JON Olin
Favorite Part of Job? The conceptual phase of projects. I like brainstorming through the many possibilities to develop creative solutions that best meet the needs of the individual project.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Varghese Singh was my first mentor when I worked for a firm in New York City. He encouraged me to develop a deep understanding of the engineering for the project. Varghese has since passed away, but remains in my mind as I continue to grow and develop in this field.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I can wiggle my ears.. (and nose and eyebrows all at the same time).
Favorite Downtime Activity: Hiking. I love getting out in the woods, especially in the fall.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Camping in Vermont State Parks. I can't pick a single one, each has their own great qualities.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram. Admitted I don't get much business use from it, but i can get a nice Hefe touch on my bridge photos.
Favorite Website: Google. It gets me everywhere.
Vermont Business Person you would most want to Network with: Jake Burton. Of course.
Career Highlights: The post-Irene recovery. Witnessing and being a part of the amazing community response that took place in so many Towns was truly inspiring. It showed the strength and character of Vermont residents.
Community Involvement: I'm currently the Board Treasurer for Pine Forest Children's Center (Burlington, VT). We are a non-profit organization and provide care for over 80 children from birth to pre-k, and have 23 staff members. In the past I volunteered with the Vermont Refugee Program where I was an English tutor for 2 families who recently relocated to the United States. We covered so much more than English and I assisted with their assimilating to our culture (i.e. obtaining a drivers license, arguing with a cable company, filling out paperwork...).
John Boutin, Publisher of VBM, Lisa Gosselin, VT Dept. Economic Dev. and Rising Star Jon Olin.