I, Thomas Fagan, am submitting my Statement of Intent to run for the Board of Directors.
Hi Guys,
Many of you have seen me around the space most likely in Automotive, Metal Shop, Machine Shop, Wood Shop, or elbows deep in something dirty trying to help out and keep the space going. I am usually dress like I am homeless, or as a "Pee Wee Baseball Coach", as described by Bert.
I have been a member for over 6 years and can safely say that I LOVE the space and most of it's inhabitants. Which is my primary motivation for running for the board. I have built many friendships and truly appreciate the comradery that the makerspace fosters. I would like for more people to spend days at the space working trouble-free on projects with the their friends. I want to ensure this is an option in perpetuity.
Background:
- Undergraduate degree in electrical engineering
- Masters in Business Administration
- By practice I am a systems engineer
- I have worked as a Program Manager, Project Manager, Project Engineer (most of my career), Product Engineer, and Systems Engineer for the past 20'ish years
- I have worked in HVAC, approximately 7-10 years, as a technician, then by helping my buddy get his HVAC business off the ground, then as my own hobby business.....I am NOT taking on new customers as I am reclaiming time to invest in things like the Makerspace
- I also briefly started and operated a Machine Shop in late 2021- Q2 2022. Long story short my actual hourly rate dropped too low to keep pursuing the passion.
- I have planned and execute multiple manufacturing line bring-ups. From layout to construction to tool installs to qualifying the initial products coming off the lines.
Strengths:
- My super power is sensing BS. In technical presentation, ideas, quotes, and people
- Experience running projects/programs/efforts $50k - $20M; No direct reports so I have plenty of experience motivating people I have no organizational power over
- I have some workhour flexibility and every other Friday off of work which will enable me to take part in activities requiring execution during normal business hours
- Ability to quickly grasp complex ideas, assess viability, and break into manageable tasks
- Ability to balance constraints to obtain the best possible outcomes (cost, schedule, performance)
- ABSOLUTE blunt HONESTY.....No questioning where I am coming from or going.
Weaknesses:
- Tolerance for BS
- Word choices
- Software....Basic Python and Matlab are about the extents of my software expertise.
- Grammar and punctuation
- ABSOLUTE blunt HONESTY.....It is a strength and weakness as some people would rather sensitivity over honesty
Objectives:
- Help spread the load on the board with some strong board members departing
- I would like to help the team work the expansion effort in whatever aspect(s) I can be of utility
- I genuinely want to be part of a team that iterates on the successes of the past boards and officers to increase workspace functionality for each respective committee and interest group (SIG)
- I want to help others have the same sort of positive experiences and support I have had at that makerspace
Hopefully, I have answered any questions you have regarding my viability as a board candidate and eased any concerns. I am very approachable and I would argue that I am at least amusing to talk to. So if you see me at the space hit me up. I'm likely in a black baseball cap and safety glasses.
I look forward to chatting with you and hopefully serving you as your board member.
Thank you for your considerations!
Thanks,
Thomas
Signature
Thomas Fagan
Member Support / Endorsements:
Page History:
Version
Date
Author
Comment
1
2023-04-01
Thomas Fagan
3 Comments
Julie Harris
I endorse Thomas for the board. I believe that his experience and temperment would be an asset to DMS, especially for the expansion.
Tim Bene
I endorse Thomas. He will be an absolute asset for the space as a Board Member. He will be able to help with expansion, & be able to tell if the General Contractor is BS’ing. This is important to getting the job done. Contractors are notoriously bad about dragging project on past their substantial completion date. With Thomas’s background, he will be able to hit the nail in the head driving expansion to completion.
His election to the board will great for the space as a whole. His ability to keep it cool in situations is a pivotal role in keeping the space functional on the board.
Bob Karnaugh
I endorse Thomas. At first I was getting concerned about Thomas stuffing another commitment into his busy life; but with his commitment not to take on new customers in his HVAC side line in consideration of serving on the Board, I got over that. (Since old customers will probably go away soon anyway - just Joking)
No doubt that DMS can benefit greatly from Thomas' talents. We would be getting a somewhat uncommon combination of technical abilities with people skills, just what we need more of in DMS leadership.
Thomas thinks that BS tolerance is a weakness; I found that at times my ability to absorb 40 times my body weight in excess BS was a handy skill, one that management appreciated and rewarded. Of course, 40 times Thomas' weight would be a whole lot more BS.
Anyhow, the membership should seriously consider the value of adding Thomas to the Board.