Congratulations to SMS Standout Wes Sutterfield. Wes is being recognized for recently handling a situation that arose at his site with great diligence and for performing at a high level since his arrival in Colorado. Great work, Wes!
We spoke to Wes about a day in his life.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
W.S.In the Industrial Safety Field, as well as the COVID Response world, there is never a day I would call typical. There is always a new and unique challenge that presents itself each day that we, as a team, must meet head-on in order to successfully manage the day.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
W.S. The best vacation I took was to Colorado when I went elk hunting with my friends. Camping on a mountain in the snow with friends was a very spiritual experience for me that I will never forget.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
W.S. In your darkest hour, call on me, and we will fight the demons together!
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
W.S. My favorite thing about my current position is the “big picture” perspective of the team dynamic. There is nothing more satisfying than to perform a role that helps contractors, coworkers and team members grow to reach their potential while helping the company achieve its financial goals.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
W.S. Steak is the first thing that comes to mind.
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
W.S. When I am not traveling with work, I support my interests by being a Medic/First-Aid/CPR/AED advanced Bleeding Control Techniques Instructor. Additionally, I am a certified firearms instructor and a competitive shooter in multiple categories.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
W.S. What keeps me motivated at work is setting short-term goals, as well as long-term goals. The short-term accomplishments feed the drive to reach my long-term goals in the future. Additionally, the satisfaction of helping my coworkers, friends and team to learn a skill or reach one of their personal goals is a feeling like no other.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
W.S. I believe that safety is a necessity and the knowledge of the importance of safety can help improve workflow. The most fulfilling moments in my career are the experiences that support my belief and the leadership that has given me those opportunities.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
W.S. Why, Brad Pitt, of course!
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
W.S. The birth of my son, and experiencing the blessing of having my daughter come into my life, were the most drastic changes in my entire life. Everything in my life became more than just my existence. My perspective became more about having an opportunity to change the world around me by ensuring that I raised two amazing people than about what I might accomplish personally.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
W.S. Safety is challenging in so many ways. Consulting in industrial safety is even more challenging. However, safety has an aspect in everything we do. Stay focused on what you are trying to accomplish and why you decided to enter this field. When challenges present themselves, approach them professionally with the knowledge that you are making a difference in the world around you.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
W.S. My favorite activity outside of work would have to be doing almost anything outdoors. Hunting comes to mind first, but there is nothing better than sitting on my motorcycle and hitting the road to nowhere.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
W.S. This question is a tough one because there are so many books that have provided me with inspiration personally and professionally through the years. Two books that have had the most impact on my life are The Art of War by Sun Tzu and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
W.S. A superpower I would like to have would be the ability to immediately know when I have a friend in need and immediately help them.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
W.S. Never, ever, ever quit!
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
W.S.
- Take a motorcycle trip across the country.
- Take a hunting trip that offers me the opportunity to hunt an elk, bear, moose and ram.
- Retire to a cabin on a mountain.
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
W.S. I have two Labrador Retrievers, Zeus and Aribella.
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
W.S. O’rale, Vato! Como estas? Donde estan las margaritas? (self explanatory, of course.)
