When Arturo Martell II crossed the stage at Western Nevada College’s 2025 commencement, his journey stood out from that of many other graduates. For nearly two decades, Martell took courses at Western Nevada College (WNC), not with a degree in mind, but to support his career growth at Click Bond, an aerospace fastener manufacturer based in Carson City.
Martell graduated from Carson High School in 2004 and joined Click Bond in 2006. Over the years, he earned certifications and gained hands-on experience, focusing on building skills rather than accumulating credits for a degree. It was only after encouragement from Jennifer Gledhill, director of Supply Chain and Materials Management at Click Bond, that Martell realized he was close to completing an Associate of General Studies degree.
“Arturo’s accomplishment reflects the spirit of lifelong learning that is at the heart of WNC,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “He returned to complete his degree after many years, bringing with him experience, maturity and an unwavering commitment to bettering himself. His story shows what is possible when perseverance meets opportunity.”
Working with Adrian Barrera, Access Program Coordinator at WNC, Martell learned he needed just a few more classes to finish his associate degree. He resumed college while balancing work and family responsibilities.
“I’m happy I did things backwards because it gave me a different perspective,” Martell said. “I came into the workforce first and gained years of real-world experience. In class, I could connect the dots. I could apply what I was learning — and I could speak to it.”
Martell’s path included early parenthood and setting aside college plans for steady employment. Starting as a press operator on Click Bond’s factory floor, he spent ten years in that role before moving up through six positions within the company.
He credited WNC’s Manufacturing Technician (MT1) certification program led by instructor Emily Howarth as transformative: “That program changed my life,” he said. “Lean manufacturing, visual management, statistical process control — I didn’t know any of that before WNC.” His first improvement project—installing shadow boards for tools—brought recognition from company leadership.
Over time, Martell advanced through roles involving tooling, automation, pricing and distribution while earning additional certifications such as Lean Green Belt training through the Nevada National Air Guard and University of Nevada Reno; AS9100 Internal Auditor; and Automated Industrial Technology (AIT) through WNC.
“Arturo has modeled a smart way to pursue one’s future,” said Ryan Costella, Vice President of Organizational Development and Strategic Management at Click Bond. “It makes good sense to join an employer that values learning and has a willingness to make the investment in your growth. That way you can make a living, gain rich experience early on, and fund your education without accumulating debt. Arturo’s story showcases the value of pursuing work experience and education in tandem to achieve a career path rich in options for growth and long-term success.”
Martell also contributed beyond Carson City by helping integrate operations at Click Bond Watertown in Connecticut after its acquisition by Click Bond.
Born in Mexico before immigrating to the U.S., Martell described how his parents’ respect for education shaped him despite their own careers shifting from white-collar jobs in Mexico to blue-collar work after moving stateside: “My parents always believed in opportunity… They were willing to risk their success for their kids.”
His sister Jassmin Martell-Perez served as another inspiration by advancing her own career while raising a family: “Watching her journey was incredibly motivating,” Martell said.
Martell emphasized how returning as an adult learner gave him new insight: “There’s a misconception that college is only for young people… I met students of all ages who were discovering themselves just like I was.”
With three children alongside his wife Yesica—whom he credits as key support—Martell saw completing his degree as setting an example: “My son and my wife changed my whole life,” he said.
President Dalpe noted: “Arturo’s journey is a powerful reminder that education does not always follow a straight line… We are incredibly proud to celebrate Arturo’s achievement and the example he sets for our students, our community and his own family.”
While considering further study via WNC’s online Bachelor’s program in Organization and Project Management—a collaborative offering by Western Nevada College according to its official website—Martell continues working full-time while restoring classic cars.
Reflecting on manufacturing careers today versus perceptions held by earlier generations—including those held by his father—Martell observed: “Manufacturing has done so much for me… It gave me a solid foundation… opened doors… helped resolve my wife’s immigration status… allowed me to directly serve the aerospace industry I once dreamed of joining.” He hopes more young workers will see manufacturing as offering diverse opportunities rather than being dead-end jobs.
Western Nevada College provides higher education across Carson City—with modern classrooms—and outreach locations including Fallon and Minden (official website). As part of the Nevada System of Higher Education (official website), it offers associate degrees like those completed by both Arturo II and III through affordable programs emphasizing student achievement (official website). The college also holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (official website).
For now—and possibly beyond—the shop floor remains where Martell feels most connected: “I really believe my heart is on the shop floor,” he said.
