Don’t let this man’s poker face fool you, he’s an around-the clock team player who contributes to an amazing culture in AVIAN’s Panama City Beach office.
Matt is that teammate who is always willing to help and support his coworkers. He’s a troubleshooting creative-thinker who can do a little bit of everything. Even when he underwent major surgery during the summer of 2018, he continued his intuitive culture of caring by offering to still support the team.
We had some time recently to chat with Matt to learn more about this legendary team player.
Here’s what he said.
1. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AT AVIAN AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH US?
I’ve been at AVIAN for one year. I work with the Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) group as a drafter, checking parts, and creating illustrations for AMCM’s Performance Support System (PSS). With help of Cole (our graphics artist) I make all our banners, posters, signs, and other items that may come up. I have also been helping Charlie with the IT here in PCB.
2. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST IMPACTFUL MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THUS FAR?
One of the most fun projects was testing a high-voltage mine roller called the Tarantula. I was one of the main test drivers on it and probably put thousands and thousands of miles on it.
3. WHAT MAKES YOU MOST EXCITED TO SUPPORT OUR AMCM PROGRAM?
The variety of work. There’s always a new project popping up. For example, the schoolhouse recently asked if we could get them some miniature mine shapes, they could use for training aids and so now I have a new 3D printing machine that I’ve been experimenting with.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING FOR AVIAN?
The people have been amazing. From my surgery last year to Hurricane Michael everyone at AVIAN has done so much to help.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:
1. NAME ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES YOU.
My dad. He has been a big part of my life. Growing up he coached little league, basketball, etc. He is retired from the Air Force and has always been a ‘do it yourself’ person. He can fix almost anything, and I have learned a lot from just following him around since before I can remember. I can always count on him. Not a lot of people will come over in the middle of the night in pouring rain to help you dig a trench because your living room is flooding.
2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE “PERK” ABOUT WORKING FOR AVIAN?
Just the little things AVIAN does to show they care and appreciate you. Like last year when we had a bunch of cupcakes in a jar just show up at the office. It was a nice treat and makes you feel good.
3. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB?
NASCAR driver. I grew up around racecars. When I was younger, we live in northern Maine and my dad raced at a short track, so we spent most weekends in the summer at the track.
4. IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. – I grew up watching NASCAR rooting for his dad and watched Junior for pretty much his entire career cheering for him as well.
