June is National Safety Month, and when it comes to keeping things safe, sound, and steady here at Mermet, there’s no one quite like Eddie Austin Jr. As our Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator, Eddie does more than just check boxes—he brings energy, care, and heart into creating a workplace where safety truly comes first.

But there’s a lot more to Eddie than vests and hazard signs.

From the Plant Floor to the Court

When he’s not walking the floor or leading safety meetings, Eddie is likely doing one of two things:
📸 Creating content or
🏀 Coaching and training his kids in various sports.

He’s a natural mentor and motivator—on and off the clock.

“Your gifts will make room for you” is a piece of advice he lives by. Whether he’s guiding others on safety protocols or leading his family through teamwork drills, Eddie shows up with purpose.

In his downtime, you’ll find him shooting hoops, sharing knowledge, or diving into his favorite read, See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar. And his favorite actor? Adam Sandler—because who doesn’t need a little humor with their hustle?

Safety with Heart

Eddie's leadership approach to safety? He sums it up in three words:

“We Are Family.”

And that’s exactly how he treats the team at Mermet. From lifting morale to raising awareness, Eddie believes safety isn’t just about policies—it’s about people.

“There’s always someone watching you for possible inspiration,” he says. That mindset drives him to lead by example and make sure others feel empowered to do the same.

The Mermet Factor

What keeps Eddie coming back each day with a positive attitude?

“The people are what make Mermet to me.”

And it’s clear the feeling is mutual. One of his biggest mentors here, Braulio, has always believed in his potential—encouraging him to grow and pursue even greater things.

When asked what advice he’d give to others looking to grow at Mermet, Eddie keeps it simple and strong:

“Come to work every day you’re scheduled, have a positive attitude, and want more.”

As we celebrate National Safety Month, we’re grateful for people like Eddie who help protect not just our processes, but our people. Whether he’s coaching on the court or creating a culture of safety at work, Eddie leads with heart—and we’re lucky to have him on our team.