Inquiring Minds Want To Know:
I got my first real job at 14 years old as a dishwasher – I did that for 6 months, and then quickly moved up to cook – perfecting my time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
I was able to take those skills and apply it doing construction for a company out of Highland that did everything and anything from remodeling bathrooms to doing thousands of feet in stone work! Changes in the construction company had me looking for a new job where I found Lindsay Exhibit Group. After a long interview with Scott (talking about baseball, hobbies and our plans for the upcoming weekend), I realized that Scott was an owner that really cared and that I wanted to be a part of this team and company. I was offered the job in the warehouse as an “exhibit technician” with the disclaimer that in the beginning I would not be traveling very much – but that could change.
Once I got that first opportunity to travel for I & D – I realized that all my previous work experiences would help me in the trade show world and it all came together. I love traveling to begin with – so traveling for Lindsay Exhibit Group is something I enjoy. I love researching the cities I’m traveling to and finding cool places to check out and unique places to eat. My family moved here from Mexico (with ancestors from Spain) – so you can say traveling is in my blood and a family tradition!
My typical week starts off in the warehouse with a to-do list with Joey. The shop team (Wesley, Mike & Zach) will use the renderings or booth setup drawings from Stacey to set up and prep exhibits that are either coming in from a show or shipping out. We make sure all the parts and pieces are there and items are added back into our rental inventory. We are in charge of taking care of the shipping and receiving – often loading and unloading trucks in the middle of the shop chaos. The sales team (Scott, Kellie & Brenden) will sit down with me before I travel for a show to go over any notes or requests from our clients.
I’ve been with Lindsay Exhibit Group for over 7 years and I’ve met a lot of great people in all the different cities that I’ve traveled to. All those connections over the years make I & D so much easier because it’s such a fast-paced environment that you don’t always have control over. But honestly – I wouldn’t have it any other way! When I’m not on the trade show floor, I’m either white water rafting, hiking or collecting (shoes, Star Wars stuff…etc).
Johnny Cash’s take on the “I’ve Been Everywhere” song describes my job the best…
I’ve been to Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota
Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota
Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma
Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma
Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo
Tocapillo, Baranquilla, and Perdilla, I’m a killer
I’ve been everywhere, man
I’ve been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man
Of travel I’ve had my share, man
I’ve been everywhere
I’ve been to Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana
Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana
Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa
Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa
Tennessee to Tennesse Chicopee, Spirit Lake
Grand Lake, Devils Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete’s sake
I love being part of the Lindsay Exhibit Group machine and the rush that comes from being on site and accomplishing set ups. Meeting new people along the way is a bonus!
Stacey has been asking me to write a blog post talking about some of the cool restaurants that I’ve eaten at in my travels. My favorite restaurants so far are….
#1 Terry Black’s in Dallas
#2 Mother’s Restaurant in New Orleans
#3 Taco El Gordo in Las Vegas
If you run into Ismael “Is” on the trade show floor – feel free to ask him where the best place to eat is!