Employee Spotlight: Meet Chris Brazel

When Komatsu introduced its Technology Solutions Expert (TSE) position in 2013, Chris Brazel was interested immediately. TSEs serve as a bridge between distributors and their customers who use intelligent Machine Control dozers and excavators. For Brazel, the job is a great fit for his engineering background and communication skills.

“As a Senior TSE, I’m the go-to guy for everything intelligent Machine Control,” noted Brazel. “Some days I might help an operator. The next day I may work with a superintendent, engineer, surveyor or an owner. Sometimes I’m sitting in an office, and other days I’m walking through mud up to my knees to set up a site. Every day is different, and I need to be versatile.”

Finding solutions and building relationships are two keys to success for a TSE. Brazel knows he’s done his job well when customers ask how they can be more efficient with their machines and jobsites as a whole.

“I feel that I’ve formed a great relationship with a customer when that person asks me more than general questions about a dozer or excavator,” offered Brazel. “Customers are including me in their technology plans and asking how to create the best versions of their as-built drawings. It’s rewarding to have them call before a new project and be able to share recommendations.

“There have been instances when I met with the customer as well as FDOT reps, Army Corps officials and inspectors to share with them how intelligent Machine Control works,” continued Brazel. “I showed them how our excavators could do the job without having crew members working in deep, muddy conditions. We were able to create a more efficient process as well as a safer one.”

Introducing new ideas

Throughout the last six years, Brazel’s role has continued to grow as intelligent Machine Control equipment is becoming more prevalent on jobsites. Working with customers who are new to the technology remains one of his favorite aspects of the job.

“I still get excited when helping a customer who hasn’t used this type of technology,” said Brazel. “Most want to adopt it because all of their competitors are doing so. Some are intimidated and not sure where to start or how to tie it all together. We set up everything so all they have to do is climb in the dozer, turn on the automatics and watch the machine do its thing for the first time.

“Many customers have years of experience, so they know how long it will take to do a job and how much it will cost,” he continued. “To see the faces of owners or superintendents when they realize that they can finish the job 30-40 percent faster using the automatics, just never gets old.”

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