Tony Lestan
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Instructor, Gateway Technical College
Tony attended the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, earning a BS in General Engineering with a minor in Control Systems.
Tony spent 25 years as a manufacturing engineer, developing equipment and processes for the production of a variety of products. He has worked with electromechanical devices, printed circuit boards, loudspeakers, high voltage switch gear, and, most notably, outboard engines. Tony spent 12 years at BRP Evinrude, designing the autonomous guided vehicle platform used for engine assembly and supporting many new engine launches. Tony also operated a small business integrating control systems utilizing PLC’s and various motor drives, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
Tony has been teaching at Gateway Technical College since 2018 and is excited to serve industry by helping to train others in Advanced Manufacturing Technology skills.
JD Jones
Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Technician Instructor, Gateway Technical College
JD has over 12 years of experience in manufacturing. He has been a service engineer, manufacturing engineer and maintenance supervisor and has worked at four different companies including Chrysler, Vermont American, Federal Mogul and Marposs. Each of these positions has given him a professional and diverse experience on how companies run. He has been troubleshooting, building and teaching in all his previous positions. With his experience, he is able to bring to the classroom many important aspects of manufacturing and maintenance.
JD started teaching at Gateway in Spring 2009. The best part of his job is being part of a positive influence on students lives and creating a better community.
Justin Steffen
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Instructor, Gateway Technical College
Justin holds an associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Gateway Technical College and a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. With 10 years of experience working in manufacturing in the Greater Milwaukee area, Justin has spent five years as an engineering technician designing and modifying automation equipment in a large manufacturing facility and another five years as a controls engineer working for various automation integrators in the food and beverage industry and general manufacturing.