Get To Know Dan Lucas

Where are you from?

Oh, I’m from out east.

Really? Where?

New Haven.

How long have you been here at Maintenance Management?

I’ve been here four years and I’ve been loving every second.

Do you have a favorite project or most memorable project?

One of the largest projects I’ve worked on is when we installed all new units on top of the new Sportsman's Warehouse. There was a fast turnaround on that, and we were working with contractors from out of state, so they weren’t really familiar with the area. It was one of our bigger jobs.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy gardening, fishing, cooking, and watersports. I’ve attempted wakesurfing but it was challenging.

What is your favorite food?

Oh, that usually varies with my mood. My grandmother made a bean, bacon, and cheese that was really good. Most people don’t know what they are but when they try them, they always say they’re really good. My wife doesn’t like them too much, though.

If you were stuck in an elevator with anyone, living or dead, for 12 hours, who would you want to be stuck with, and why?

First, my wife, because I enjoy her company the most, but also Albert Einstein because I’d have a few questions I’d like to ask him. I would like to discuss his train of thought through some of his ideas.

What did you do before you came to Maintenance Management?

I actually worked for the direct competition of Maintenance Management for 26 years before coming here. That company was bought out by an out-of-town entity, and I clashed with their business philosophy. I happened to know the previous leader of Maintenance Management, and he was retiring soon, so I took over for him. It worked out pretty well.

What do you plan on doing in the future?

Oh, I plan on staying here for a while. I’ll retire eventually.

What is your favorite memory of work or your favorite aspect of work?

I love the feeling of enjoying the fun aspects of this job and sharing the successes we have had with all the workers. The overall feeling of completing a job well is very satisfying, and the family-oriented atmosphere only adds to that.

What is your favorite part of Maintenance Management culture?

I love fostering mutual respect for each other. I like to manage by example and let the technicians learn and grow while fully supporting them in all their endeavors.

What is some advice you would give to a young professional wanting to be a maintenance technician?

I would say, pick a field you’re interested in and dive in headfirst. There’s not a lot of people doing what we’re doing and there are not very many young people who want to work with their hands. Eventually, you can rise to the top and you’ll be able to call your own shots.

Would you say the option of trade schools is important? How so?

Yes, trade schools are good. Trade schools provide a good starting point to experience real-world scenarios, and I am happy to see a new resurgence of young people’s interest in the trades and trade schools.

What are some lessons you have learned during your time here?

I’ve learned how to maintain the family aspect of the company, how to survive through a pandemic, and how to keep the business operating during challenging times.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have had?

Maintaining staffing level and clientele during the pandemic. I am proud to say that Maintenance Management did not need to resort to layoffs during the pandemic.

Thank you, Dan, for all of your hard work over the past four years. Here’s to many more!