Nick Liffrig
Director of Operations for Florida & Industrial Services
Nick brings over 15 years of experience in Welding Engineering, fabrication, and industrial field services to his role at Warfab. He began his career in engineering supporting heavy industrial operations, where he developed a strong foundation in equipment design, production reporting, and field execution. He went on to build his career in manufacturing and fabrication environments, developing expertise in welding processes, production planning, and project execution, and later moved into leadership roles overseeing fabrication operations.
At Warfab, Nick focuses on business development across industrial services, fabrication, and field maintenance. He works closely with customers to identify opportunities, develop practical solutions, and support critical operations in industries including mining, oil and gas, power generation, and industrial manufacturing.
Leon Gearhart
Project Manager
Leon has been working in the heavy maintenance industry for 35 years. Over the last 30 years, he has been a part of the Warfab LLC team, specializing in heavy vessels, manufacturing cross pit spreaders, dragline components & machining for power plants. Throughout the years, he has mastered field machining, optical alignment, and rigging. In 2001 he accepted the role as Project manager, leading and developing his teams, elevating his role to Plant manager in 2011.
His values are simple, Proper Planning Prevents Poor Production. Leon has an open-door policy and believes in assisting others, and always helping his teams achieve their goals.
Dean Peiskee
Project Manager
With more than 40 years of experience in the mining industry, Dean Peiskee is a seasoned Project Manager known for his deep technical skill and leadership on complex field operations. Over the course of his career, he has successfully managed dozens of dragline relocations and brings extensive hands‑on expertise in welding, machining, and heavy lifts.
Dean is also a certified crane operator, giving him a unique blend of practical, safety‑focused knowledge and strategic project oversight. His experience and steady approach make him a trusted leader on major mechanical and structural projects across the industry.
Derrick Pellum
Project Manager
With more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, Derrick Pellum brings deep technical expertise and field‑tested leadership to his role as Project Manager. His background spans machinist, welder, and supervisory roles, giving him a strong foundation in precision work and equipment performance.
Derrick specializes in gearcase machining, optical alignment, dragline hardware installations, and a wide range of dragline modifications.
Kenneth Roberts
Project Manager
Kenneth brings 25+ years of welding and maintenance experience to the Warfab team. Kenneth has experience as a welder/fitter, millwright, maintenance supervisor, and project manager in both mining and power generation facilities.
Frank Valdez, Jr
Project Manager
Frank Valdez brings more than 30 years of hands‑on experience in the mining industry to his role as Operations Manager for Mining Field Service. Throughout his career, he has worked as a welder, machinist, supervisor, and project manager, giving him a deep operational understanding from the ground up. Frank has successfully led multiple dragline relocations and is known for his ability to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable field service operations.
Sam Sullivan
Operations Oversight Manager – Hallsville, TX
Sam began his career with Warfab LLC as a field safety representative. Over the last 14 years, Sam has progressed in his career and has held multiple positions in safety and operations. During his tenure, Sam obtained his Certified Safety Professional certification and received his bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Tyler. Sam’s dedication to Warfab LLC’s success continues, providing coordination of personnel, logistics, material & equipment to all field projects.
Les Whelchel
Human Resources Manager
Les brings over 20 years of human resources experience to the Warfab team, with a strong focus on supporting organizational initiatives and leading training and development programs for managers and employees at all levels. Throughout his career, Les has embraced the challenge of navigating change and driving meaningful improvements within the organizations he has served.
His success is rooted in a collaborative approach, built alongside talented colleagues and leaders over the years. Les holds a Business and Marketing Certification from Lexington Vocational Technical in Lexington, Missouri, a current Green Belt in Six Sigma, and is a commissioned Notary Public for the State of Texas.
