We are experts in our field who have performed over 12,000 analyses on products ranging from nuts, bolts, and screws to radiators, valve pins, and various welds for products ranging from beverage containers to gas turbines and everything in between.
Our knowledge comes from our careers spanning a broad section of industries, allowing us to be authorities in manufacturing processes, product service applications, and materials engineering. Our experienced engineers hold degrees in Metallurgical and Materials Science.
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Tom Tefelske – President
I am the president of Metallurgical Associates, Inc., a company I co-founded in 1994 with the belief we could provide our clients with high quality solutions to their problems in a cost-effective manner. Our belief proved to be correct over the past 28 years. I enjoy working with all our clients to assist in solving their metallurgical issues, and each day brings new satisfaction in reaching this goal.
I have over 40 years of industrial experience specializing in failure analysis starting as a staff metallurgist and worked my way up to a senior metallurgist and technical director. I have earned both my Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Engineering, as well as my Masters of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin. I have also earned 45 credits towards my Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering at The Ohio State University.
I have had the privilege to have authored several papers that have been published in academic journals and taught courses on the subjects of Failure Analysis and Liquid Penetrants at several academic institutions in Wisconsin.
In addition to the above, I am also the president of Tee-Squared Services, Inc. and provide laboratory assessment services for A2LA accreditation.
In my spare time, Wendy and I enjoy spending time at our cottage on Okauchee Lake and cruising around on our pontoon boat. I also enjoy working on and driving my collection of Alfa Romeo’s.
Wendy Tefelske – Vice President
I have been around engineers all my life. My father, Anthony Lange, was the founder of Lange Lift Company in 1934, which was always his dream.
I have owned my own successful Mary Kay distribution business for decades and when the opportunity arose, I encouraged Tom to step out on his own and start his own business. In 1994 Tom co-founded Metallurgical Associates, Inc. and hasn’t looked back since.
While I have the title of vice president, I am not afraid to dig in wherever and whenever help is needed with the business and am willing to wear a variety of hats. I know the demands of running a growing family business, as I have been around entrepreneurial engineers my entire life.
When I am not running errands for the business (I teasingly call myself the Vice-Presidential Gopher), I spend my time with my wonderful husband and children, working with my church and attending Milwaukee Brewer games.
Anthony “Tony” D’Antuono – Senior Engineer
I am the senior engineer at Metallurgical Associates, Inc. I started with MAI in June of 2012, but prior to that I worked as a Metallurgical Technician at Metaltek International.
Before working as a metallurgical engineer, I was a science teacher in the Mukwonago School District. This added experience allows me to describe metallurgical functions to any of our clients, even non-metallurgists.
I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Science Education from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and then earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Materials Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
After work, I enjoy cooking, golfing, and spending time with my lovely wife and energetic son.
Kelly Brown – Lab Supervisor
I have worked in the metals industry for over 30 years. I began my career in the foundry industry and progressed on to materials testing.
In December of 2021, I was brought onboard as the laboratory supervisor at Metallurgical Associates. I enjoy putting the pieces together which help explain the story as to why a component has failed.
As MAI’s primary SEM and EDS operator, I pride myself on producing the best images for our clients as possible.
My pastimes include golf, watching baseball and hockey. I enjoy traveling with my wife of nearly 30 years, our two wonderful children and beautiful granddaughter.
Brad Kokal – Metallurgical Engineer
I have worked in metals my entire career including casting, forging, machining, and failure analysis. I started with MAI at the end of October 2022 as a Metallurgical Engineer.
I am born and raised in Wisconsin and have a phenomenal wife and wonderful adult children.
Outside of work, I enjoy golf, motorcycling, and traveling with my family.
Valerie J Young – Vice President of Operations
Most of my career, I have been in the transportation industry and have recently moved into the metallurgical field. I am the newest to join MAI and am very excited to be here!
My career has been spent in safety, human resources, and operations. My passions have always been working with people and developing great teams. I enjoy learning the whys of how things work and educating myself in a variety of interesting topics.
Outside of work, I love travelling and I am committed to my loving husband, my wonderful family, and my fantastic dogs.
Kaycie Brown – Administrative Assistant
I have worked in various customer service and management positions before coming to MAI, and enjoy streamlining processes to make the work easier for all involved. As a team member with no education in Metals, I enjoy helping the team think outside the box to find solutions that they may not have thought of with their many years of experiences.
When you visit us, I will be the first person you see, as I sit at the front desk. Chances are I will also be the first person to answer the phone when you call. Working in a support role, I am here to assist our engineers and technicians so they can do what they do best – problem solving for you, our clients.
Outside of work, you can find me curled up with a book, playing outside with my daughter or traveling with my family.
Matthew Munkwitz – Laboratory Technician
I started working with MAI as an intern for the summer of 2024 and then returned for a full time position as a laboratory technician after I graduated from UW Platteville at the end of 2024.
My responsibilities at MAI include sample preparation and back up on the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family and the outdoors. I also enjoy history and traveling.