10 Questions with Armand Pimentel

The facility director of plant operations and maintenance at Cape Cod Hospital reflects on his years working aboard offshore oil rigs, traveling the world, his passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep our healthcare facilities running smoothly.

Long before he was overseeing hospital infrastructure projects at Cape Cod Healthcare, Armand Pimentel was navigating life aboard massive oil drilling ships in some of the most remote waters in the world. 

“You realize how small you are when you’re out there in the middle of the ocean, even on an 800-foot ship,” Pimentel said. 

Family time: With wife, Michaela, a physician assistant in cardiac surgery at Cape Cod Hospital, and daughters Kennedy and Paisley.

Now the facility director of plant operations and maintenance at Cape Cod Hospital, Pimentel manages the behind-the-scenes systems that keep our hospital facilities and medical offices operating safely and efficiently, from heating and cooling systems to emergency generators and construction projects. 

Pimentel sees his team as playing an important role in the patient experience. “We affect a patient journey, essentially from the moment they get out of their car,” he said, describing everything from snow removal and groundskeeping to making sure rooms are comfortable and critical systems are functioning. 

Among the projects he is most proud of are the transformation of the ICU at Falmouth Hospital and the development of the Barbey Pavilion at Cape Cod Hospital. Pimentel was heavily involved in both projects from the earliest planning stages through construction and completion, working closely with engineering teams, contractors and hospital staff every step of the way. 

“To go from watching the foundation being poured to seeing cancer patients receive treatment with linear accelerators at the Barbey Pavilion is absolutely beautiful,” he said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see it all come full circle.” 

Before arriving at CCHC, Pimentel spent years traveling the globe and working offshore in the oil industry. A graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in marine engineering, he started aboard tugboats transporting petroleum between Louisiana and Florida before joining an offshore drilling company that took him to South Korea, where he helped oversee construction of a massive drill ship. 

“We basically watched the ship get built, and then they handed us the keys and said, ‘Good luck on your way to Africa,’” he recalls with a laugh. He added the career was extremely dangerous, and at times, reminiscent of the intense offshore drilling drama “Deepwater Horizon,” starring Mark Wahlberg. 

During his years offshore, Pimentel traveled through pirate waters, endured hurricanes and mechanical failures, and learned to stay calm under intense pressure hundreds of miles from shore. 

“When things are going down and you’re out to sea, nobody’s there to really come and save you,” he said. “You’ve got to stay calm under pressure and figure things out.” 

Behind the scenes: Keeping hospital operations running smoothly in the Barbey Pavilion boiler room.

Eventually seeking a more grounded family life, Pimentel transitioned into power plants before bringing his expertise to Cape Cod Healthcare nearly four years ago. 

Outside of work, Pimentel enjoys spending time with his wife, Michaela, who also works at Cape Cod Hospital as a physician assistant in cardiac surgery, and their two young daughters, Paisley and Kennedy. He’s also passionate about Brazilian jiu-jitsu, home projects and family beach days on Cape Cod. We recently sat down with Armand in his office at Cape Cod Hospital to learn more about his background and the things he enjoys most beyond the workplace.

1. What was your first-ever job?

Working at my family’s bar in the south end of New Bedford. My dad and grandfather owned the business. From a young age, I was helping behind the scenes and parking cars with my dad. It gave me a crash course in life and taught me work ethic, customer service and responsibility early on. My dad always pushed me to work hard to earn a buck and follow my goals.

2. If you weren’t working in facilities management, what career would you be in?

I would have pursued law enforcement at the state or local level. That was always my fallback plan growing up. 

3. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? 

By means of air, land and sea, I’ve traveled completely around the world both east to west and west to east—all starting and ending in Massachusetts.

On the mat: Training with Royce Gracie in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

4. What’s one of your passions outside of work?  

Definitely Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’ve been training for years and absolutely love it. Mentally and physically, there’s no better therapy in the world.  The discipline, camaraderie, confidence and the loyalty are unlike anything else you will experience. I try to train three or four days a week at Daniel Gracie Academy in Hyannis. Each session lasts about an hour and a half. There’s nothing easy about it, but it’s a true example of how hard work pays off.

5. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 

I have two of them from my dad. First, he always told me to “be a leader, not a follower.” That stuck with me throughout my life and career. Second, after I graduated from Mass Maritime, I was nervous about traveling. He’d sit me down and tell me to travel and enjoy the ride. He advised me to experience everything, and everything from home is going to be here waiting for me when I get back. He pushed me in the right direction.

6. What motivates you on the toughest days?

My two daughters. I want them to see the value of hard work, dedication and always pushing yourself to be your best. I have always had that internal drive, and I really want to instill that in them as well.

7. Favorite TV show or movie?

I’ve probably watched “The Sopranos” five times. I also love the “Rocky” movies and I am a total Marvel nerd.

Offshore days: While working on a drilling ship, Armand learned to stay calm under pressure.

8. Is there a house project you’re currently working on?

I’m finishing a movie theater room in my house. We had an old open space, and I’ve always loved movies, so it’s been a fun family project. 

9. What do you enjoy most about spending time with your family? 

Honestly, just being together and doing things around the house. I like to think of myself as a bit of a jack of all trades. This time of year, I’m always outside landscaping, working on the lawn or planting flowers whenever I get the chance. 

I also built a chicken coop and now we have 13 chickens, so we’re constantly getting fresh eggs. My daughters love coming down with me to feed them, fill the water and collect the eggs. After traveling the world, I just enjoy being home. 

10. Favorite spot on Cape Cod?  

Mayflower Beach. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer day with the kids. I’m in full dad mode now. We love going at low tide when the tidal pools come out and the kids can splash around looking for hermit crabs.