Senior Plant Operator Bruce Bradford is retiring this month after dedicating more than 37 years of service to Conway Corp and the Conway community.
Bradford joined the company as a plant operator in November 1986. He was promoted to senior plant operator in September 2021.
Water Systems Manager Lee Tedford said Bradford has been a valuable asset to the water system at the Brewer Lake location since his career started.
“He has worked to ensure that Conway has a safe and reliable source of drinking water throughout his career at Conway Corp,” Tedford said. “No matter the time of day, Bruce worked to correct issues that arose to potentially hinder water flow to the residents of Conway. Bruce not being on call 24/7 might take some adjustment, but I wish him the best of luck in retirement and hope he enjoys every minute of it.”
Bradford has been responsible for the maintenance of equipment and the grounds. He has been in charge of the protection of the property.
There were a few natural disasters that threatened to interrupt the flow of water.
“The September 11th attacks had us nervous because electrical and water supply would probably be the first place targeted. Luckily, it didn’t. In 2005 and 2006, the lake got really low, the lowest it had ever been, and we were all worried. Again, it finally started raining and filled back up before we ran out. There were a couple of snow and ice storms that left us without power. I remember one time we were without power for 19 hours. The generators kicked on and we were good. The low water was probably the scariest because we couldn’t control it. It bothers you, even though you couldn’t do anything about it.”
Bradford took pride in his role and showed up daily.
“It’s always been the fact that I was responsible for every person in Conway getting water. It all started with me. Whether it was an electrical issue, or something wrong with the pumps, I had to get the right people out to the lake to fix it. I always took pride that I was the beginning step to Conway getting fresh water. I’m going to miss the job itself and everyone. From co-workers all the way up to leadership, it’s always been good. ”
Bruce enjoyed so many parts of his job but is looking forward to many things.
He’s looking forward to spending time with his wife Cindy, who he married just one year before he began his career at Conway Corp.
“We bought a house in Morrilton, and I’ll be free more to do things with my grandkids. Ive got some plans with my church and some projects that I want to finish. I’ve got quite a few things to reconnect with.”
He leaves us with this advice:
“It’s a good place to work. Plan to make it your home. It’s steady. Other jobs will come and go, but Conway Corp has always been here.”
Congrats, Bruce!
