Hazen Metro
36 | BI Wizard, American Meadows
Residence: Orange
Career highlight you are most proud of:
At American Meadows, I’m always seeking opportunities to create impactful solutions. In my role as a BI expert, I developed a best-in-class suite of reports and utilities that empower teams across the organization. These tools are now integral to our daily operations, driving efficiency and helping us stay proactive in managing the business.
Community Involvement:
I have been a bagpiper since I was 14, and my formal education is actually a degree in Scottish Music - Bagpipes with Honors from the Royal Conservatory of Scotland. I don't use this in my day to day job, but I use it to help run the Catamount Pipe Band, which is a registered 501 (c) 3 with the state of vermont. I work with the director to help organize music, play at all the events, teach music, and most importantly keep the band in tune!
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont?
I was born in Vermont, and I am actually a 9th generation Vermonter (my wife, as well!). So although I left the state to go to university, I knew I was always going to come back. Vermont will always be home!
Favorite part of your job:
My favorite part of my job is getting to learn new skills and employ them to build better. Particularly when I get to learn new ways to code and get to build new tools for the organization.
Most inspiring mentor and why:
I have worked with an absolutely amazing team at American Meadows and they have given me the opportunity to grow. Ethan Platt, Mike Lizotte, the current owners I have to give credit most of all here. I also got to work with an amazing and brilliant consultant who came in to redesign our product team - Al Margulius who taught me everything I know about merchandising.
What is the best career advice you have received?
I'm not sure I can remember any one piece of advice. I think what I have followed is just to stay curiously engaged at all times.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know:
I'm a pretty open book! Everyone knows my 'secret' which is that when I'm not at work I'm moonlighting as a professional bagpiper.
What three words best describe you:
Three words that best describe me are logical, resourceful, detail-oriented.
Favorite Vermont escape:
My favorite Vermont escape is being at home with my friends and shutting off all work!
Favorite Vermont season:
My favorite Vermont escape is fall.
Favorite downtime activity:
My favorite downtime activity is playing music.
Favorite Social Media and why:
My favorite social media is escaping social media.
What is your favorite smell?
My favorite smell is probably freshly roasted coffee beans.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
The person I'd most like to share a Vermont beverage with is Martyn Bennett.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support:
If I had unlimited access to funds, I would help support causes for substance abuse like the Howard Center. I'd also help fund Vermont Institute for the Celtic Arts to promote tradition and arts within Vermont.
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 all the music I listen to when I'm in deep work focus mode. Like Fisher sets.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I aspire to lead a high-performing team of expert BI professionals at American Meadows, driving innovation and harnessing data to unlock new growth opportunities. My goal is to push boundaries, refine processes, and position our business as an industry leader through data-driven insights and strategic leadership.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years I would love to be at the forefront of analytics and BI, developing innovative data strategies that streamline all the various processes for our growing team, and building data views that help position our business as an industry pioneer.
