The Sira Spotlight series focuses on one of the most interesting aspects of Sira Naturals: our people. Each month, we highlight members of our staff from across the entire organization.
In this Sira Spotlight, we are highlighting our Maintenance Team, Tam Phan, Mike Long, Mike Madore, Paul Brown, and Sam Arthur, to learn about their roles managing the environmental controls, equipment and so much more across our retail and production facilities.
(Pictured Left to Right: Tam Phan, Mike Long, Mike Madore, Paul Brown, and Sam Arthur)
What is your role at Sira?
Tam Phan: Maintenance Technician
Mike Long: Facilities Assistant Manager
Mike Madore: General Maintenance
Paul Brown: Facilities Maintenance
Sam Arthur: Facilities Manager
How long have you been a part of the team?
Tam Phan: 2 months
Mike Long: Almost 3 years
Mike Madore: 5 months
Paul Brown: I have worked for Sira since April 2019
Sam Arthur: 18 months
How has your past experience informed your current role at Sira?
Tam Phan: Mechanical knowledge from repairing automobiles has helped me understand how a lot of things work and how to repair or maintain them.
Mike Long: Mostly worked in new product Engineering. It helps when we’re planning and building Irrigation and other projects that arise.
Mike Madore: I worked for many different contractors in a variety of different tasks.
Paul Brown: I have a history of working on heavy machinery, fabrication, welding & general maintenance all of which aides me in my ability to keep our buildings up to our high standards.
Sam Arthur: 20 years in the construction industry has helped me navigate in the very complex cannabis industry.
What types of duties and responsibilities does the team oversee?
Tam Phan: Building maintenance or repairs on utilities used daily throughout the facility.
Mike Long: Most Plumbing, Electrical, Repair and Troubleshooting.
Mike Madore: Most if not all general maintenance in our two production facilities
Paul Brown: We oversee all the maintenance and repair for all buildings associated with Sira Naturals.
Sam Arthur: We are tasked with anticipating and mitigating mechanical and environmental issues before they happen, repairing things that get broken and basic building and grounds maintenance.
What sparked your interest in working in the cannabis space?
Tam Phan: The booming market and opportunity to be a part of it.
Mike Long: I wanted to work at a start-up Company again. I worked at one early in my career and I enjoyed building from the beginning.
Mike Madore: Previous experience in the floral industry.
Paul Brown: I have seen the difference cannabis can make in the lives of those who need it and wanted to be a part of a company that is dedicated to helping others.
Sam Arthur: After interviewing with Sira, it became apparent that the cannabis industry is a very interesting place on all facets and the people involved are smart and ambitious. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of this emerging industry.
What are the typical challenges and obstacles you help troubleshoot and fix?
Tam Phan: Facility safety checks, repairing leaks in water system, and maintaining air quality.
Mike Long: Getting information from Vendors/Suppliers for broken or under performing Machines.
Mike Madore: Whatever comes up!
Paul Brown: We are always looking for ways to improve current practices as we as ensuring a safe work environment for our team.
Sam Arthur: It can be anything from pumps that fail, processing equipment that breaks down to air conditioners and electrical issues.
What environmental factors do you need to control to ensure our Cultivation and Production facilities operate with peak performance?
Tam Phan: Watering system and air quality.
Mike Long: The Grow Rooms require specific conditions for healthy Plants. If those conditions are not maintained 24/7, we are sent an Alarm by a Computer. We respond immediately, day or night and do whatever is required so the Plants are not stressed.
Mike Madore: Keeping the air moving.
Paul Brown: We are constantly monitoring all areas of our buildings from the heating and ventilation, to lighting & cooling systems.
Sam Arthur: The cultivation space is driven by an air conditioning system that is like a Ferrari. The amount of cooling and dehumidification we use is impressive to say the least. There aren’t many other industries that can say that they have 215000 tons of cooling to run just 10 rooms. We make sure the lights are on and the fans are running in the grow. We also make sure that the people who work in the buildings are as comfortable as possible (most of the time).
What’s your favorite Sira product and why?
Tam Phan: My favorite Sira product is the MAC1 flower due to its potency and its use for pain relief.
Mike Long: I only smoke occasionally. I’m amazed at the potency of our bud.
Mike Madore: I haven’t tried any.
Paul Brown: I am a big fan of the vape cartridges, pineapple express is my personal favorite. It has a nice flavor and the cartridges are very convenient.
Sam Arthur: 1:1 tincture. I have been able to introduce people in my life to the true medicinal value of cannabis with tincture. The lack of psychoactive effects while maintaining real medical benefits has shown that the industry is not centered on just recreational users and it has something beneficial to offer many people. Tahoe OG isn’t bad either 😊
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Tam Phan: Outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, or sports.
Mike Long: Fishing, Hiking, Golfing and surfing YouTube.
Mike Madore: Growing anything.
Paul Brown: I enjoy traveling and the outdoors.
Sam Arthur: Camping, hiking, mountain biking and fishing.
