“I am naturally creative, detailed oriented, work well with my hands, and excel at problem solving, so following in my father’s footsteps to become a pipefitter was an easy career choice,” recalls Hermanson Fitting Foreman Ken Flores. 

However, Ken’s skills as a pipefitter are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg for this Renaissance man.  Ken grew up in Chicago, in a multi-ethnic neighborhood filled with authentic cuisine and colorful cultures.  Through this background, he developed an appreciation for cultural diversity, different languages, and flavors.  A self-described “foodie”, Ken and his wife/soulmate/life partner of fifteen years enjoy the flavor offerings close to their West Seattle home. 

Ken stays active and challenges both mind and body through hot yoga, roller blading on Alki, studying European history and is currently working on becoming tri-lingual by learning Polish so he can communicate with his mother-in-law.

The father of two grown sons, Ken has watched one apprentice with Local 32 and can share the excitement in the process of taking a spool sheet, breaking it down, and creating a building component.  One of Ken’s favorite projects was the Muckleshoot Casino.  The project used a special type of chilled/heating water piping called AquaTherm.  “The piping was fused together rather than welded,” notes Ken, “This was a much cleaner process!” 

Ken is being recognized for his coordination of materials and manpower and the ability to complete projects on time.  He was instrumental in bringing the Tiger Stop pipe cutting machine online at the SODO pipe shop. Also, Ken is known for his great attitude and ready smile.  Ken is a great example of what it means to live Hermy Blue!