Thousands of dedicated Pantex citizens like Kalvin King work every day to support the Pantex mission. Take three minutes to learn about who he is, what he does, and why he is proud to be a Pantexan.
South Zone Maintenance Supervisor Kalvin King thrives in a dynamic environment. Whether he is camping with his family on a mountain or trying to solve problems with his team, he loves situations where he can lead with experience and learn from others. With four kids at home and employees in the two shops he manages, there are plenty of lessons to be learned.
King joined the Pantex team in 2019 as a production technician before taking on the role of a planner two years later. It was during his interactions as a maintenance planner that King really started to see what was special about Pantex.
“The people of Pantex,” said King. “The atmosphere and attitudes of the people I work with daily. I am blessed to be part of something so special out here and to have the opportunity to lead and grow as a leader for my team, my family, and myself.”
King is now the supervisor for the electricians and carpenters in the south end of the plant, a position he took about a year ago. His experiences throughout the years have taught him to build relationships and keep a questioning attitude, and it is serving him well in his current role.
“You shouldn’t try to know everything. It’s a big place out here and the people you work with are the experts in their area for a reason. There are a lot of times that our guys are out in the field and they mentor me on their craft. You won’t know what others can help you with until you ask. In eight years, I’ve never run into someone who doesn’t want to help.”
The day-to-day work with fun and inspiring people make Pantex what it is for King. The trust he has for the people who work for, with, and above him make it a place he looks forward to coming back to every day.
“I never get mad about getting up to go to work. I can trust those around me. The leadership goes from the top down, sure, but it also starts from the bottom up in my area.”
Why is being open to learning from others critical for mission success?
Being open to learning from others is critical for mission success because it breaks down blind spots, eliminates knowledge silos, and prevents costly failures. By tapping into diverse perspectives and accumulated experiences, teams move forward with greater confidence and remain highly adaptable to changing realities.
Why is teamwork important?
Working closely with others exposes you to new ideas and skills, driving professional and personal growth.
Who in your life has inspired you the most and why?
My wife and kids inspire me the most each and every day. They are my reason and my why!