By Bill Luxton
Meet Andy Valentine, a mechanical engineer extraordinaire who doesn’t just work hard but knows how to play hard too. With a passion for cutting-edge engineering projects and a love for family time (and the occasional slap-shot on the ice), Andy brings a unique blend of skills, experience, and a can-do attitude to everything he does. As the face of ATMIS, he interacts with both public and private sector leaders in business development engagements. ATMIS, he says, has circled the defence world for a while now, and his team has collaborated with major defence primes on new vehicle systems. He has always had a strong personal interest in the defence sector and takes pride in heading up an indigenous-owned business, the kind of which he says is underrepresented in the military-industrial base.
His formal engineering education began at Sheridan College where he earned a technologist diploma in mechanical engineering and technology. From there, it was off to Canada’s north and Lakehead University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree while also being the President of the Engineering Student Society. With a career spanning various sectors that saw him work in ever-more senior roles as he rose up the corporate ladder, Andy’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable and adventurous. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and new experiences, he has delved into everything from engineering advanced composites to mastering manufacturing technologies. He truly has done it all! But his expertise doesn’t stop there. He’s mastered the art of construction and project management. Whether it’s installing massive hydropower generation units or overseeing mining capex projects across North America, Andy’s hands-on, can-do approach, and knack for teamwork have always been his secret weapons.
But Andy’s not just any engineer—he’s the brains behind ATMIS, a vertically integrated procurement and supply chain company, and a design and engineering firm that’s redefining the industry. As President, he works with a team of professionals boasting decades of experience. ATMIS is more than just your run-of-the-mill firm; it’s a powerhouse of innovation and excellence. The ATMIS team of dedicated professionals has decades of experience delivering solutions to clients in government, automotive, nuclear, aerospace, medical, and increasingly the defence sector. When it comes to its fortes, composite solutions and custom tooling, machining, and automation for the industry are all part of the company’s ethos. From simple metal parts to the most technologically advanced manufacturing systems, Andy and his team ensure that every project is executed to perfection, all on time and within budget.
As the president of ATMIS, Andy says he wears many hats (figuratively speaking, of course). From leading engineering projects to interacting with public and private sector leaders, he’s the face of the company, responsible for his team’s financial security, safety, and career growth. It’s a demanding job, but Andy tackles it with gusto and a can-do attitude.
But Andy’s interests extend beyond the boardroom. He’s deeply passionate about the defence industry, recognizing the need for Indigenous-owned businesses to have a seat at the table. Through strategic partnerships and a keen eye for opportunities, Andy is making waves in the military-industrial base, all while championing meaningful reconciliation efforts.
Reflecting on his career, Andy recalls countless standout moments, many of which involve laughter and camaraderie with colleagues. While he has had many standout engineering achievements during his professional career, it is the personal relationships and bonds that he has established with the people he works with that bring him joy. He once won a company Halloween costume competition by dressing up as a project manager in the firm, much to the delight of his fellow colleagues and the manager with whom he established a greater bond. Andy understands that success isn’t just about business achievements but also about the relationships built along the way. Team building is not just a buzz phrase for Andy.
But the path for indigenous individuals and professionals isn’t always an easy one. No matter what field of endeavor they enter, many indigenous individuals encounter implicit bias and stereotypes, leading to prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory treatment. These biases can hinder career progression and create hostile work environments. Like anyone building a career, Andy hasn’t been immune to barriers, whether real or implied, but he has faced defeat with resilience and the determination to overcome them, going on to learn, grow, and excel. To young executives entering the defence industry, Andy offers this sage advice: have a plan, but be ready to adapt at a moment’s notice. As an engineer, a fiercely proud Native, and a devoted family man, Andy sees supporting Canada’s defence sector as the ultimate act of patriotism. In heading an Indigenous-owned business, he believes he is also making a meaningful contribution to advancing the reconciliation process in Canada.
Looking ahead to 2024, Andy’s focus is on growing ATMIS as a business and expanding its marine capabilities. It’s a daunting challenge, but one that Andy tackles head-on with his trademark optimism and tenacity.
Away from the office, as referenced earlier, he is a keen amateur hockey player, and his colleagues know him to be a devoted family man whose greatest joy comes from raising his three children and sharing in their adventures. Despite his demanding career, Andy always makes time for what matters most—family, laughter, and making a difference in the world, one project at a time.
With his determination to overcome obstacles, extend the boundaries of engineering excellence while expanding the reach of ATMIS, Andy Valentine truly is a Captain of industry.
