With nearly 60 years of work experience, Ty proudly describes himself as a “jack of all trades.” He began working at just 12 years old, washing dishes and pumping gas at a local restaurant. During the summers, he joined his father at a security elevator company, where he learned to work with machinery. Throughout high school, he worked as a roofer before spending 13 years as a fitter and welder at Allied Tech Company. When that company closed, he became a supervisor at T.J. Cope for nine years before relocating to Philadelphia. Over the years, Ty has done all kinds of fabricating and welding, even helping build tanks for oil tankers. He later spent 17 years at Viant alongside several current Bender employees as a machine operator servicing medical equipment. After a short retirement, Ty was invited by Tony Press to join the Bender team.
At Bender, Ty focuses on processing transformers and assembling made-to-stock items. His daily work involves hands-on craftsmanship and precision - skills honed over decades in the trades. Known for his steady hand and attention to detail, Ty jokes that he can “pick up a dime with a fork truck.”
What Ty enjoys most about Bender is the diversity of his coworkers and the strong sense of teamwork. He appreciates the opportunity to connect with people from many different backgrounds and learn from their experiences. Ty also values Bender’s welcoming culture and inclusive environment. In 2009, he attended the Return of the Elders Gathering in Sedona, Arizona (a ten-day event bringing together Indigenous people from around the world) to deepen his understanding of his Native American ancestry and heritage.
Outside of work, Ty enjoys treasure hunting at flea markets (especially Jake’s Flea Market) along with fishing, working on motorcycles and cars, and engraving firearms as a member of the Firearm Engravers Guild of America (FEGA). A lifelong learner, he has taken courses at Albright College on memory techniques and continues to study topics related to anthropology, history, and human origins. Ty is a member of the Federation of Adonakee Scholars and Impact International and enjoys reading The Earth Chronicles by Zecharia Sitchin and Slave Species of the Gods. He’s passionate about nature, music, and helping others and is always ready to lend a hand when someone needs him.
Ty’s favorite Bender product is the healthcare panels like the MIPs and MIXs, which reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and improving safety in critical environments.
Want to see previously featured employees? See past featured employees here!