Stewart Stafford, who spent 30 years producing superior results for Derecktor as a valuable member of the Plumbing Department in Dania Beach, has retired from the company.
DANIA BEACH, FL - It takes thousands of hours to master a trade, but decades to perfect it.
Such is the case for Stewart Stafford who has spent the past 30 years producing superior results for Derecktor as a valuable member of the Plumbing Department in Dania Beach.
Stewart, a coppersmith by trade, began with the company in 1989 and credits his longevity to Derecktor’s culture of personal accountability and mutual respect.
“This has a been a great company to work for and I was always treated with respect,” Stewart says. “The work was often so interesting I never hesitated to come in during the weekends on my own time to practice MIG and TIG welding.”
Stewart’s dedication to his craft and Derecktor is evident not only in his exceptional work, but from the regular feedback provided by long-time customers. While he has serviced a number of notable vessels throughout his career, one stands above the rest – M/Y Hilarium.
“Stewart was the first Derecktor tradesman to work on Hilarium in 1992 and has worked extensively on her throughout the years,” Captain Doug Coe remarked. “It only seems fitting his final project would be the same one all these years later.”
Hilarium’s engine room has been completely refit by Stewart and stands as one of his favorite during his tenure due to his willingness to see the job done properly and share his knowledge with others who appreciate it.
When asked to share words of wisdom prior to his departure, Stewart simply stated, “Work for a company that uses the skill you wish to acquire and pick the brains of the top guys, most are willing to teach.”
Derecktor is honored to have Stewart Stafford as part of our work family for all of these years and we wish him well in retirement. Cheers, Stewart!
