From the U.S. Navy to Supply Chain Management: A journey built on embracing change

Trey Kilmer’s career at the Coiled Tubes facility has seen him evolve from Mill Supervisor to Senior Supply Chain Manager. His story underscores the diverse paths one can take within a company, evolving with each new challenge and opportunity.

After nearly seven years in the U.S. Navy, Trey Kilmer, Supply Chain Senior Manager, attended a recruiting fair in 2006 where Tenaris was exhibiting. He soon joined the company as a mill supervisor at the Coiled Tubes facility in Houston, overseeing the milling and assembly processes and managing raw materials from receipt to production.

“The transition from military to civilian work was challenging. The first two years were particularly tough. I had to adjust to a new workplace culture,” he admits. Despite the difficulties, he found support in his colleagues.

In 2011, a new opportunity arose in supply chain management. He transitioned to a production planning and scheduling analyst position, drawn by the appeal of learning something new and moving to an office schedule with no night shifts, especially after the birth of his first son.

By 2013, he had advanced to the role of product warehouse manager, and ultimately managing the full customer experience for the largest US coiled tubing customers. This was a great opportunity to experience first-hand what the customers needed in the field. During this time, Tenaris introduced the BlueCoil® technology—a heat-treated, quenched, and tempered coiled tubing—giving them a significant advantage over competitors.

Reflecting on his 18 years at Tenaris, Kilmer highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. His journey from an hourly employee to a senior manager compels him to empower other supervisors on the shopfloor. “I know what they go through, and I believe it's advantageous to help them understand their potential impact on the business,” he says.

Married to Megan and father of Hayden (14) and Olivia (2), Kilmer emphasizes the importance of promoting work-life balance as a leader. “Over the years, the world’s perspective on work-life balance has certainly evolved positively,” he said. “Where long hours were once equated with dedication, there is now a greater recognition that efficiency and effectiveness are more important. I think it's key to show my kids that hard work is necessary, both in your career and in their own lives.”

Now looking back as the Senior Supply Chain Manager, he acknowledges the importance of personal drive and work ethic in career development. “You have a path where you can grow, and it's up to you to make the most of those opportunities. Embracing change, both personally and professionally, is crucial. Being open-minded and adaptable contributes to a more fulfilling work experience,” he emphasizes.

"People often get tunnel vision and stick to their discipline, but I’ve moved from operations to supply chain, and who knows where I’ll go next. The key is to be open-minded about your career path. Opportunities will come if you’re willing to embrace them," he stresses.

When asked about the managerial skills he developed during his military years, he reflects: “The Navy is a fast-paced, high-stakes environment that demands significant critical thinking and knowledge. They need leaders, and if you can step up, they put you in those roles. At 20, I was supervising 30- and 40-year-olds. It was uncomfortable at first, but it taught me how to manage people and understand their motivations.”

His time in the Navy instilled the value of continuous improvement and adaptation. “In the military, you're constantly thinking of ways to do things better, despite the structured environment,” he explains, adding that this mindset carried over to his work at Tenaris. “You can always find better ways to benefit the company, to improve safety, quality, customer interaction, and operations.”

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