Using my story and life experiences to help others grow their grit. Motivational speaking for schools, small businesses, large corporations and corporate events. Founder and writer for a weekly newsletter called "Growing Grit".

Motivational Speaker & Writer

Ramsey Solutions

• Led platform strategy for Ramsey Trusted consumer verticals, optimizing lead scoring for high-performing provider matches.
• Collaborated with senior tech leaders to modernize platform architecture, enhancing efficiency and scalability.
• Spearheaded migration from microservices to a domain-driven architecture, improving overall engineer experience.

Platform Product Manager

• Developed customer journeys connecting Dave Ramsey's content with service providers, scaling Ramsey Trusted to largest business unit.
• Led product discovery and iterative experimentation, achieving first $1M revenue month and 8-figure annual revenue.
• Doubled active business verticals by launching new matchmaking solutions based on high-value consumer needs.

Product Manager

• Shaped UX for core consumer products like Financial Peace University Online and Financial Coach Master Training.
• Transitioned into product leadership, owning cross-functional delivery of online learning and coaching tools.
• Co-led creation of Ramsey’s early design systems, improving developer efficiency by 30% and foundational work towards standardizing UX across flagship experiences.

Frontend Developer

Savi Technology

Brought on in a contract role to assist in releasing an entirely new version of their Savi Tracking web-based application. Collaborated with product owners and the development team in an Agile environment. Converted Flash-based user interface screens to modern front-end technologies, using Java, Spring MVC, JPA, HTML5, CSS and AngularJS.

Web Developer

Tempur Sealy International

Managed day-to-day front-end web development needs for Tempur-Pedic’s online presence, tempurpedic.com. Worked with copywriters and designers to implement online content for interactive product landing pages, ongoing and seasonal promotions, and online web forms. Collaborated with a large and diverse team to  design, develop and release an all new and innovated web presence in November 2013.

Web Development Consultant

Helping dads 10x their grit so they can grow it in their kids | Dad of 4 with dwarfism | Motivational Speaker | Software Engineer Turned Product Manager | Overcoming odds | Inspiring the world.

👋 Hi, my name is Kris. 

I am 4’5’’ tall, and was born with dwarfism.

Doctors told my parents I would never make it.

After I survived, doctors then told my mom to place me into an institution because I’d never walk, talk, or live a “normal” life.

As you are figuring out, it didn’t turn out that way.

“Challenge accepted” has been my mantra.

So has a faith in God and His ability to help me through anything.

That has led me to …

→ Recovering from 20+ surgeries all under the age of 20
→ Graduating high school in 2001
→ Going to college
→ Teaching myself how to design, code and media production
→ Starting multiple small businesses
→ Building a career in tech as a developer and now a product manager
→ Getting married
→ Having 4 kids, 2 with dwarfism

Maybe the doctors were right about one thing, after all.

My life is far from “normal”.

And I am 💯 percent here for it.

You might say I have quite the story.

So do you.

That’s why earlier this year I decided to start sharing my story via #linkedin, one-on-one conversations, and public speaking.

Not for my own gain, but to inspire you to face and share your own stories.

Because that’s the first step to building self-confidence and the life you want.

If you like what you’re reading, be sure to follow and even drop me a DM.

Hope this encourages you to push through whatever you are facing right now.

Kris Hammons

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Principal Program Manager - Emergency Management and Recovery

I ask hard questions and provide insights into complex matters that may require intervention.

I also work with amazing teammates daily.

Principal Compliance Analyst - Regulatory Compliance and Investigations

•	Responsible for a team of investigators and analysts performing incident reporting, investigations, and causal analysis pursuant to California Public Utility Commission requirements.
•	Key deliverables included development of metrics, reports and data responses meeting the requirements of Resolution E-4184 and Decision 06-04-055.  
•	Notable achievements include enhancement to tracking, recording, benchmarking, and updating processes and procedures.
•	Provides consistent oversight of the 24-hour EII On-Call process, rotating weekly between investigators.

