You can’t write the story of Air Components without talking about Deb Spencer. She’s been part of the team for 48 years. That’s not a typo, either. This month, she’s celebrating 48 incredible years with the company! As Air Components is going into year 51, Deb remains the longest tenured employee, and one of its most essential team members.
Deb joined Air Components back when the office carpet wasn’t just on the floor, but on the walls. She laughs when she remembers those early days. Her first office was originally a single-stall bathroom, before it was converted into a computer room where Deb could work out of. The computer she used was “the size of a refrigerator.” The backup of the first computer was on six discs, bigger than large pizzas. These discs had to be switched out when each one was complete, which would take up Deb’s last 30 minutes of each day. She was one of only two people in the company who had access to a computer at all. Typing quotes and invoices were done on a typewriter, with carbon paper for copies.
Cruising Along
Over nearly five decades, Deb has seen just about everything change, from the size of the company to the tools that keep it running.
“It’s gotten better since I don’t have to take care of the computer (IT) anymore,” she jokes.
She’s been around for every major milestone. One that stands out was the acquisition of Central Industrial in 2006, which brought in Ingersoll Rand’s Fluid Power Line as an offering. Her favorite memory by far was back in the early 2000s, when Air Components hit a sales milestone that earned every employee a spot on a memorable company cruise. We’re not talking about the Holland Princess Dinner Cruise, either. This was an all-expenses-paid 3–4 day cruise in the Caribbean. Half of the company went for one week, and the other half went the next. It’s easy to understand why that was Deb’s favorite work memory!
Heart & Soul
Deb continues to play a critical role within Air Components, making sure compressors are getting from the manufacturer to the customer accurately and on schedule. When a sale is made, Deb works closely with the salesperson and the customer to ensure that everything is correct, from product details to pricing. Then she coordinates with the manufacturer (Kaeser) to submit the order and solidify shipping details and timeline.
Ultimately, she’s making sure the right order gets to the right place at the right time. She does all this by keeping everyone in the loop, including the Air Components sales team, Kaeser’s inside support team, trucking companies, and the customer.
Her ability to process complex compressor orders and proactively communicate with everyone involved has helped her cultivate strong, trusted relationships across the board.
“Deb always has done what was needed in a timely manner and pays attention to the details to make sure that things are done well,” describes Fred Bergsma, Air Components’ Compressor Sales Manager who’s worked with Deb for over 28 years. “Deb has been the heart and soul of our compressor order entry department! I can’t imagine what it would have been like without her.”
It's All About the Customer
Throughout all these years, Deb says the core of the company hasn’t changed:
“We’re always trying to take care of our customers, ship things out correctly and on time. That’s always been most important, and some of the same people are still here doing it.”
Deb has always been committed to getting the job done, which is a big reason why she’s become such a trusted and respected part of the Air Components family.
“Her commitment, contributions, and dedication have helped make Air Components what it is today,” says Marcy Bonk, who’s enjoyed working alongside Deb for the past 25 years.
Deb enjoys the pace and variety of her work, especially when the team is working on custom compressed air skid packages, which is a sophisticated type of project she’s been proud to coordinate for decades.
“Getting those skids completed, shipped out, and built… I’m definitely proud of that for us,” says Deb.
Life Beyond Work
Outside the office, Deb enjoys time with her two daughters, one of whom is getting married in New York later this year. When she’s not helping customers or keeping projects on track, you might find her camping with her cousins, a tradition that started when her youngest was born and has continued for three decades.
She’s very creative, too. One of her proudest DIY projects was a tiki bar she built out of an old Oil Mist Eliminator crate, proudly set up in her backyard. Now that’s a true Air Components original.
48 Years!
In a world where the median employee tenure is just 3.9 years, it’s truly remarkable to see Deb celebrating 48 years with Air Components. It’s an accomplishment that speaks to her incredible loyalty, dedication, and work ethic. She continues to be appreciated by so many throughout Air Components, Kaeser, and across our customer base.
Deb’s impact isn’t just measured in years. It’s measured in the lives she’s touched, the problems she’s solved, and the legacy she leaves behind.
