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

Operations Manager – Mining Field Service

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 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.

Marshall Merritt

Warfab Florida Operations Manager

Marshall earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2011 and brings 13 years of experience in the phosphate mining industry. His background includes extensive work in both maintenance and operations, with a strong focus on dragline support and reliability. Throughout his career, Marshall has been involved in managing equipment performance, supporting operational improvements, and coordinating maintenance efforts in large‑scale mining environments. As Warfab’s Florida Operations Manager, he oversees day‑to‑day operations, supports dragline and plant maintenance work, and ensures projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with customer expectations.

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.