Geoffrey Valenzuela-Business Development Manager for Samuel Automation
Geoffrey hails from Pasadena, CA and recently transplanted to Tucson by way of Spartanburg SC. He has 28 years of experience in the automation industry with a focus on custom-built machinery for complex manufacturing. He spent 18 years in the US Army on both active duty and the reserve component. He is a combat veteran that served in the Infantry as a Captain/Company Commander overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a charter member of the Azusa Rotary Club in Azusa California and assisted with building orphanages in Ensenada, Mexico as well as funding life-saving water wells in Africa. He lives on a ranch in Tanque Verde with his wife and 4 dogs.
Brian LaPlante–District/Account Manager, FANUC Robotics
Brian is originally from Rhode Island. He started his career in the electrical trade as an electrician. Brian graduated from the New England Technical Institute in 2004 with a degree in Electrical Technology. He then moved into the industrial world as a controls technician for multiple P&G plants including Gillette and Duracell. Prior to working with FANUC, Brian spent 7 years with Siemens Energy as a controls technician troubleshooting automation at a turbine/generator plant in Charlotte, NC. Brian has spent the past 6 years with FANUC, starting as an Inside Sales Specialist at the FANUC Southeast office. He was promoted in 2020 to the role of District/Account manager covering New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.
Some scenes from our August 15 meeting.
1-Past Catalina Rotary Club President B.J. Cordova subs for President Jeff
2-Jay Gandolfi presents new member Sally Gurll with her Rotary pin
3-Catalina Rotary Club Membership Chair Ted Forsberg, new member Sally Gurll, sponsor Jay Gandolfi, and Past President B.J. Cordova
4-Jay Gandolf celebrates his Member of the Year recognition with B.J. Cordova
5-Anita McDonald hopes to pick the Queen of Hearts from Aleta Doroudian’s deck
6-Anita McDonald picks the Ace of Clubs-the Queen of Hearts still hides!
7-Geoffrey Valenzuela of Samuel Automation speaks to the club
