Jonathan Workman
Junior Project Specialist
Jonathan Workman, Junior Project Specialist, started working with Miko Group in December 2009. Even with his solid background in the hotel industry, Jon was not prepared for what Miko had in store for him as a freshman employee. Within weeks of his hiring, Jon was no longer living in the comfort of his home in Warner Robins, Georgia. He was now working and living in Washington, DC. Jon was required to make contact with vendors, government employees and security specialists while reporting daily and sometimes hourly with supervisors in Oklahoma. The challenge set before Jon was great even to the most seasoned logistics specialist. “I felt like a fish out of water,” laughs Jon as he reflects back to his first days with Miko Group.
But, Jon was up to the challenge. Within days, Jon was cold-calling vendors, setting up accounts and creating relationships that have afforded the rest of Miko Group continued accessibility while working in Washington, DC. Jon became a value-minded master negotiator while working with vendors and has continued to grow his skill-set.
Jill Hatcher, Project Scheduler, remembers vividly Jon’s first days with Miko Group. “Jon joined our team in a flurry of stress and a developing work that required quick and accurate problem solving. Jon jumped right into our project with both feet.” Jill feels that he has “perfected the art of first impressions and lasting ones.” Jon’s colleagues would agree with Jill. “More than his ridiculous laughter, I have appreciated his keen attention and care for the people around him.”
His caring side was demonstrated one stressful night when Jill had gone all day without eating. “Jon literally ran to grab me something to eat right as I was about to crumble under the pressure of the job at hand,” remembers Jill. “This act of kindness meant more to me than any other thing that he has ever done for our project including finding a creative solution to a meeting print job that went awry to skillfully handling challenging meeting attendees.”
Jon has relocated and made Norman, Oklahoma his home. Being at the home office instead of a satellite office has given Jon a stronger sense of belonging. It is clear that Jon enjoys his work and his colleagues, “I moved here to get more involved with the company. I also like seeing everyone I work with everyday.”
A sense of belonging and commitment to his craft has motivated Jon to take his logistics skills to the next level by becoming a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and a Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) while pursuing a long-term career with Miko Group.
Indeed, Jon has become an integral part of the Miko family and understands the importance of community involvement. He is one of many employees who will be participating in the 11th Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on May 1, 2011. Several Miko members will walk the 5k, but Jon, and four other team members will be participating in the event’s relay come race day.
Food is also a great passion for Jon, but even he recognizes he may be in a culinary rut when ordering from restaurants. “People I work with could order for me: hot wings and burgers.” At home, however, when cooking for himself, Jon likes creating his own pasta dishes with a variety of noodles and homemade sauces. “I feel I’m the best cook in the world; better than my mom,” laughs Jon.
Jon’s confidence in his abilities will go far in the business world, but maybe not so far with his mother. However, Jon’s kind, playful and considerate nature won’t keep him in hot water for long with anyone.
Part of Jon’s appeal to his colleagues and to Miko client’s is his ability to make the impossible, possible and to bring a lightness to even the most daunting situation. From securing hotel bellman carts to creating makeshift office supplies from painter’s tape, Jon is a man of action and unbridled energy. According to Kathie Nicoletti, Project Specialist, it is Jon’s skill set, energy and sense of humor that are his most memorable characteristics. “Jonathan elicits laughter and smiles from those around him. He has a way of drawing people in and creating a fun atmosphere,” said Kathie.
Perhaps office partner and colleague, Kym Bracken, Logistics Associate, captures Jon the most accurately: “To work with Mr. Workman is to realize he is aptly named. Jon is able to put his nose to the grindstone while at the same time maintain a sense of whimsy and fun that makes being his office mate a pleasure. He helps keep me young.”