From the FABRI GEAR to the OPTIPLEX NEXUS FIBER, Larry Pollastrini is one of Mazak's go-to men for machine installations. Larry has been at Mazak for almost 20 years being involved with many different aspects of the company. In 2017, Larry was promoted to the Installations Assistant Manager. Most recently in 2022, Larry made the decision to return to work as a Field Service Engineer in California.

Luke Surratt, Installations Manger at Mazak Optonics, stated, “Larry’s field service experience paired with his time as the New Machine Coordinator, make him a great fit as the Installations Assistant Manager. Larry is a major asset by keeping the installation process organized while also advising technical support to engineers.”

Larry's vast knowledge of laser-cutting machines makes him a major asset at Mazak Optonics. Learn more about Larry and his role through this quick Q&A session. 

What is your background involving laser technology?

"I started in the automotive industry straightening truck frames. But where I made my move into lasers was at Central Cal Metals. I started out as a general machinist but their welder left during my first week, welding was a major part of my education, so I asked if they needed help. Shortly after that, I was beating quality, quantity and time records for welding. After awhile, I was asked to be apart of the maintenance which eventually led me to laser maintenance department. Central Cal Metals, at that time had 12 Mazak lasers that I learned inside and out."

What has your career at Mazak been like?

"I started at Mazak in January 1999 as a Service Engineer based in California, serving the western 2/3 of the country. After 15 years of traveling the country, I was asked to work in Mazak's Call Center as a part of the Technical Support team. I was able to enjoy a little more time with my family and still use my technical knowledge to serve our customers. In November 2015 is when I was promoted to the New Machine Coordinator and since then I have been promoted to the Installations Assistant Manager."

What is your role as the Installations Assistant Manager?

"As the Installations Assistant Manager, my first and most important role is to support our installers while they are in the field. This includes the sending of parts, specialized tools and supplies out to each installation site prior to the installers' arrival. With relocation passwords being required for every machine, I work with our factory in Japan in obtaining them, and making sure that they are available ahead of our visit. Pulling from my many years as part of our service team, I also provide technical support to our installers in those rare events when a problem occurs during an installation."

What is your definition of great customer service?

"Great customer service is hitting all the bench marks that each customer sets with their expectations. All customer have different expectations, so I figure out what they are then I support and serve them as well as I can."

What are you hobbies and interests?

"When I am not in the office, I enjoy fishing, 4-wheeling and camping. But the most important part is spending time with my wife and three daughters who are ages 4, 10, and 18 years-old."

What is your favorite book?

"This is actually not an easy question for me because I can't just pick one so anything written by R.A. Salvator. He is a fantasy writer of books similar to Lord of the Rings. I have been reading books like that since 6th grade and that was how I spent my time during flights to customers."

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