We are the inspection company that sees the power in going further.
Our teams average 5 to 10+ years of inspection field experience. This standard provides clients an unmatched level of expertise within varied disciplines and capacities.
Meet the team We value our folks. We’re committed to empowering and educating the UDC team. This means fewer interruptions and stronger long-term relationships with our clients.
see our clients If you’re not growing, you’re dying. We create an atmosphere of perpetual learning, catalyzing advancement in methodologies and inspection procedures and technologies.
see news + events UDC will always schedule inspections in a timely manner. Our team works diligently to facilitate any client time-frame.
see services Transparency is key. Inspections are concluded and submitted using our innovative software and include relevant data, discoveries, and observations. UDC reports are delivered in real time, not weeks later.
see sample report 
Laurie came onboard in 2019 in our Metallurgical Lab where she supported our Metallurgists & lab staff and studied tube failure analysis procedures. Laurie holds a degree in Business Management from Southeast FL University and brings 20+ years of Human Resources and small business management experience to UDC. She was promoted to Human Resources Manager in 2021 and has made it a priority to recruit the highest caliber employees available to accommodate our clients’ inspection needs. Laurie’s outside interests include a passion for painting, photography, her 3 dogs and spending time with her family, friends.
Brandon R. Schulz is the Manager of the UDC Aerobotics Division. He holds Private Pilot and Remote Pilot licenses and is currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. He has been with UDC for 11 years and has flown hundreds of UAS inspections comprising thousands of flight hours. This broad experience with a wide variety of components and confined spaces is what allows UDC to be a leader in UAS inspections for the Power Industry.
Mark Steckman has 29 years of engineering and construction experience in the power generation industry. His power generation work includes coal-fired, natural gas-fired, and solar thermal power plants.
Mr. Steckman's responsibilities include managing projects from conception through installation and operation, coordinating plant personnel and contractor meeting client needs and schedule, maintaining project budgets and implementing project safety requirements. His other responsibilities include integrating performance requirements into major equipment specifications;producing P&IDs and General Arrangement drawings; preparing and supervising preparation of equipment and construction specifications; evaluating bids; and assisting in equipment procurement. He has extensive experience in heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) design, erection, performance, and condition assessments. Mr. Steckman has also completed numerous field assignments including construction management and commissioning responsibilities.
Erik joined the UDC/DNF team in 2008, starting in the lab. He is also certified in boiler inspection and NDE procedures. He became our HR manager in 2014. In January of 2021 Erik became the lab manager of David N. French Metallurgists. Erik Graduated from University of Memphis with a BA in 2001. In is free time he enjoys playing guitar, watching movies, and practicing martial arts.
Patrick L.Keating is experienced in visual inspections, outage management, outage planning, weld tracking, and component replacement. Pat currently holds the position of VP of Operations. He has been with the company for 17+ years and holds an AWS/CWI certification for the last 11 years as well as limited level II in PT, MT, and UTT. One of the things he considers a plus about is his job is the opportunity to travel. In his leisure time Pat enjoys custom cars, and football.
James Atherton joined David N French Metallurgists in 2021 as the Metallurgical Lab Technician and safety manager. James has also come on board with UDC as our safety & health manager as well taking over for Steve Tucker who retired. James graduated from Murray State University in 2001 with a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health. He has previously held management positions with The Kroger Company and The Rawlings Group.
Clark is a US Marine veteran now serves as our Information Technology Manager. He has been with the company over 18 years and has served in many capacities within the organization. His educational background consists of a broad range of studies which include nuclear, biological & chemical warfare, Natural Circulation Boiler Design E.H. Mayer, Boiler Auxiliaries E. G. Lansing, Super critical Boiler Design & Preventative Maintenance Engineering as well as computer programming. Traveling, meeting new people, facing new challenges and the opportunity of tackling new responsibilities as well as the family friendly environment of UDC are some of the things he finds most rewarding in his job. In his personal time he enjoys working on cars (hot rods) & trucks, motorcycling, off road ATV's, being outdoors, scuba diving, home improvement projects, cooking, grilling and spending time with family and friends.
Rob has been with the company since March of 2008. During the past several years Rob’s specialties have included Project Management/Outage Coordination at multiple facilities, taking the projects from beginning to final completion. His previous experience includes residential construction management and logistics/transportation in the Army as a Captain. He holds a BA degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as CWI, UT, VT, PT, MT and Level II boiler assessor certifications. The excitement of traveling to different utilities and assisting with overall availability and reliability of the plant/system as well as a vast amount of knowledge available to be acquired over time are things he enjoys about his job. Outside of work Rob enjoys golf, softball, SCUBA, exercise and all sports.
Jon S. Cavote is President and Chief Executive Officer, and has been with the company 20 years. He works with clients both in the field and in a consult capacity for overhauls as well as being one of UDC's educational instructors. Jon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as Level II Boiler Assessor certification. He enjoys seeing our team function fluently together resulting in overall corporate health and success.
When he is not working you will find Jon spending time with his family as well as camping,four wheeling, or exercising. He values his opportunity and responsibility as a father to his four wonderful sons, and beautiful daughter.
Missy was recruited in 2007 as Field Service Coordinator to support the Vice President of Operations and the Field Services Division. She is currently the Manager of Operations. Among her many qualifications she possesses the experience and consistency necessary to handle this fast-paced, deadline driven environment involving client research,procurement and administrative facets of each division. Among her many responsibilities are electronic coordination, scheduling of all divisions, maintaining client portals for safety and bidding processes, travel and lodging arrangements, and disbursement of all division equipment and consumables. Missy enjoys spending time with family and friends when she is not working. Some of her interests include animals, sports, movies and home improvement projects.
