KicKee's Everyday Heroes, Part 2
Scott Ellis, Retired Chief PettyOfficer (CPO), Navy
What is your job title and what does a typical day at work look like for you?
Ret. CPO - Currently Shipbuilding Specialist: I develop repair specifications and government estimates in support of various shipbuilding contracts. I review and evaluate contractor proposals for the purpose of providing input or negotiating labor and material costs. I plan the repairs, do research and procure materials, estimate man-hours and material requirements, and negotiate final tasking in order to accomplish the completion of repairs in a timely manner. I monitor the contractor's cost control systems during contract performance and recommend cost approval or disapproval. I review contract specifications, drawings, technical manuals, and design test requirements to determine and evaluate contractor compliance, progress, and work quality.
Tell us a little bit about your most memorable day at work and why it stood out to you.
My most memorable day at work was the day that I completed my last enlistment on-board the USS Midway by Chief Petty Officer Stuart Hedly with my family. It stands out as it commemorates the last leg of my career shared with a beloved Pearl Harbor survivor and my loved ones.
What do you feel is the most rewarding part of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career has been when I would teach something to another Sailor, either junior or senior to myself, and the genuine appreciation, and enjoyment the experienced in their accomplishment.
Was there a major turning point in your career that led you to where you are today?
The turning point in my career was actually when I experienced the complete sadness of our toddler when I had to go back into work for a few hours to complete evening colors (lowering the Flag). That moment is what decided the fact that I was not going to continue any follow on enlistments. At that moment, a little two years prior to my retirement is when I started the roadmap and planning to be hired into government service in my current position.
My military service, as well as, the follow on civil service career that I began, is meaningful to me because it ensures and protects the safety and prosperity of not just my family and friends, but contributes to the common good of the United States democratic population as a whole. I absolutely feel and believe the saying by Mother Teresa in "The greatest good is the good that we do for one another." is an absolute fact. Contributing to the good of others does nothing but improve the world as a whole.
Toby Wallis, Veterinarian, general practice
What is your job title and primary responsibilities?
Veterinarian, general practice. I help to maintain the health and wellbeing of furry family members, I also diagnose and treat patients, when they are not feeling well, through either medicine, surgery or a combination of both.
Tell us a little bit about your most memorable day at work and why it stood out to you.
The first time I performed surgery on a tiger, I will always remember that day because, well it was a 400lb tiger, haha. I always enjoy expanding my knowledge, a stretching myself so that I can continue to grow every day.
What inspired you to be a Vet? What continues to inspire you throughout your career?I have always wanted to be a veterinarian to help animals, but not until I helped our family veterinarian suture up one of our horses did I realize and understand that it was my passion. Our furry loved ones give us the best of themselves each and every day, yet don't have a "voice" in the classical sense of the word, so if I can be their voice and advocate for them I consider it an honor. As far as continued inspiration, it is the bonds we form with both the patient and their families. Our pets have become family members and they represent something different for each individual family, for some they represent the child they couldn't have, others it represents a lost loved one, for another it's a turning point or milestone in their lives, but all of them are companions. If I can help give the pet a long healthy life then hopefully I have a positive effect on that person/ family.
Joel Celis, Business Owner, TC Roofing and Construction
What is your job title and what does a typical day at work look like for you?
I am the co-owner of TC roofing and construction along with my amazing wife Tabby. I handle the day to day and she insures we are financially sound. For our industry there isn’t really a typical day. Each house brings its own challenges you don’t know what your getting into until you open it up. I start my mornings usually around 6:30am and I am always the last to leave typically getting home around 9:00pm My job is to oversee production from start to finish of our roofing or construction projects. My day is usually 15+ hour days, 5-6 days a week.
What inspired you to do the work that you do? What continues to inspire you throughout your career?The yearning to help others and the thought of being my own boss. Wanting to be the best, I want to be the one people recommend and trust to take care of their home like my own.
What do you feel is the most rewarding part of your career? When I go to a project and their home is in shambles, I get to go in and beautify it. The home owners seeing the end results and seeing their smiles makes the long hours worth it.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of throughout your career? When I started in this industry I was the lowest on the totem pole. Working in a warehouse loading shingles on roofs and 10 years later I own my own business. Remember life is a marathon it takes time to build an empire
Others know the work you do is meaningful. We want to know why it’s meaningful to YOU! People trust me with their biggest investment. They trust that I will do a good job, go above and beyond their expectations and deliver everything I set out to do.