Mike Ash is the shop manager of DXP Pacific’s Anaheim branch. His dedication, experience, and mechanical knowledge make him an integral member of our service team.
What Mike Does
Mike oversees the company’s biggest repair and fabrication jobs, whether at the Anaheim shop or out in the field. The most challenging pump system installation, repair, and maintenance projects regularly get assigned to Mike. “The tougher the job, the more I like it,” he said. “Some repairs are best to do on-site, while others need to be brought back to the shop. What I enjoy most is that each project is a new challenge to overcome.”
As a kid, Mike loved to take things apart to see how they worked (though putting them back together was another story). It was a passion that followed him to adulthood. Mike’s interest in the inner workings of machines would lead him to the pump industry, where he discovered a genuine talent for fixing mechanical equipment.
No Challenge Too Big
Mike spent the next 18 years in the oil industry, taking on different roles and countless projects. After nearly two decades in oil, including stints at an Arco pipeline system and a marine terminal, Mike earned a reputation for finding solutions to any problem that arose. A friend who worked for DXP Pacific recommended Mike for a position, and for the last six years he’s brought that same knowledge, passion, and unique talent to our team.
“Working for DXP Pacific has been great,” Mike said. “We provide services that nobody else can offer because we represent so many different pump manufacturers. We have our own foundry at DXP, and can fabricate custom parts quickly and inexpensively. And, we have our own PumpWorks line that offers a wide variety of high-quality products.”
Getting the Job Done Right
Mike understands and appreciates the importance of his role at DXP Pacific, especially when out in the field, working directly with customers. “They see what we can do and they know they can depend on us to get the job done right,” he said. “I like being able to get out there and take on new projects. I get to meet customers, and we serve so many different industries. We work with military bases, municipalities, pharmaceutical companies, oil pipelines and other industries. There’s always a new challenge and always something different to test my mechanical knowledge and skills.”
One of Mike’s favorite projects was installing a pump on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch pad at Edwards Air Force Base. He was fascinated by how the launch system worked, and he couldn’t believe how fortified the protective bunkers were, considering they were built in the 1950s.
“I like what I do,” Mike said. “I like fixing things. There is so much satisfaction in finding unique solutions to complex problems.
More About Mike
Mike, a proud Army brat, was born in Germany. His family moved to Southern California when he was 10 years old, and settled here when his father retired from the military. Mike lives in the Inland Empire with his wife. They have four children together—three who have grown and moved away, and one teenager who still lives at home.
Outside of work, Mike’s favorite hobby is snow skiing. He has been to every major ski resort west of the Rockies, and he looks forward to taking at least one week-long ski trip every year. Some of his favorite ski spots include Utah and Whistler, BC. Mike also loves riding FlowRider wave surfing simulators, which he discovered on a cruise, immediately falling in love with the unique experience.
It’s clear that Mike is passionate about his work, which is why we’re so happy he’s part of our DXP Pacific family.