Smithville Spotlight: John B., Project Manager

By Chris Dobson Published August 10, 2020

When asked to describe his time at Smithville in three words, John B., Project Manager, said “My opinion matters.” Although he recently joined the team, he brings years of experience and a fresh perspective that has been welcomed in Project Management.

Before we learned more about John, we asked some very important questions to get to know him better:

    • Hometown: West Terre Haute, IN
    • Favorite TV Show: The Voice
    • Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
    • Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers
    • What He Likes to do In Free Time: Raising goats and spending time with his family, including 2 granddaughters
    • Dream Vacation Destination: Italy
    • Favorite Quote: “Treat others how you want to be treated.”

 

John came to Smithville with over 30 years in the telecommunications industry. His passion for helping lead projects serves him well in his role here at Smithville. “I retired from AT&T but still felt like I had a lot to offer a company and really wasn’t ready to not work. I applied for several jobs over a course of a year and none ever felt like the right fit until I applied at Smithville. During the interview process I felt welcomed and like I was already an employee, which made me even more excited when I accepted the position as Project Manager.”

Our Project Management department helps get new initiatives or process improvements up and running, while making sure every key stakeholder is involved and informed.  That communication is key to success, and something that is very rewarding to John. “As a Project Manager I attend various project calls during the day and work on existing projects.  I really like the fact that we get to work on almost all new or changing initiatives the company is pursuing!  It can be challenging but also rewarding at the completion of accomplishing what you have planned.” Another rewarding aspect of the job has his ability to help coworkers. “The most rewarding thing I’ve accomplished so far has been letting my manager have a vacation without worrying about what was happening while she was away.”

One of the most surprising things to John since he joined in June is the warm environment and family-feel. “I compare Smithville to that little country store you go in and everyone says hi.  There doesn’t seem to be a stranger at Smithville, and everyone likes and wants to come to work. I even get to walk by and see the CEO of the company every day.”

We can’t wait to see what project John works on next and are looking forward to the future.