NWPX Employee Spotlight: Joanna Madrigal

NWPX Employee Spotlight Series:
Illuminating Stories from the People of NWPX Infrastructure

At NWPX, our team members are the foundation of our success, and we take pride in our skilled and talented workforce. This series shares the inspiring stories and career journeys of employees from different departments and locations. In each installment, we interview one of our team members and delve into their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments, and discover why they choose to build their career with NWPX.

Spotlight on: Joanna Madrigal

Plant Support Administrator | Adelanto, CA

Joanna Madrigal has been a familiar face at Northwest Pipe Company’s Adelanto plant for two decades, where she currently serves as Plant Support Administrator. In her role, Joanna provides wide-ranging administrative support for the plant’s Operations team and enjoys being someone her coworkers can always count on for help. Over the years, Joanna has seen both the Company and the people around her grow, and she values the collaborative spirit that makes the Adelanto team feel like family.

How did you find your way to your current role?

Before joining NWPX, I had worked as a manager at a 24-hour donut shop for four years, and then in a variety of administrative and customer service-related roles, including bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, and notary services. In 2005, I started as a temp at the Northwest Pipe Company Adelanto plant’s front desk. The office staff were so welcoming to me from day one, and that made me want to join the team full-time. I eventually did, and in the 20 years since, I’ve worked in a few different roles, including plant service clerk, payroll and time administrator, and administrative assistant.

After 20 years, what makes you want to stay with the Company?

This place is not just a job, it’s a family. We’re a team here, and we all play a part in our success—both as a plant and as a Company.

How would you summarize what you do (in a nutshell)?

I provide administrative support for the Adelanto Operations team. I’m also a Management Representative for our ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, helping ensure our plant maintains compliance with ISO requirements and established quality processes.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My typical workdays include billing and updating projects in track.net (our project management system), providing a variety of staff support services, performing general office duties, and assisting with special projects, travel arrangements, and IT support for team members at the Adelanto plant.

What do you look forward to each day at work?

Just as I look forward to going home to see my family each evening, I look forward to coming to work each morning to see my work family. I enjoy supporting and encouraging the people around me, whether at home or in the office. Everyone here brightens my day, and it’s amazing to watch each other grow both professionally and personally.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help others and contribute to our team.

Describe a favorite project you’ve worked on so far.

One of my favorite projects has been helping to improve our plant’s file management system. In 2012, we started scanning paper documents in the office to make them faster and easier to retrieve. Now, all of our departments utilize this system, and it’s greatly improved efficiency across our facility.

Which of the NWPX Infrastructure ACT Values (Accountability, Commitment, Teamwork) resonates most for you and why?

All of them are equally important. Accountability means taking responsibility, Commitment means following through on what we’ve pledged to do, and Teamwork reminds us that we are not alone in working towards our goals. Together, these core values help us achieve success.

What stands out to you about the culture at NWPX?

It’s a culture of growth here—not just for the Company, but for each individual as well.

What advice do you have for someone starting a career in your field?

Ask questions and always be willing to learn.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching them have fun and seeing the smiles on their faces. I am truly grateful to have the weekends off and vacation time to spend relaxing at home or traveling.