With close to 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Steve has seen many industry changes transform everyday lives and his profession. He feels fortunate to have worked in such a dynamic field with many amazing projects along the way.
Some of his most rewarding work was accomplished during Steve’s five years as a civilian contractor overseeing all low-voltage systems for all construction projects pursued by the Army Corps of Engineers. During this time he was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Medal, which is the third highest award a civilian employee can receive in the Army.
“I saw many buildings go up—from gymnasiums to working dog hospitals and everything in between,” says Steve. “It was an incredible moment in my career, and I was excited about all of the work, but the projects I enjoyed most were facilities for wounded warriors. We oversaw the design and construction of medical and research facilities as well as living quarters. These men and women gave their all for this country and what little I could do to make their lives a bit easier was a true honor and privilege.”
As a veteran himself, Steve notes that his life changed dramatically while serving in the Coast Guard when he saw a film about W. Edwards Deming. Deming was the founder of total quality management, a manufacturing process that transformed the Japanese economy after World War II, and the movie completely changed Steve’s perspective on life and work. “It was a documentary produced late in Deming’s life, but you could still see youthful ambition in his eyes,” says Steve. “The efficient management processes he created were revolutionary at the time and I embraced his teachings. He taught me that anyone can contribute to a process and all input is valuable.”
Steve’s collaborative spirit is evident both in his work and personal life. He is a husband and father who is dedicated to community service. “My wife and I volunteer at Austin Pets Alive, a local non-profit dedicated to animal rescue and placement,” explains Steve. “I am a dog walker and I am working on earning the privilege to train both the small and large dogs. I would save every dog if I had the money to do so.” In addition to spending time with his family and helping dogs, Steve enjoys wood working and takes on design/build projects at home whenever possible.
Steve’s favorite quote is by one of the world’s most famous sculptors, painters, architects, and poets Michelangelo: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”
