Leadership Spotlight: 10 Questions for Sal Tortorici

1.In what ways did your early role as General Manager of Yearout Mechanical prepare you for the challenges of now leading the company as Vice President?

I had incredible mentors at Yearout. All three executives—Kevin and Lian Yearout, and Donna Donoghue—always promoted a 'field first' mentality. Emphasizing and understanding the challenges that field employees face, and providing technology and practical resources to improve morale, productivity, and quality, is everyone’s job at Yearout. Those are obviously moving targets and staying in tune and available is the first and most important step.

2. Yearout recently celebrated one million man-hours without a lost-time accident. What does that milestone mean to you and the company?

It means we fell short of hitting 2 million hours. Still, it’s a great accomplishment—getting our people home safe and sound every day is our number one priority. Reaching a milestone like that simply resets the bar, because now we know it’s achievable. All in all, it’s something everyone at Yearout should be proud of.

3. What’s a challenge in mechanical contracting that you think is widely underestimated, and how does Yearout tackle it?

Training and investing in the future workforce and leadership—often talked about but rarely accomplished. Yearout has been an innovative leader in this area. Four years ago, we launched a 'National Signing Day' program with local high schools, where each school identifies standout students—both men and women—from their trade programs.

Yearout hosts an assembly, complete with branded table skirts and banners, bringing together students, parents, classmates, and school staff. We present each student with some Yearout swag (hat, backpack, shirt, etc.), a formal offer of employment, and an endorsement letter for entry into the Union apprenticeship program.

The program has grown significantly—it’s now a major event at five or six local high schools, and other trades have begun participating as well. The results speak for themselves: we’ve brought 14 students into the organization through this initiative—10 men and 4 women. Of those, 11 are still employed with us today. Four are now in their third year of apprenticeship and less than two years away from turning out as Journeymen and Journeywomen. Three have already achieved their weld certifications and are working in our fabrication shops.

4. What’s one leadership value that has guided you consistently throughout your career?

Coincidentally, it aligns perfectly with the company’s core values: RESPECT toward co-workers, clients, vendors and competitors alike. I believe that if you treat people with respect and genuinely value their contribution to our mission, the rest is truly just business.

5. If you could time travel and give your younger self one piece of advice when you first started in leadership roles, what would it be?

Never forget that even if you don’t agree with a situation or someone else’s opinion, most reasonable people have a reason for their perspective. Always be willing to listen to their 'Y' (see what I did there), take a moment to view things through their lens, and try to understand what’s motivating them. Once you do that, the path to resolution usually becomes clear—especially if you continue to lead with humility, empathy, and courage.

6. Yearout is often described as having a family-like culture. How do you foster that sense of community among employees?

I believe this is one of those 'lead by example' situations. I truly enjoy getting to know fellow employees—hearing about their kids, pets, vacations, or whatever it is that keeps them motivated outside of work. I value having an open-door policy and being approachable and visible, even when it’s not strictly work-related. It means a lot to be trusted in that capacity.

7. Yearout is very involved in its community. How does this involvement influence employee engagement and company culture?

Seeing Yearout involved in community events and functions creates a real sense of pride among our employees. Actions—and reputations—spread quickly. Whether it’s a banner at a golf tournament or a mention in a local article, I’m often approached with comments like, 'I see your signs and trucks everywhere.' Our core values and commitment to fostering individual growth within the community are pillars of who we are—not just as a company, but as people.

8. What's one thing about your day-to-day work that may surprise people?

Colleagues are often surprised by my ability to stay closely involved in all aspects of the company—whether it's managing financial operations, recognizing team members' birthdays and milestones, or being there to support them through challenges.

9. What’s your favorite thing about living in Albuquerque?

Since I can’t plead the Fifth... I’ll say this: it has an airport and two interstate highways. But on a serious note, what makes it worthwhile are my coworkers, the great food, and the weather.

10. What’s something small but meaningful that always lifts your spirits?

Hallway handshakes. Following a tradition Kevin Yearout started many years ago, I send handwritten birthday and anniversary cards to each employee every month. Often, someone will stop me in the hallway to say thank you—with a handshake or even a hug—and tell me how much they appreciate the gesture. Not once has that failed to make my day.