CSI Spotlight: Xavier Villanueva

A typical day at the shop as a lead begins with greeting the team and setting a positive tone for the day. The first task I usually focus on is reviewing the orbital workflow for the beginning of the week. This helps me determine which evaluations and customer repairs are a priority and ensures we stay on track to meet all deadlines. Staying organized and ahead of schedule is key to keeping the shop running efficiently.

Xavier checking a repair.

Once I’ve reviewed the workflow, I communicate with the team to share any important updates, outline the work currently in progress, and confirm that each team member has the tools and information they need to complete their assignments. Clear and open communication is vital in creating a smooth and productive work environment.

Throughout the day, I take on several responsibilities. I help restock inventory, including finished evaluations and completed repairs. I also assist technicians with troubleshooting more complex repair issues and make sure all work completed meets both our quality standards and safety regulations. Attention to detail is crucial, especially when it comes to customer satisfaction and ensuring equipment reliability.

Xavier reviewing inventory

In addition to my technical and leadership duties, I manage logistics—this includes handling rental equipment, receiving customer parts or machines, and making sure everything is processed correctly. Keeping these moving parts coordinated allows the shop to function without delays or confusion.

At the end of each day, I meet with the team again to check in on what was accomplished, discuss any challenges that came up, and create a game plan for the following day. This routine helps us stay aligned, organized, and ready to deliver the best results for our customers.