Manager - Electric Incident Investigations

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Promoted to supervisor to lead multi-discipline team of field crews responsible for cleaning, inspection, repair and commissioning of MPC refining and MPLX logistics AST assets at Martinez, CA:
- Developed comprehensive 25-year AST plan and five-year budget strategy, in alignment with corporate standards and SME guidance.
- Improved production from zero completed AST turnarounds in 2018 to eight in 2019, while maintaining
compliance with API 653 and local regulatory authorities.
- Collected field data and digitized paper records for over 100 ASTs, to include turnaround packages,
strapping tables and inspection reports.
- Served as lead during an audit with Cal OES and Contra Costa County, resulting in zero notices of
violation (NOVs) in September 2019.
- Created and implemented strategies and collaboration tools for internal coordination.
- Obtained API 653 Certification in July 2020.

Supervisor - AST Maintenance

Site project engineer for Martinez refinery, including refining (MPC) and logistics (ANDX) assets. Assignments included:
- Fulcrum Biocrude upgrade project, including upgrades to loading racks, pumps, piping and tanks to process up to 800bbl of Fischer-Tropsch Liquid (FTL) in existing cracking units.
- Chemical injection site upgrades for cooling water towers, in response to multiple prior incidents.
- Sample station upgrades at 41 points across refinery, including chemicals, gas and liquid hydrocarbon.
- Upgrades to clarifier, effluent channel and wastewater treatment facilities at multiple refinery units.

Senior Project Engineer

Andeavor

Special assignment for federal Monitor established by the final order from the San Bruno criminal trial. Responsibilities included coordination of responses, data, documentation and meetings upon request while continuing work on critical safety and compliance programs. Other assignments include the Line 215 Incident Response: Root Cause Analysis, development of SCC threat identification model, assessment selection criteria and crack management program consistent with API RP 1176. Provided updates to Gas Operations TIMP Standard, Management of Change, Quality Control programs.

Principal Engineer

Responsible for the oversight, training and performance of 23 full time employees, including seven direct reports, with a broad range of technical skill sets. Oversees the development and implementation of core TIMP Risk Management processes, including Risk Assessment, Threat Identification and Continual Evaluation in order to formulate the scope of the TIMP Assessment portfolio (including In-Line Inspection, Direct Assessment and IM Strength testing programs) and program prioritization across Gas Operations. Leads Direct and Root Cause evaluation team in order to process pipeline cut-outs for cause, acquiring key data on pipeline failures and unique features.

Manager

Responsible for the oversight, training and development of seven full time Risk Management Engineers. Provided oversight for development of annual Baseline Assessment Program and High Consequence Area identification, and communicates results for implementation of compliance-driven projects. Provided direct support to other organizations to implement broader company initiatives, including Pipeline Pathways program, Pipeline Centerline program, PSEP and Vintage Pipe Replacement. Established weekly RME meeting to increased interaction and reporting of progress. Developed and implemented Risk Management Procedure training sessions and training tracker to ensure required annual training is completed. Developed working knowledge of 49 CFR Part 192 Subpart O and ASME B31.8S.

Supervising Engineer

Kinder Morgan

Have developed a deep understanding of the Oil and Gas industry, including the importance of safety, public awareness, regulatory compliance, industry standards, asset management, project and portfolio management and business drivers. Responsible for the oversight, training and development of 15 direct reports to include three teams of Pipeliners, two full-time inspectors and one contractor. Provides consistent oversight during all regional pipeline work in order to ensure project success, safety and regulatory compliance to include spill response operations. Responsible for managing, updating and facilitating the regional right-of-way clearing program and legacy encroachments.
•	Zero reportable employee injuries or accidents 
•	Total annual budget of $2 million, to include O&M and project budgets
•	Completed the hiring process for 13 vacant positions, including 3 internal and 10 external hires
•	Developed a quarterly and annual training program, with emphasis on L-O&M procedures, Operator Qualification, and API Standard 1104 in order to achieve and maintain compliance and consistency with Company policy and procedures
•	Developed and facilitated a training program for new inspectors, with emphasis on damage prevention and regulatory compliance
•	Exhibits Kinder Morgan’s values of Honesty, Integrity and Respect for People

