Meet Leah Merten

posted On Thursday, September 4, 2025 in Blog

Q&As with Leah Merten

Leah, you joined the team in May 2025. How did you learn about the job at Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) and what enticed you to apply?

I learned about the position through Indeed and word of mouth through a college professor.

What drew you to a career in maintenance? How has your education/experience prepared you for working in a heat treat facility? 

I’ve always enjoyed learning how my father worked through fixing all the different equipment on the farm. I took numerous shop classes in high school that allowed me to work with different tools and machines. I really enjoy the ability to do something different every day.

I went through the Electrical Technologies Program at Iowa Central Community College, which prepared me for the electrical side of the job. Growing up on a farm also prepared me to work with different mechanical elements.

As an electro-mechanical technician, what does your typical day (or typical week) look like?

As I’ve grown in the past couple of months, I’ve been able to take on more of our preventative maintenance. I have been doing weekly and monthly checks on various equipment to keep everything working as smoothly as possible.

What were your first impressions of AHT?

Great! I immediately felt welcomed to the team, not only within the Maintenance department, but also with the shop floor and office coworkers. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t ask questions or for help. I still experience coworkers going out of their way to ask me about my day or weekend plans. It truly is a family-style work environment.

What kind of tasks does the maintenance team perform to ensure our customers are getting great heat treat results and/or fast turnaround?

Preventative Maintenance is a large portion of our job - keeping everything in check so parts can be loaded and run safely and efficiently. Doing this allows for potential complications to be addressed early to stay on top of expected turnaround times.

What is one thing people may not know about Leah Merten?

I’ve seen 19 different artists in concert in the past two years. Three of them: Charles Wesley Godwin, Sam Barber, and Flatland Calvary, I've seen more than once. Most of these artists I saw at their own concert or a part of the rodeos. (Leah and a friend pictured at a summer concert.)

What is an accomplishment – professional or personal – that you are proud of?

I received my Future Farmers of America (FFA) American Degree this year and will accept it in October. This is the highest honor in FFA and only the top 1% of members go on to get the National Degree.

One of AHT’s core values is ‘passion.’ What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about my faith. I was fortunate enough to have Christian parents/siblings to pour into my life and model a true Christian faith.

Now a list of quick questions ….

• Hobbies? Kayaking, Grilling, Weight Training, Farming
• Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
• First or Favorite Concert: Charles Wesley Godwin
• First Job: Crop Consultant
• Favorite Sport: Football
• Favorite Team: Iowa State
• Best Vacation/Roadtrip: Duluth, MN

Have a Question for Leah Merten? Contact her at 319-232-5221. 

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