Last year we set out on a strategic initiative to get more done with less. In order to do that, we had to go out and get high-performing team members that we would pay more, expect more, and get more; Jon Vogt fits that description.
In his first year at Mammoth, Jon has raised our level of leadership in the organization with his high degree of competence in sales, production management, people management, recruiting, and marketing. In fact, he has been our number #1 Salesman, #1 Recruiter, and Top Producing Project Manager, all while being the Chief Operating Officer.
We are blessed to have him on our team. – Mike Bevilacqua, CEO and Chief Culture Officer
Please take a minute to learn a little bit more about Jon, why he chose to join Mammoth, and what changes he’s seen in his first year.
Give us a summary of your background in the restoration industry?
I have done everything from mitigation of a loss, help set trusses, write estimates both commercial and residential, managed multiple locations, and helped grow a high-performing team. One of the reasons why so many of my industry colleagues have joined the mammoth team.
What made you look for a change and ultimately choose Mammoth Restoration as your next landing spot?
This is easy for me to answer: Mammoth is a company that has a purpose, holds individuals accountable, and is driven by high performers. It’s the culture in a company that helps retain employees. I have seen this first hand both on how it works and where it fails. At Mammoth the employee is not a number on a spreadsheet; they are individuals that are given support to become better both personally and professionally.
As the COO (Chief Operating Officer) – Can you describe what your job entails?
The first year has been one that has pulled me in many directions but I will say that I have not lost focus on growth and profitability. My focus is the operation as a whole and to ensure we have the right individuals in the right roles. To help aid in the decision-making process to allow Mammoth and its employees to do more with less. Streamlining processes and reduce redundancies. I will do whatever I can do to help grow a high-performing team. Once that is achieved things become much easier for everyone.
What does true leadership mean to you?
I may be taking a different approach to this, but leadership to me is inspirational. You should be inspired by your managers and team. If you are not you should feel comfortable stepping up and saying something. A leader is one who is not afraid to speak up, hold people accountable, and knows what to do if someone is not going to be successful in their role/job. A leader is not afraid to have tough conversations and make decisions. Leadership is demonstrated through actions, not words.
Over the past year, what do you find the most challenging at Mammoth?
Wow, this one is tough: There will always be challenges, but the main one for me has been the workflow and understanding the inner workings of central support.
What is something at Mammoth that you feel we really excel at?
First I don’t excel at anything, there is always room for improvement. With this said I believe I do communicate clearly and have individuals look at things a bit broader instead of through a narrow lens. (I’ll have a little fun with this question) I believe that one of my superpowers is to stay composed when others may raise their voice, get defensive, or simply walk away.
How do you feel Mammoth has changed in the last year since you have been with the company?
When I first joined Mammoth the process was the process until Tim said it was not the process. Now we are focusing on the most important things and trying to minimize the “noise”. We are drilling down on our workflow and repair margin now. It’s been a pleasure working with Tim and others on this, a year ago the focus was on a much longer list.
If you could switch your job with anyone else within Mammoth for a day, who do you think you could learn most from?
Rich Olson! “Why do you ask?” I believe he is a man of mystery. I had no idea he was a runner, much like I had no idea he would order hard hat stickers that are not round. I’d like to pick his brain on how he mentally prepares for a day, a run, or a loss. I believe there is something to really learn there.
What is something about yourself that would surprise us?
My tattoo. I’ll leave it at that. Oh and I also love music, play the drums, and dabble with the guitar. One of these days I want to learn the fiddle and how to master bagpipes.
You’re a fan of hot peppers — How did you get into that and what is the hottest pepper you’ve eaten?
From a young age, my mom and dad always would add hot pepper to almost every dish. When I got older it became a hobby. (Who could eat the hottest food?) I then got into gardening with my wife and started growing peppers. I usually have about 25 plants growing each year. I pick them, dehydrate them and crush them. The hottest pepper I’ve grown and eaten is the Trinidad scorpion, I believe it may be a bit hotter than the reapers.
Your operational counterpart Tim Haas is also a pretty big fan of spicy foods.. and he never backs down from a competition.. Who do you think would win in a spicy food eat-off?
Is that a real question? I can already see the fear in his eyes
Why should someone considering a career change in the restoration industry look to Mammoth?
Operational support and leadership that encourages decision-making. You have a voice and your ideas will be heard.
What advice do you have for prospective Mammoth candidates?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Be willing to take feedback that can help you get better, so it does not happen again. Make sure to speak up and feel comfortable holding others accountable.
What is your biggest passion outside of work?
I think everyone knows that I love my wife and dogs, but I love woodworking. It has taught me patience.
What’s the best vacation you’ve been on?
Punta Cana – That’s where Jen and I got married
Do you have a favorite quote?
I have a few….. “For me, life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.” -Arnold Schwarzenegger
How has Mammoth helped you in your career development?
It has helped me learn how important one’s time is. Life is short. If the team works together we all get more time to do other things.
If you’re interested in working at Mammoth Restoration we’re always looking for “A-Players.”
