When Tom Brantley took his engineering background to the Leon County (Fla.) facilities director opening in 1995, his mentor thought the job change was a bad idea.
"He stated two years as about the maximum time period that he thought i could stay without damaging myself as an engineer," Brantley says.
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Facilities Director Happy He Ignored Mentor’s AdviceBrantley wound up overstaying his mentor's suggestion by 19 years, and will hold on to the position until his retirement later this year. He says his background only enhanced his ability to shine in his newfound profession.
"The engineering credentials only made me a much more exceptional facilities director than i could have ever dreamed of achieving as a mere design engineer," Brantley says. "Although I still respect his concern for me, I'm glad that I chose to ignore my mentor's advice."
Brantley had more to say about his career in our latest Management Track podcast, which can be found by clicking here. Management Track takes a closer look at the maintenance and engineering management profession by speaking with leaders at institutional and commercial facilities throughout the country.
