick Nijakowski, Bill Zeiter, Laura Wolsiffer, and Allison Fagerman, Jason’s daughter who has followed in his footsteps as a welder in the Wauseon facility.

Jan, Keith, and Jason are exceptional members of the Swanton Welding family, and we congratulate them on their well-deserved 2024 induction into the Swanton Welding Company Hall of Fame. The dedication, excellence, and commitment they show inspires the full Swanton Welding family. We celebrate our first inductees as we look forward to honoring many future Swanton Welding team members who exemplify the same spirit of service and excellence that will drive the success of Swanton Welding both now, and in the future. Swanton Welding’s greatest asset is our people, and we look forward to a Hall of Fame full of those who are committed to holding our values.