Calvin Caswell
31 | Owner/Inspector, The BrickKicker of Vermont
Residence: Franklin
Career highlight you are most proud of:
The career highlight I'm most proud of is making the leap to operate my own business.
Community Involvement:
As a young adult, I would volunteer at my local library. There I would complete tasks such as sorting books back into the collection and facilitating story time to toddlers. 
As a teenager, I as a need for umpires at my local little league. I was a volunteer umpire for five or six years, including a few years as the 'head umpire'.
My greatest community involvement has been as a volunteer firefighter. Starting at age sixteen, I have been a volunteer firefighter for over fifteen years now. I love the comradery within the group and the ability to serve my community.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I was fortunate to have been born and raised here in Vermont. While I've visited many other places, I'd never want to live anywhere else.
Favorite part of your job:
My favorite part of my job is being able to educate first-time home buyers about their new home. From needed repairs to general maintenance, providing a clearer view of what is likely the largest purchase of their lives so far.
Most inspiring mentor and why:
My most inspiring mentor is my father-in-law Tim Clark. Tim has always been there for me, from hours of discussing fire service strategies and tactics to now business strategies and tactics. Tim has been responsible for much of my growth as a firefighter, a person, and a business owner.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have received is, "Keep doing what you are doing and get a business degree." - Al Herringshaw (Owner & GM, Pella Products Inc.)
What three words best describe you:
Disciplined, motivated and whole-hearted.
Favorite Vermont escape:
My favorite Vermont escape is Mt. Mansfield. Likely via the Laura Cowles or Hellbrook trails.
Favorite Vermont season:
My favorite Vermont season is fall. There is nothing better than a fall hike to see the foliage and enjoy a nice crisp apple at the top.
Favorite downtime activity:
Downtime? What is downtime?
I own my own business and have two kids under four. Downtime to me is spent being active: hiking, biking, running, playing hockey, etc.
Favorite Social Media and why:
My favorite social media is none of them. They are all mind rotting, time wasters. I, unfortunately, spend too much time on Facebook.
What is your favorite smell?
My favorite smell is fire gear after a structure fire. (Probably not the healthiest choice)
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
The person I'd most like to share a Vermont beverage with is Ulysses S. Grant. Born to nothing, rose to greatness in the Civil War and then President. Died poor and forgotten. It would be quite a conversation.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support:
The cause I would support is fire fighter cancer research and treatment. Better, more protective gear for every firefighter in the country. I see way too many of my 'brothers and sisters' succumbing to dangerous environments. Including Vergennes Chief Jim Bruer, who died of brain cancer last year.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend:
The song on my playlist I would be embarrassed to tell my best friend is Cake by the Ocean by DNCE
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years I'd like to be right here at the helm of The BrickKicker.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
The career goals I'd like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are to grow the service offering of The BrickKicker and to add more rental units to our portfolio.
