Gary Ista Construction Services Logistics Manager
Lifelong Pine Bend neighbor
Gary Ista is a 44-year, second-generation Pine Bend employee, boasting the second-longest tenure of the entire Pine Bend refinery workforce. Gary knows every nook and cranny of the facility, and says that he could draw a pretty detailed picture of it without looking. (It might help that he’s lived within a couple miles of the refinery his entire life!)
Gary’s mother, Mary Lou, worked as an accountant for the refinery in the 1960s and 1970s. His son Aaron, a 13-year employee, plans to carry on his father’s legacy. This three-generation-strong Pine Bend family takes great pride in their rich history and invaluable contributions to the refinery’s success. “I wish I could stay here another 20 years,” says Gary, who is eyeing retirement in 2019.
Gary has held a dozen positions at Pine Bend during his career including unit operator, pipefitter, fire chief, emergency response coordinator, and shift manager. He currently works as the refinery’s construction services logistics manager and largely credits the variety of experience gained over the years as the main driver of his success.
Gary’s story is like no other you will find. Flint Hills Resources could not be more proud to be a part of it.
The Ista family has been a key part of the Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend refinery team for three generations.
