Maritime Expertise

Mr. Tanula has been with Fraser Shipyards for more than 20 years. A third generation Great Lakes maritime worker, Mr. Tanula has extensive experience in lofting, drafting, blueprint reading, and running the fabrication shop.

Mr. Tanula has been responsible for the construction of many complicated modules used to modernize the Great Lakes bulk carrier fleet.

In his current role of Yard Superintendent he oversees the Fraser workforce across a wide variety of projects.

In a key role for Fraser and its customers, Mr. Tanula ensures that all operational needs are met on schedule.

Tami Follett joined the Fraser Family in 2020. As the HR Manager she wants to ensure that each employee reaches their highest potential while also effectively managing Fraser’s workforce to become as efficient as possible.

A few of the topics she is responsible for are the implementation of training, fostering and creating a positive work environment as well as employee well-being.

Prior to joining Fraser, Tami earned her Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management along with her SHRM-SCP certification.

She worked in several HR functions of small to mid-sized companies in a variety of industries and recently became familiar with the Maritime Industry while working with one of Fraser’s customers.

Dusty joined Fraser Industries in 2020 as Program Manager to support the rapidly growing new-build side of the business, he brings over 12 years of Construction Management experience.

Having grown up in a construction family he has always had a passion for the industry because he enjoys creating infrastructure that others can rely on. He was born and raised in Idaho and grew up working for and learning from his father (who owns a construction company, is a developer, and owns his own water district!).

Dusty attended the Dunwoody College of Technology and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Construction Project Management. After graduating from Dunwoody he worked as a Project Manager/Estimator in Idaho for five years before moving to the Twin Port in 2012. Since that time he has worked for two respected construction companies in various roles including Project Manager, Estimator, and Vice President.

He has worked on a wide variety of projects including Utility and Road Projects, Civil Site Development, Marine Construction, Pile Driving, and Oil/Gas infrastructure.

Jacob Searl joined the Fraser family of companies in 2015. He is an experienced Marine Engineer/Project Manager who has overseen a wide variety of time-sensitive government and private contracts.

Searl’s recent accomplishments include his work on the design and installation of ship modifications for the Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping.

He has directed the construction and repair of large steel projects in the marine and mining industries, including the construction of two new 90,000 lb. dump truck bodies.

Using stress analysis and solid modeling, Searl also designed a mobile fixture for Great Lakes vessel repairs. And, utilizing Six Sigma workflow techniques, he developed time management improvements on a number of projects.

Prior to his current role of General Foreman, Mr. Kolenda was responsible for the maintenance and modernization of several commercial bulk carriers of a Fraser Shipyards customer.

He is second-generation Great Lakes mariner and a graduate of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, where he was named Outstanding Cadet of the Year.

Mr. Kolenda earned his chief engineer’s license prior to being assigned a port engineer’s role with responsibility for multiple vessels.

Mr. Kolenda’s day-to-day duties at Fraser include responsibility for safety, quality, and workforce training.

Amanda has been part of the Fraser Team since 2016. She works with training, developing and improving safety policies and procedures, and assuring use of the newest and best available PPE.

Prior to her time at Fraser Shipyards, Amanda worked for six years with non-destructive testing, chemistry, and quality control for Twin Ports Testing and the United States Air Force.

Nick Hickey has been with Fraser since 2014. As a business analyst, his duties include financial analysis, job focused labor and materials review, as well as assembling and evaluating bids with the management team for all of Fraser Industries.

Other responsibilities include capital expenditure analysis, equipment utilization audits, and management of the network infrastructure and data processing systems.

Prior to working with Fraser, Nick started his career in private wealth management and financial counseling.

Eric Polkoski joined the Fraser family of companies in 1996. As Purchasing Manager, Eric’s top priority is to find cost effective solutions to meet customer needs.

His significant industry knowledge and broad supplier base are assets to the Fraser organization and its customers.

Polkoski has a supply chain background that includes the sourcing of materials, equipment, and services for the Shipyard.

Prior to joining Fraser, he held a similar position in the construction industry.

Linda Gran has been with Fraser since 2013. She has a well-rounded background in business practices, accounting, payroll, and policies.

Linda works cross-functionally with purchasing and operations to ensure that cost information is flowing to both Fraser staff and customers.

Prior to working at Fraser, Gran held leadership positions in healthcare administration for Essentia and an accounting position with Barko Hydraulics.

Dea joined Fraser Industries in 2018. She brings 20 years of office management experience working with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and taxes.

At Fraser she works with purchasing and operations to ensure information is flowing to Fraser, Lake Assault and Northern Engineering and their customers.

Prior to working at Fraser, Dea held a management position at Olson Dental.