Where are you from and what did you study in school?
Ian: I was born in Naples, FL. Moved to Southeastern Michigan where I grew up in a small town named Algonac. I went to Massage Therapy school after high school but at 19 I moved to the Buffalo, NY area where I really started studying life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Ian: Well…what I can say for sure is I really enjoy spending time with just my wife. Between her classes, 3 kids, 2 dogs, and the house we only get so much time to go out and just do what we want. We do get help from our oldest Landon. He is 17 and always offers his time to watch his brother and sister. I am also a 90’s kid so I do love my video games. Call of Duty is my go-to but I enjoy any Battle Royale style gaming.
What jobs did you have before working with UE Systems?
Ian: I worked at a company called Green Homes America out of Syracuse, NY. They did insulation, doors, windows, and HVAC. I started as a #3 guy on an insulation crew. I basically crawled around attics air sealing, baffling, and blowing cellulose for 6 years. I then moved out of the attic and got my BPI certification as a Building Analyst, Energy Auditor, and Envelope Professional. A year later I became the Office Manager and then the acting General Manager.
What was your first impression of the maintenance & reliability community?
Ian: I thought it was a great community filled with like-minded people. Just really grounded, down-to-earth people. Everybody seemed very helpful and always willing to answer any questions I had. It is a hard-working community with a level of passion that is inspiring. There is always someone out there pushing things to a new level, and I admire that.
What’s surprised you most about what you could do with ultrasound technology?
Ian: Really everything. I did not know what a Steam Trap even was, let alone having the ability to inspect it. I think what really surprised me the most is how much you can do with the technology. How versatile it is.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Ian: I would like to think that I am funny, but I would have to say my ability to play and teach drums. For many years I marched and taught Drum and Bugle Corps. When I competed in DCI (Drum Corps International) I toured the USA 4 different times and went to Europe in 2001 to compete in the World Music Festival. I won championships and taught world-class drumlines in my 20-year career
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
Ian: Oh boy… the possibilities. I would have to say an expert in either cooking or finances. Either way, I will be fat and happy!!
Where is a place you would like to visit?
Ian: Take my family to Disney World. Don’t get me wrong, I know it is cliché, but I would love to give my kids that experience.
Cake or Pie?
Ian: Neither – Sugar-free Pudding
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, past or present, who would it be and why?
Ian: I would love to have dinner with all my loved ones I have lost throughout the years. Just to have one more dinner, one more conversation, one more laugh and one more embrace with them would mean the world to me.
What’s your best childhood memory?
Ian: I would say my time in Florida. I remember so many great and fun times. Riding my bike when it flooded from heavy rain and hurricanes.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Ian: Don’t let fear stop you. Let Fear drive you to achieve the things you never thought possible.
Do you have any movie or TV show recommendations?
Ian: Rick and Morty. Movies: Anything with John Candy!
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Ian: Brownies and Milk!
What is the most important thing you have learned while working with UE Systems?
Ian: I would say how to stay self-motivated and keep a high level of self-discipline to achieve excellence when no ones looking. This job truly is a test of your Character. What do you do when no one is watching?
