Different stages of production at E.C.D. have different technicians working doing different things while every tech ensures that they are working at the highest quality while handling any job thrown at them. Brian “Six” Rodriguez our workoff manager handles a list of fixes that come up on our defenders through our production line. He handles the hectic schedule in his own way. Some people treat being busy different ways, but Six handles it with music, humor, and with the highest effort into quality, he can give.   

This employee spotlight features “Six” our head workoff manager. Six has been with the company for two years now, starting in our drivetrain department as an assistant technician. Six a local guy, from here in Kissimmee, FL has ASE certifications in steering, suspension, brakes, and is going for another in drive train and axels. Under all the certifications, Six knows almost everything there is to know about a defender. You can ask him any question, and it is almost guaranteed he will know the answer, which could be covered under some humor and technical talk. 

Under the stern look, while working, you get a tech who cares for the defenders that he builds, and who will throw some jokes around when things get too serious. When walking into our bay one of the first things you’ll hear is Six’s music blasting, overcoming the music coming from other departments and see Six either under, over, or in one of our almost finished trucks. It is a sight to see and hear. We asked Six some questions about what he does.

How did you get your nickname “Six”?

“Well, one night one of our trucks was going to be on a TV show, and we went out to eat to talk about it and watch the show, and I told Scott that if he gives me the time, then I will build him a six-wheeled defender. I said if you give me the time and the resources, give me six months, and I will build a 6×6 defender. After six months we were too busy, and I couldn’t get it done, they said I would keep the nickname until I deliver them a 6×6 defender. One day I will get it done..”

What is a typical day for you?

“Busy, my normal days are hectic. Usually what it consists of is work, work, work, and more work. I do a little bit of everything in my bay. I inform the lead techs of what’s wrong with the trucks that come my way, parts that are missing, and how the problems are going to be fixed. It never stops from the start of my day to the end.”

How would you explain your job to a child?

“I would tell a child; I fix mistakes that are made by other people on our trucks.”

What inspires you to work here?

“What inspires me is being able to see a truck that we built on TV, in a magazine, online, and in front of the eyes of the public and other people. It’s a cool feeling.”

If you could switch jobs with anyone here, who and why?

“I wouldn’t want to switch jobs with many other people, but Buddy, Buddy, gets to test drive and drive around our trucks along with delivering them all of the time. That is probably the best job here.”

What is your favorite build?

“Project Krell, it is my favorite, it is one of the coolest looking ones we’ve done in my opinion.” 

What’s your favorite part of working at ECD?

“The people that work here definitely are my favorite part of coming in every day.”

Can you tell me about your most rewarding, challenging, or memorable experiences at ECD? 

My most memorable moment was seeing Project Savage up on the trailer, leaving the shop. It was a rewarding moment, but it was good to see it go, we worked on it for a long time.”

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not at work?

“I like to go fishing, play video games, and spend time with family when I am not here.”

Seeing the dedication to quality, and how passionate someone is for what they do can inspire others but seeing someone who can light up the room with some humor helps encourage the techs here at E.C.D. to keep an upbeat mood. Seeing Six work is fun to watch as he makes sure any defender that comes off our line is up to quality and safe to drive for anyone.