Manager of Pipeline Maintenance

Responsible for facilitating the Integrity Management Program in the Pacific Northern Region, including managing hydrostatic pressure tests and In-Line-Inspections utilizing magnetic flux leakage (MFL) and High-Resolution Geometry internal inspection tools. Responsible for planning, developing, estimating, scheduling, contract administration and execution of multiple Pipeline Engineering projects throughout each fiscal year, including tie-ins and hydrostatic pressure testing of facilities. Managed several third party inquiry projects in order to maintain public safety and pipeline protection along right-of-way, including negotiation for reimbursement of company costs.
•	Strong safety record, including no reportable injuries or product releases
•	Total average annual project budget of $2.5 million
•	Facilitated reimbursable agreements totaling $875 thousand in recovered expenses
•	Completed 30 projects from end to end and managed over 100 third party inquiries
•	Developed project management tools to facilitate greater efficiency

Project Manager / Field Engineer

US Army

Responsible for training area improvements at the National Training Center, creating a more realistic training environment resembling the Iraqi cities and towns to be utilized by units from all over the continental United States in all branches of service for training before they deploy to in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Managed work orders for all facilities utilized and occupied by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Assessed the existing facilities and improved their functional purpose for training and overall morale, health and readiness of each Army unit rotation.
•	Selected above 8 other Engineer Captains for position.
•	Completed 10 projects and managed and average of 30 active work orders

Regimental Engineer Officer

Served as Reconnaissance Officer in Charge at project sites to collect data for current and future design and construction projects. Responsible for establishing Project Management procedures, including Mission Directives, Scopes of Work, Bills of Material, Cost Estimates and assisting with troop construction projects across all of northern Iraq. Managed the Change Order process and created a schedule management system for ongoing and future projects. Conducted daily briefings to the 105th Engineer Group Commander, coordinated with COB Speicher Garrison Commander, 19th Engineer Battalion, Facilities Engineer Team, Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron (USAF) and Division Engineer.
•	Material Cost alone for all projects in excess of $30 million.
•	Presented with coin from 105th Engineer Group Commander and Certificate of Achievement from Brigade Commander for 5 projects individually managed in Mosul, Iraq.
•	Ranked in top third out of 14 Captains rated by the 105th Engineer Group Commander.

Assistant Construction Management Chief

Responsible for execution of mobility, countermobility and survivability missions in support of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at the National Training Center. Responsible for the safety, health, morale, welfare, training and discipline of 28 Soldiers. Responsible for the maintenance, accountability and readiness of 28 vehicles and equipment valued in excess of $7 million. Areas of emphasis include assignment as the Iraqi Town Commander, encompassing all logistics, life support and scenario development for the training of mechanized Army units from across the country.  Site accommodated for 80 Soldiers and 40 linguists during a 2-week long training cycle each month.
•	Ranked in top 10% of all lieutenants rated by Squadron Commander.
•	Selected above 9 other engineer lieutenants to attend the Sapper Leader Course (SLC) and graduated (course averages 33% graduates).
•	Developed and lead a training program to prepare Soldiers for SLC; 67% of those trained graduated the course.
•	Selected to execute a weapons qualification range to be recorded by the History Channel.
•	Developed a system to correct deficiencies for the Arms Room, which increased the inspection rating from < 50% to > 95% in 3 months.

Platoon Leader, Acting Executive Officer

US Army Corps of Engineers

Responsible for completing daily site and safety inspections and for reviewing various plans and designs under the supervision of a registered professional engineer. Attended weekly project management meetings with construction contractors.
•	Selected for one of 30 slots nationwide.

Intern

VDOT

Responsible for safely directing traffic away from active project sites, communicating known hazards to motorists and crew members, and completing minor road repairs and clean-up after storm events.

Road Crew Member

Hi! I’m Mike. Thanks for stopping by.

I promote kindness as a daily practice, and serve my family, community, and country in order of precedence.

My servant-leader mentality is rooted in post-9/11 service in the US Army. I successfully transitioned to the regulated energy industry in 2008 and continue to focus on improving organizational performance in a rapidly changing workforce. My experiences include management through exceptional circumstances, emergency response, and steady state operations.

I’m also a tenacious worker and advocate for those who too often cannot speak for themselves.

taplio

The Battle

Kris Hammons

Mike Barnum, MSc

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