Meet our CEO

Nate Martinez

My journey into the mechanical industry began with family. Inspired by my Grandfather Nat Martinez and my Father Nathan Martinez, I found myself immersed in this trade from a young age. Summers working at Martinez Mechanical during high school introduced me to the world of mechanical systems. I vividly remember stepping into a federal courthouse’s mechanical room for the first time, captivated by the intricate equipment and piping. Watching my grandfather and father discuss the scope of work sparked an insatiable curiosity in me—I wanted to learn everything they knew and understand how these systems worked.

After graduating high school, I joined the family business full-time, riding to work with my father and steadily building my skills. My career evolved through hands-on experience and a dedication to constant learning. Starting as a delivery driver and shop helper, I worked my way up to pipefitter journeyman, foreman, and service technician. Eventually, I transitioned into office roles, tackling estimating, project management, and operations, before ultimately founding my own company, UPM Mechanical. Each milestone in my journey has shaped me into the leader I am today.

Philosophy & Approach
My core philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Do more than what you are paid for today, so that you can someday be paid for more than you do.” This belief has driven me to consistently push myself, from mastering pipefitting skills like torch cutting, welding, and fit-up strategies to expanding my knowledge of mechanical systems’ theory. I’ve also prioritized leadership and management training, understanding that success in this industry depends on both technical expertise and effective team-building.

The most rewarding part of my work is helping others grow. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a team member solve a complex problem, become the hero for a client, and advance personally and professionally.

Key Milestones
My career is defined by a series of significant milestones:

• Rising through the ranks from helper to pipefitter journeyman, foreman, and service technician.
• Transitioning to office roles, where I learned estimating, project management, and leadership.
• Serving as an operations manager and vice president, gaining insight into running a company.
• Founding UPM Mechanical and building a business rooted in passion for the trade and a commitment to excellence.

Each role taught me valuable lessons—from the hands-on technical skills required to install and troubleshoot systems, to the strategic thinking needed for leadership and business management.

Key to Success
For me, success means leaving a lasting impact. I aim to inspire growth in every person I work with while fostering a culture of leadership and passion for mechanical and plumbing systems. My advice for anyone entering this field is simple: our trade is more than a job—it’s a rewarding career and way of life.

Staying Ahead
I stay at the forefront of the industry by embracing every opportunity to learn and grow. Whether it’s through day-to-day challenges, attending training on leadership and system knowledge, or engaging with my team to overcome obstacles, I believe continuous improvement is key. Conferences and industry events also keep me informed about the latest advancements.

Behind the scenes
My family is my cornerstone. My wife, Danah, and I have been together since high school and now work side by side managing UPM Mechanical. We have two amazing children, Nathan Nehemiah and Audrina Autumn. Nathan enjoys baseball, boxing, hunting, and anything hands-on, while Audrina loves softball, boxing, arts and crafts, and has a keen interest in real estate. Both were homeschooled by Danah, who tailored their education to their unique learning styles. Together, we share a love for the outdoors and a commitment to growth and learning.

Fun Facts

• My superpower:
  A relentless work ethic and a knack for problem-solving. I stay positive in every situation, focusing on solutions rather than obstacles.
• Favorite downtime activity:
  Lake fishing from a lawn chair with a cold beer in hand.
• Spirit animal:
  My family says my spirit animal is the buffalo—steadfast, strong, and resilient, qualities I strive to embody every day.
• Mantra:
  “Your self-worth is your net worth.”
• Advice to Aspiring Professionals:
  To anyone entering this industry: you will get out of it what you put into it. This trade is more than a job—it’s a rewarding career and a way of life. Love what you do, embrace the challenges, and let your passion propel you forward.