Mike Young serves as manager for the Vendor Management Office (VMO) in Information Technology (IT), a far cry from the starry-eyed college math major wanting to be a landman. Degree in hand and eager to work, he joined a top tech company, uncertain he’d like the industry but grateful for the hire. That’s when it hit him.
“My position sent me to Dallas, New York, Tokyo, and other cities where I quickly realized how integrated IT is in every business,” Young said. “I started to love the industry, especially working with customers. That opened up a world of IT I didn’t know about.”
After two decades at a large corporation, Young decided it was time to take the next step in his career. Trading big city buzz for small town U.S.A., he took residency in a few locales around the Texas Panhandle, a move that would further define his profession and workplace attitude.
“I loved the purpose customer service gave me, and in these small towns, I connected with the people. There’s a closeness that is difficult to find in metropolises,” Young said. “I witnessed the impact I made on the individual and community. I loved the purpose and reward of customer service.”
Young quickly heard about Pantex and the mission, and the kinship such a unifying undertaking produces. It sounded like a perfect fit for him and what he wanted for his career. One resume later, he joined the team.
“I’m proud to be a small part in the long history of Pantex,” Young said. “Our mission keeps all Pantexans united in our day-to-day support of each other. It is truly something bigger than each individual and I am proud to have work that matters.”
Young’s VMO team manages the acquisition of IT materials (hardware, software, subcontractors), provides financial reports and data call coordination, and assures compliance with NNSA directives. He’s proud of his team and his work, and a few stand-out gratifying moments.
“I enjoyed presenting the Focus at a Monthly Managers Meeting,” Young said. “I am such a big believer in the Focus principles that I worked through my
discomfort with public speaking. I was also proud to represent Pantex at some careers fairs, despite my short time working here.”
Young values the journey and destinations of his career, but he’s truly fond of that one decision he made right out of college.
“I’m fortunate to have landed in IT and to serve in many positions within the field,” Young said. “I’ve learned in each position, at every place, to become a true partner with the customer and learn their business. This same view of my work here makes me appreciate supporting the Pantex mission.”
Why is it important we keep a questioning attitude?
It helps us avoid doing things just because they have always been done a certain way. Also, it helps me to understand the process, procedure, and overall business of Pantex. Understanding what we do and why we do it is a key to success in every task.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
Embrace the mission and realize time is short. These ideas combined generate the best in attitude and aptitude. The most value comes when a person has both of these qualities.
What’s your top bucket list item and why?
Attend the Masters Golf Tournament or the Open Championship and, if I could, walk inside the ropes. I played golf in high school and college, as did my father. I’ve always had a love for the game.