What was your line of service? And how did those skills transfer to your career now?
I was a Cavalry Scout in the Army. While that job is vastly different from my roles in IT and Project Management, I believe the most important skills that transferred were problem solving and decision making. Cavalry scouts often face complex situations requiring quick and effective decision-making. This ability is vital in IT and Project Management to navigate project challenges and make informed decisions.
What has kept you in this industry/at your company/position you’re in?
The people I work with. I have been blessed with being part of amazing teams here at US LBM. My current team of Project Managers and the BSS teams we work with on a daily basis have some of the highest performing individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. What makes them even better, is that they LOVE to come together and work as a team
I have also had some phenomenal mentors here. I have had a mentor that has been there for me since the day I started at Universal Supply Company back in 2013. I know I can call him day or night for anything; having that kind of support goes a long way. Another recent mentor has spent countless hours teaching me about the business, and is also always there if I have a question or problem I need help addressing.
Who was your first mentor and what did you learn from them?
My first mentor was Angelo Gadola, my platoon sergeant when I was deployed to Iraq in 2006/2007. He really showed me the importance of hard work and always being prepared. Angelo was dedicated and always had a plan, no matter what came our way. His lessons on resilience and strategic thinking have stuck with me ever since. These principles have helped me tackle both personal and professional challenges.