NWP Employee Spotlight Series:
Illuminating Stories from the People of Northwest Pipe
At Northwest Pipe Company, our team members are the foundation of our success, and we take pride in our diverse and talented workforce. This series shares the inspiring stories and career journeys of employees from different departments and locations. In each installment, we interview one of our team members and delve into their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments, and discover why they choose to build their career with Northwest Pipe Company.
Spotlight on: Joe Arizola
Group Manager | Houston, TX
Joe Arizola brings nearly three decades of precast industry expertise to his role as Group Sales Manager for ParkUSA, A Northwest Pipe Company. Overseeing precast utilities sales in the Houston/Coastal Texas region, Joe leads a dynamic five-person team of project sales, customer service, and estimating representatives. His responsibilities extend to supporting the sales offices in San Antonio and Ferris when needed, as well as assisting the national team with quotes for utility products like catch basins and manholes. Joe’s customer-centric approach and collaborative mindset help drive his team’s success.
How did you find your way to your current role?
Before ParkUSA, I was the sales and product coordinator for another precast company. My first position at Park was as a forklift driver and ‘yard guy.’ From there, I worked in production and then dispatch. I started selling when I was in dispatch and eventually rolled over into the sales department.
Looking back at when you first applied, what made you want to join ParkUSA?
I wanted to continue my growth in the precast industry, and ParkUSA was a great place for that.
After 29 years, what makes you want to stay at ParkUSA?
After 29 years, I still love what I do. And I want to continue to grow my team and eventually have one of them take over.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I usually come in with a game plan that typically changes as soon as the day starts. Being able to manage what I already have on my plate and capable of taking on more every day requires flexibility. I prioritize all my responsibilities, including estimating, sales, getting things into production, and scheduling deliveries—all while addressing new incoming projects.
What do you look forward to each day at work?
My Team – I love working with them and even though we take our jobs seriously, we still try and have a little fun throughout the day and joke around a little.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Keeping my customers happy is the most rewarding part of my job. That, and seeing my team grow.
Describe a favorite project you’ve worked on so far.
One of my favorite projects is one that I’m currently working on for a customer in California. Despite the availability of many other precasters closer to them, they choose to deal with ParkUSA. They prefer the quality of our products and the service we provide. Over the past three years, we have supplied them with inlets, manholes, and specially fabricated vaults for chilled water. We continue to make every effort to keep them happy and wanting to come back to us.
Which of the Northwest Pipe Company ACT Values (Accountability, Commitment, Teamwork) resonates most for you in your role?
Teamwork—because it’s not about me, it’s about us, and how we can do our best as a team to make the Company successful.
What stands out most to you about the culture at Northwest Pipe Company?
Growth. Northwest Pipe Company and ParkUSA are looking to the future by continuing to provide for our cities’ and states’ growing infrastructure needs while expanding our reach in the construction industry. From within, the Company treats employees well.
What advice do you have for someone starting a career in your field?
You have to love what you do. If this is the field you choose, commit yourself to it, and you’ll have a great future here.
Is there someone at ParkUSA who has inspired or motivated you along your career journey?
George Eberly III (VP of Product Development, Water Distribution) and Chris Eberly (VP of Product Development, Storm and Wastewater) – I’ve worked with them since I began my career at ParkUSA, and their guidance has helped grow me into the person I am today.
What’s something that brightens your day outside of work?
Fishing and spending time on a boat with my friends.
What do you like to do to unwind, and how does working at NWP help you maintain a work-life balance?
Even though much of my time is spent at work, I still take the time to go fishing often, which is very relaxing for me. I also vacation with friends a few times a year and enjoy the outdoors. I have a group of friends from across the US and Canada and we make frequent trips together—they are like my other family. Also, I have a couple of dogs who I love to spend time with.
