Meet our Chief of Staff
Danah Lovato
Driven. Innovative. Passionate.
I thrive on starting something meaningful—turning ideas into realities that empower careers and leave a legacy my family can be proud of. When I commit, I go all in. My passion becomes my obsession, and I take immense pride in creating something tangible, impactful, and long-lasting in all areas of my life. I’ve always believed in breaking boundaries, especially for those who are passionate about their personal perception they put out into the world.
My Philosophy
Believe in what you do. Work with purpose and passion. Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about hard work, focus, and resilience. I strive to see value and potential in myself and others, building a culture that outworks and outshines the competition.
My Journey
My career path is rooted in family and legacy. My husband, Nate, a third-generation pipefitter, dreamed of building something extraordinary. I was inspired to help him turn that dream into reality, creating a company that reflects our shared vision and values. With our kids growing and more independent, I fully embraced the challenge of building a business that we could all be proud of—a business that supports our employees, values innovation, and celebrates craftsmanship.
Staying Ahead
Education is my superpower. I’m a lifelong learner, constantly exploring new ideas, technologies, and strategies to stay ahead in the industry. Whether it’s diving into a great book, adopting cutting-edge tools, or taking on new challenges, I lead with curiosity and a drive to innovate.
What Drives Me
The most rewarding part of my job is the people—their stories, struggles, and successes. I believe in leading from the front, not the sidelines, and taking what I’ve learned to empower those around me. Building strong relationships, cultivating growth, and making an impact in others’ lives define my success.
Challenges as Growth Opportunities
Every challenge I’ve faced has been an opportunity to innovate, grow, and refine my craft. Without a roadmap or mentor, I took on the responsibility of learning and selecting industry-specific tools to helping design systems that meet the unique needs of our team. These challenges pushed me to become resourceful, adaptable, and relentless in my pursuit of excellence. Being in this position taught me resilience and accountability—not just to the business but to the people who rely on me. Challenges don’t just test you; they shape you into a leader who’s prepared for anything.
Vision for the Future
UPM isn’t just a company—it’s a legacy. My goal is to make UPM an industry leader in innovation, craftsmanship, and employee growth. I want it to be a place where individuals thrive, where talent is nurtured, and where innovation drives success. I aim to create an environment where employees feel proud of what they do, customers trust us implicitly, and we set the gold standard for what a company in our field should be.
Attracting A-Players
To build something truly extraordinary, we need extraordinary people. At UPM, we attract A-players by creating an environment where excellence is recognized, growth is supported, and innovation thrives. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for individuals who share our passion for hard work, lifelong learning, and making an impact. We foster a culture where challenges are met with collaboration, and every employee feels empowered to bring their best ideas to the table. A-players don’t just join a company—they join a movement of growth, pride, and purpose.
What Sets Us Apart
As a family-owned business, we’re rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation. Our employees are the heart of UPM, and we invest in their success and well-being every day. We’re not just a team—we’re in the grind together, side by side, delivering excellence and care to our customers.
Fun Facts
- My Superpower
Multitasking and giving 110% to everything I take on.
My Favorite Part of the Workday
Business development. It’s my time to inject personality into our work, tackle challenges, and express creativity. - What People Don’t Know About Me
I’m a huge fan of action movies—the gorier, the better—but I also love films that tell meaningful stories. - Mantra I Live By
“The Man in the Arena” by Theodore Roosevelt inspires me daily. - Best Advice I’ve Received
You’re only one decision away from a completely different life. - If I Weren’t Doing This
If I weren’t helping build UPM, I’d be diving into real estate investing, exploring the stock market, or writing a book that shares the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship and financial independence, so I’d be focused on creating value in different ways—whether through property investments, market strategies, or storytelling that inspires others to take charge of their own destinies. But no matter what path I might take, I’d still bring the same drive for growth, innovation, and impact to everything I do. - My Home Team
My family is my foundation and driving force. My two incredible kids inspire me every single day with their resilience, curiosity, and energy. Everything I do is with the knowledge that they’re watching my every move. They remind me to live with purpose, take pride in my work, and never settle for less than my best. My husband, Nate, is my partner in every sense of the word. Building a business together has been an incredible journey—one rooted in mutual respect, shared vision, and a commitment to creating something unshakable. Together, we strive to set an example for our kids, showing them the importance of hard work, perseverance, and dreaming big. - Advice for Those Entering the Industry
Understand that your work has a profound impact on the world. We are the backbone of the country, and your value lies in your vision, purpose, and commitment to lifelong learning.
