When it comes to determining a career, inspiration can strike in the most unlikely of places. For FEC Quarry Master Welder Leadperson Gina Gadpaille, that place was high school art class.

“It was a sculpture class, and they had a torch outfit up close to the front of the classroom, so I was assigned to that. The teacher showed me how to braze, and that just kind of sparked an interest, so to speak,” Gadpaille said.

Now, she’s been welding for CEMEX for 39 years, and she has the trophy case to prove it. Gadpaille has been a member of the American Welding Society since trade school, and in 2012 she was given the Lifetime Membership Award. She was also named Employee of the Year for the Florida Region in 2013.

Gadpaille says her favorite thing about working for CEMEX is the company’s commitment to safety, and her favorite part of the job is that she’s never bored.

“There’s always something new, even though sometimes you’re doing the same activity, it’s just always a little bit different, and every day is a new adventure,” she said.

Though these days she does more leading than welding, Gadpaille says she enjoys working with her team.

“I make sure my guys have what they need to do the work and let them loose. I have a great crew here. They’re fantastic. They just do their thing, and if they need help, I’m there, ready to jump in,” she said.

When she’s not on the job, Gadpaille enjoys gardening and getting back to her artistic roots, doing welding art and crafting gifts for friends and family.