What motivated you to enter your career?
Honestly, never would I have imagined that I’d be in the position I’m in today. My motivation was to ensure that I was able to provide for my family.
- How long have you been in your field?
Aviation- 3 Years
14+years total work experience
- What other professional organizations are you involved in?
1) American Association of Airport Executives (Certified Member)
2) Airports Council International (International Airport Professional)
3) Project Management Institute (Project Management Professional)
4) Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (Emerging Leaders Committee)
- Tell us something that not many people may know about you?
I used to DJ in my spare time. In fact, I still own a set of original 1982, Technic Turntables.
- What was your first job? Craziest job? Or crazy on the job experience ?
First job was as an intern at Cintas Corporation, just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. My craziest on the job experience while interning was flying in the corporate jet with several of the executives visiting three different distribution centers in three different states and being back home the same day by 5 PM. I can recall getting home asking my college roommates, “so…what did you do today” 😉
- What is furthest place you have ever visited?
France.
- How did you end up in facility management or the position that you are in?
For over 8 years, I worked as a consultant for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority providing Project Control and Asset Management services. The opportunity to move into Aviation came once my second contract ended. It was clearly time to make a transition.
- What is your personal secret to success or personal motto?
Have faith, move with confidence and let your work speak for itself.
- What has been the most important aspect that has contributed to your success?
Building Relationships. None of my accomplishments have ever come unassisted. I take pride in developing mutually beneficial relationships that become more than just business.
- What has been the greatest challenge you’ve experienced in your career?
Transitioning from transit to aviation as well as from private to public all in one move presented the greatest challenges of my career.
- What is your biggest pet peeve at your job?
Waiting on approval or signatures… Really… who honestly enjoys doing that?
- How do you de-stress?
My two boys, Ashton (7) and Aiden (4) always remind me that nothing in life is more important than family. A couples massage with my wife Abi doesn’t hurt either.
- How has your Atlanta Chapter IFMA membership benefited you and/or your career?
IFMA Atlanta has provided the benefit of being able to network with industry professionals right here in my backyard. I’ve learned a lot of applicable best practices through my involvement with the chapter. Plus, it’s a place where you’re treated like family. You’ve got to love that.
- What is your favorite Hobby?
Believe it or not, I’m a guy who loves to shop.
- What is your business philosophy? Favorite quote?
“Train your employees well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
(Richard Branson )
- What do you find the most challenging at your job?
Embracing an Enterprise-wide Asset Management philosophy in an organization focused on maintaining levels of service for nearly 280,000 passengers everyday.
- If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?
President Barack Obama. I’d love to get insight on what it takes to run the United States of America while also finding work-life balance as a husband and father, when in such high demand.
- What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?
I really enjoy interacting with colleagues and coworkers throughout the airport. Nothing makes work more enjoyable than working with great people everyday.
- What does a typical day look like for you?
Wake up. Get the kids ready. Kiss the wife. Drop the kids off. Fight through Atlanta traffic. Arrive at work. Collaborate with planners, architects, engineers and managers to adapt to the ever-growing infrastructure needs of the the world’s most traveled airport. Check on my wife. Attend meeting after meeting. Fight back through Atlanta traffic. Pick up the kids. Continue with my other full time job as dad and husband. Pray. Sleep. Repeat.
- What is your greatest personal achievement?
I would have to say that earning my International Airport Professional accreditation has been my greatest personal achievement.
