Member Feature: Mitchell Garner
About 18 years ago, Mitchell Garner was searching for a career that had meaning, discipline and a place where strong bonds could be developed. He ended up accepting a position as an industrial firefighter for a company in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he and his colleagues were resident contractors to major oil and gas companies along the Gulf Coast.
“That career opportunity opened me to a world of knowledge about industry operations and industrial safety,” said Garner.
Years later, he transitioned to a terminal company in the Houston area where he spent nine years in their EHS department. Today, as Regional Manager of Safety and Emergency Response for LBC Tank Terminals, Garner truly enjoys the work he does.
“People have heard me say, that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life; I have always stayed true to that,” Garner said. “The people around me are the best part of my job and what I genuinely love about it.”
Garner explains that the terminal business is a very small community and almost like family.
“Although developing policies and the administrative work of safety will always be a part of the process, I enjoy talking with my teammates and peers to gain knowledge from them,” Garner explained. “I try to understand their point of view and use that to better our programs, framework and even myself personally.”
Teamwork is also a massive aspect of the job.
“Having the opportunity to collaborate with my team and stay close to the business helps me find success,” Garner shared. “I see my teammates as resources and I’m simply the administrator to ensure their experience, knowledge and value are applied.”
Garner also appreciates how the job allows him to seek out new technology to help the team work safer.
“The terminal business is constantly pressing toward safer and cleaner working environments; I feel technology is a major part of it,” Garner shared. “I enjoy exploring things such as augmented reality, AI and safety processes that minimize risk. LBC is an unbelievably great company that is filled with supportive leadership that gives me the freedom to pursue both of those ambitions.”
Garner’s advice to those just starting out in the industry?
“Open your mind to the endless possibilities the terminal business can offer and don’t be afraid of being well-rounded,” he said. “The short answer is, never turn down the opportunity to solve a problem. In the terminal business, we wear many different hats. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries; especially when those objectives make you feel uncomfortable.”
Garner believes that while you can choose a career, sometimes a career chooses you.
“I didn’t seek out the terminal business but I’m glad it found me,” he said. “The terminal business is like family and it's tight-knit. It also has many avenues from operations, safety, technology, maintenance, operational excellence, sustainability, management and so on.”
By pursuing a career in the terminal business, Garner says, people will find purpose, value and business relationships that last a lifetime.
“The terminal business, in my experience, is full of people who want to see you succeed and are always willing to help,” he said, noting how he’s seen the industry evolve during the duration of his career. “The most common theme I’ve seen is the advancement of technology and the role it plays within our terminals. Not solely from a safety standpoint but also from operational excellence, reduction in environmental impacts and operational efficiency.”
Garner predicts that technology will continue to thrive in the terminal space in the coming five to 10 years.
“I also see a continued shift in regulation, sustainability and emissions reduction,” he shared, adding that technological advances will meet those demands. “I also think there will be less human interface with equipment to further safety in the terminal industry. In 50 years, it's hard to say [what will happen], but I am confident the terminal industry will adapt to whatever the future brings.”
Garner’s favorite part of being involved with ILTA is being connected with others who share his passion for the terminal business.
“I enjoy the networking and learning opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else,” Garner said. “By being involved, I get to catch up with industry friends and also make new ones. I enjoy participating in the Platinum Safety Award Working Group, OSHA PSM and EPA RMP Working Group, and attending the ILTA EHSS Meetings.”
Outside of work, Garner spends every moment he can with his beautiful family: Tiffney, his wife of 13 wonderful years, and their two children, Taylor (age 11) and Canton (age 7).
“We enjoy all things outdoors like hunting, fishing, working on our family cabin, hanging by the pool and traveling to see new places.”