Teammate Spotlight – Brady Franklin – From Paper Mills to Refinery Projects
Meet Brady Franklin, Technical Lead at Hargrove Controls & Automation. With a career spanning decades and industries, Brady brings a unique combination of hands-on experience, technical expertise, and an approachable demeanor to the Hargrove Team.
From Paper Mills to Automation
Brady’s career began far from the world of refining, at a recycled paperboard mill where he started work at age 18. “Like the old country song lyrics say, ‘rich man goes to college, poor man goes to work,’ so I went to work at the mill.”
His early role required hard labor stacking sheeted paper by hand, but the introduction of automated sheeting equipment changed everything. “Automation is going to do my hard labor? Sign me up!” he said. His involvement with the sheeting equipment at the plant, controlled by Allen Bradley PLC5s, sparked a lifelong passion for automation.
Over 20 years, he climbed the ranks at the mill, serving as production superintendent, instrumentation and electrical (I&E) superintendent, and controls systems manager. His favorite roles always involved working with PLC and DCS systems, which led to him eventually becoming a consultant for the same mill after moving on.
Working at Hargrove
Since joining Hargrove in 2017, Brady has brought his deep technical knowledge and problem-solving mindset to multiple projects in the refining industry. From configuring and commissioning ControlLogix PLC panels to integrating systems ranging from Ethernet/IP-controlled Rockwell E300s and Honeywell TDC3000 to Honeywell Experion, SEL, and Yokogawa Centum VP, Brady has tackled projects of varying complexity, including work on 15kV substations. His adaptability and expertise have made him an invaluable asset in ensuring project success.
“I enjoy working as the technical lead and providing consistency from project to project,” he shared. “I’m hoping to mentor newer teammates as the work continues.”
Brady is particularly proud of the opportunities Hargrove provides for learning and growth. “The mentorship I’ve experienced here has helped me become much more of a professional than I ever thought possible.”
Bob Hamilton, C&A Industry Leader, states, “Brady brings an incredible depth of technical expertise to every project he touches. His passion for automation and problem-solving is clear, but what really sets him apart is his dedication to mentoring newer Teammates. He has a natural ability to teach and guide others, which strengthens our entire team.”
Outside of Hargrove
Outside of work, Brady enjoys his life in Fairhope, Alabama, with his wife Ashley and their 7-year-old daughter, Addison, whom they adopted from India in 2018. His commitment to family extends into community involvement, as he serves on the board of directors for Children of the World, the adoption agency that helped bring Addison home.
Brady’s early experiences as a “military brat” have also shaped his personal and professional life. “When my dad retired from the Navy, we landed in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia,” Brady reflects. “That was middle school for me in the 1980s, and I’m still very close with all those kids who roamed the neighborhood and woods with me, unsupervised.” Those formative years fostered a strong sense of adaptability and connection that continues to influence how he interacts with Teammates, clients, and his community.
In his free time, Brady is an avid musician who enjoys performing at open mic nights. Whether hiking, mountain biking, or relaxing at the beach with his family, Brady finds joy in exploring the world around him.
Looking Ahead
In the next five years, Brady aims to deepen his expertise across multiple technical platforms while continuing to provide exceptional service on Hargrove projects. He’s also excited to mentor the next generation of Hargrove Teammates. “I look forward to watching the organization learn, grow, and improve, and myself along with it.”
Reflecting on his time at Hargrove, Brady sums it up simply: “The best job I’ve ever had!”
