Every once in a while, we like to show off one of our hardworking, detail-oriented problem solvers. Take a moment to see who's in the spotlight today!

Name: Ben Gielow

Title: Director of Operations, Avalon Rochester

Start date: 4/21/14 

Tell us “your story.” How did you end up at Avalon?

Avalon was my second job out of college. My first job was as a life insurance salesman and that did not go so well. Avalon seemed like the perfect place for me to get my foot in the door and work my way up the ranks of the company.

What’s your favorite thing about Avalon?

I think my favorite thing about Avalon is that every day is different. At least that’s how I feel about my position. Some days you know what to expect but then there are those days that just come out of left field and it keeps me on my toes.

What’s your favorite thing about your position at Avalon?

Being able to manage my team day in and day out, as well as manage the financial side of the operations department. It’s nice to be able to put my business administration/management degree to good use.

What is your proudest moment at Avalon?

My proudest moment would be being hired as the Director of Operations back in 2018, which then allowed me to turn the production team around, which was not in a great place when I took over. Being able to slowly mold and craft my own team into how I envisioned it has been hard at times, but also rewarding, as I now have a very solid and dependable team in place.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Every day is different but a lot of the time you will find me QC’ing work that my team has completed. As well as ordering paper and supplies based on what we need.

What’s your favorite workplace memory?

Finding out that I had been hired as the new Director of Operations. I was out on a delivery, as I worked in service at the time as a CSR, when they said to come back to the office. I was wondering to myself if I had actually gotten the position – and sure enough I did.

What are you listening to right now (music/podcast/audio book)?

I’m not really a podcast kind of guy. I’m kind of old school where I still listen to the radio. I like a lot of different types of music, but I’m mostly a classic rock fan. Journey and Springsteen are my favorites.

What’s a must-read blog or book that you’ve read recently and why?

I honestly do not do a lot of reading and I don’t read blogs at all. My favorite book I ever read was 1984, I just found it fascinating and couldn’t put it down, which never happens to me with books.

What’s your favorite motivational quote?

I’ve always loved the Herb Brooks speech in the movie Miracle. He ends his speech with: “This is your time... Now, go out there and take it!”

If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be and why?

I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii. I’ve never been, but have always been fascinated by it. It just looks amazing to me.

If you were stuck on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

Golf clubs/balls

Water

Sam Adams beer – preferably their summer seasonal beers since I’m stuck on an island

What do you do for fun?

This one is easy. When I’m not working or at home, I’m most likely out on the golf course. I love golfing, I would play every day of the year if it were possible.