The Perfect Fit: Q&A with Luke Stanley

In this Q&A, Luke Stanley shares his story—from early days studying mechanical engineering to navigating a career shift during the pandemic and ultimately finding a home at Anderson Dahlen. Discover what drew him to Gray, what keeps him inspired, and how he contributes to the Gray culture of teamwork and excellence every day.

Q: Tell me a little bit about your career arc and what led you to Gray.   

A: I went to college and studied mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota. During my time there, I did internships that led me to gravitate towards the manufacturing side of engineering. After graduation, I took a job as a manufacturing engineer at a company in North Dakota, working in contract manufacturing. My career took a turn during the pandemic, and I spent a couple of years in the Navy. After that, I was looking for a place to land and saw the opportunity at Anderson Dahlen, which felt like the perfect fit. I’ve been with Anderson Dahlen and Gray for about two years now, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. 

Q: What piqued your interest in Gray and Anderson Dahlen specifically?   

A: I’ve always enjoyed the variety that comes with project work. Moving from manufacturing engineering to project management was a big draw for me here. In project management, I get to dip my toe into many different disciplines—engineering, production, operations, finance—bringing all those different groups together. The job description seemed like the right fit, so I was excited to interview for it and get the role. 

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?   

A: I would say about a third of my day is spent with the engineering team, reviewing technical information and distributing it. Another third is spent with the production team, where I like to talk to the welders, assemblers, and fabricators to get feedback. The remaining third is spent with customers or vendors, managing that side of the project.  

Q: What sets Gray apart from other service providers in the industry?   

A: I think what sets us apart is our willingness to take on just about any project within our space. Whenever I bring up a project with unique challenges, like materials or timelines, the answer is never no. The team always says we will figure it out together—it’s awesome to be a part of such a collaborative team. 

Q: How would you describe the Gray culture in one word or phrase?   

A: Team-oriented. Every conversation I’ve had with Gray team members has been about how we can help each other. The focus is really on the people here, and I appreciate that. 

Q: Do you have a memorable experience since joining Anderson Dahlen that stands out?   

A: One that stands out is a big project we have going on in the shop right now. It had a lot of question marks coming in, but the team really rallied to come up with solutions to the manufacturing challenges. It’s been great to see everyone—from the welding team to the fabrication team—contribute to making it a success. 

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?   

A: I think the best advice I received was to communicate effectively. You can be the best engineer in the room, but if you can’t convey your ideas, then it doesn’t mean much. 

Q: How would you pitch someone to join the Gray family?   

A: Gray is a very supportive company—there’s open communication, and you get a clear view of how the company is doing. At Anderson Dahlen, there’s a lot of variety, and if that interests you, it’s a great place to work. 

Q: What is a must-do activity in your city or the Greater Minneapolis area?   

A: It depends on the time of year. In the summer, you definitely have to find a lake or a river to float down—Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, after all. In the winter, I’d recommend learning how to ice skate or trying out hockey.