Meet Austin Wood

posted On Friday, April 10, 2026 in Blog

Q&As with Austin Wood

Austin, you’ve been employed at AHT since September 2019 and transitioned to a new position. Tell us about your journey at AHT.

I started at AHT in September 2019 as a part-time employee as Heat Treat Support. In the Spring of 2021, I trained as an Equipment Operator and worked second shift at our Burton Ave facility in Waterloo, Iowa. After that summer, I returned to working part-time, splitting first and second shift, while in college.

Fast forward to December 2025, after obtaining my second bachelor’s degree, I find that AHT has an accounting position posted, and since my first degree obtained is in Accounting, I applied. I started this role in late January 2026.

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What does a typical day look like for you as Accountant I at our corporate office in Waterloo, Iowa?

Every other week, I handle payroll. In between payroll, I am working on projects with our Controller and handling some recurring items that take place daily, weekly, or monthly. Some of those recurring items include reviewing monthly bank statements, closing account entries to ensure that the monthly financial statements are accurate, completing the annual business paperwork then submitting to the appropriate government agencies, and other general accounting support. I also assist with administering our 401(k) retirement plan, coordinating our annual meeting for employees at all four locations.

AHT values family. Tell us about your family.

I got married to my wife in June 2017 while I was on active duty in the Marine Corps. I left active duty in August 2018. In February 2021, we had our first child, who was born a whole trimester prematurely. In the summer of 2022, we brought a niece from my wife’s side into our home, and by February 2023, we had officially adopted her.

AHT has a lot of different employee events. Tell us which event(s) are your favorite and why?

What’s not to love about all of them! I enjoy the Annual Safety Event; it kicks off with a fire drill, which leads to other safety training that takes place outside, and there is food provided. Employee Appreciation Week is another event that is so cool because everyone gets to be recognized each day in a way that feels unique.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I prefer to be outside as much as possible, which means I could be outside doing yard work, playing with the kids, going on a walk, taking a family bike ride, and sometimes working on/washing my vehicles.

What is one thing people may not know about you?

During my time in the Marine Corps, I was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for my efforts on a joint operations exercise with an Army Brigade based out of Fort Yakima, Washington. It was a long-range communication exercise from Camp Pendleton (near San Diego) to Fort Yakima (northern part of Washington, not far from the border).

Aside from that, I am a trained Spotter for the National Weather Service – Des Moines.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

First in my family to obtain an education beyond high school. I have not only achieved one bachelor’s degree, but two. The first degree is in accounting (received December 2023), and my second is a business teaching degree (received December 2025). Austin Wood Family

What is one thing people may not know about Advanced Heat Treat Corp.?

Family is very important to AHT! If there are events or appointments, everyone is so flexible and works with you to make sure you do all that while still obtaining the hours you need. A lot of employees within AHT are related to other employees; not only does AHT care about your family, but they are also family.

If a customer were to visit our corporate facility… do you have any recommendations that they should try to do in the Cedar Valley?

If you are looking for a good local eatery, two places I recommend are Chapala’s Mexican Restaurant and Highway 63 Diner (both located in Waterloo). If it is between March and October, Palmer’s Family Fun is a great place to go. If you are a sports fan, catch a Waterloo Bucks Baseball game in the summer, or if it is during the winter, a Waterloo Black Hawks Hockey game.

Now, a series of quick random questions:

Pets: Two cats, Maple & Copper; Two dogs, Peaches & Buster
Hobbies: Fishing, bike rides, walks, going to the range to shoot
First Job: Local equipment rental business
Favorite Food: I have a top three: steak (must be medium rare), enchiladas, or pasta (spaghetti or lasagna)
Least Favorite Food: Beets (I know, I know. . . they are good for you)
Any Hidden Talents: I seem to have a bunch of random knowledge across various topics
Anything You Collect: Since being in the military, I have started collecting challenge coins
Favorite Movie: Black Hawk Down
Something on Your Bucket List: Visit the Redwood Forest
Favorite Team: Waterloo Black Hawks Hockey
Best Vacation/Road Trip: Three places I love going to: Wisconsin Apple Orchards, North Beach in Minnesota, and Texas
Best Concert: Lee Brice at the 2018 Clay County Fair
Favorite School Subject as a Child: Science, I love the weather unit

Have a Question for Austin? Contact Him at 319-888-7202 or Fill Out Our Contact Form.

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