San Juan County commissioners honored two local innovators last week whose work has drawn national and international attention.
Commissioner GloJean Todacheene presented Significant Achievement Awards to Justin Pioche, chef and owner of Piochi Food Group, and Perri Schoser, Jack’s Plastic Welding production manager, recognizing their recent national spotlights.
Piochi recently earned national recognition after winning the Indigenous Inspirations episode of the Food Network’s “Chopped.”
He earned a championship title and walked away with a $10,000 prize while “representing Indigenous cuisine and Navajo culture on the national stage,” Todacheene said.
She said the episode marked the first time “Chopped” centered a competition around Indigenous foods and traditions, and Piochi honored Native culture, promoted Indigenous voices and supported youth through food and storytelling.
“His success reflects the rich cultural traditions of our region and demonstrates how local talent can inspire audiences nationwide,” she said.
Jack’s Plastic Welding in Aztec earned international visibility through its role in the historice Artemis II mission under the leadership of chief executive officer and designer T.J. Garcia.
JPW designed and built the inflatable recovery rafts used by U.S. Navy teams to retrieve astronauts following the Orion capsule splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
“The project represents years of innovation, testing, design, and specialized craftsmanship developed locally in San Juan County,” Todacheene said., noting the collaboration with NASA advanced new welding techniques and engineering processes now benefiting the company’s broader product lines and manufacturing capabilities.
Pioche expressed appreciation, crediting his mother, sister and God.
He said Pioche Food Group’s logo, a triangle, symbolizes the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” and his team of three — his mother, the foundation — his sister, his right hand, and himself.
He said the Pioche Food Group hopes to bring more job opportunities to the Farmington area.
Schoser, a JPW employee of 25 years, traced Garcia’s journey to become the CEO and highlighted JPW’s diverse products for rafting, the oil and gas industry, the medical field and aerospace.
She said JPW just found out that when the Navy deployed one of its products for the recovery mission, a carabiner left in place caused a kink and upon inflation the bottom air chamber was torn. However, it demonstrated their safety concept worked as designed, as the other air chamber held tight, allowing the raft to properly function.
“San Juan County continues to gain positive national attention through the innovation, talent, and determination of local residents and businesses,” Todacheene said. “These achievements not only celebrate individual accomplishment, but also showcase the strength of local entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, and technical expertise across the region.”
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