Every once in a while, we like to show off one of our hard-working, detail-oriented problem solvers. Take a moment to see who's in the spotlight today!
Name: Matt Magill
1st Day at Avalon: 10/11/2007, then back for a second tour 9/4/2023
Current Position: Team Leader
Tell us “your story.” How did you end up at Avalon?
I applied for a job working for JP’s father (yes, that JP – Avalon’s grand poobah, a.k.a. CEO). And while I was not a good fit for his company, he suggested that I call JP and get a job at Avalon in their graphics department. I did so and wound up rising up to running the appellate department for years before leaving in 2020. Roughly three years later, I got a call that Avalon wanted me to come back and put together an RFP response position. I readily jumped at the opportunity and have been here ever since.
What’s your favorite thing about Avalon?
It has always been the people. Some of the best people I have ever met work within these four walls.
What’s your favorite thing about your position at Avalon?
My team. From the people I report to, to the people that report to me, they are the best of the best. They make my job easy, but also incredibly rewarding at the same time.
What is your proudest moment at Avalon?
I designed Avalon’s superhero branding that has endured for years, and it’s pretty cool to see my artwork hanging up in offices and handed out as swag.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I will log in to my computer and basically float through the Central Service Team (CST), assisting them with their tasks or covering for someone who is out. I also troubleshoot the order-entry site when necessary, as well as build or refine those engines so they operate at peak efficiency. There are also projects…always projects…to help both the CST as well as Avalon as a whole.
What’s your favorite workplace memory?
It’s easy to say that it’s the big things: coming in super early and making copies shoulder to shoulder with upper management to get a job out the door on time; dropping off 50+ boxes containing appellate documents to the court in Rochester, NY, completely blowing away client expectations. But really, my favorite memory was the first video call back in 2023 when I got to see some of my favorite people again.
What are you listening to right now (music/podcast/audio book)?
I’ve been mainlining Ozzy Osbourne’s catalog, both solo and with Black Sabbath, pretty much nonstop since he died in July, and that probably won’t change anytime soon.
What’s a must-read blog or book that you’ve read recently and why?
I always go back to The Lord of the Rings (and I realize it’s a cop-out because it’s not just one book). It piqued my interest in an entire genre decades ago and I keep returning to it every few years. Recently, I also read Shiloh: In Hell Before Night about the battle of Shiloh during the Civil War that took place about ten minutes from my home.
What’s your favorite motivational quote?
“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” – Admiral William H. McRaven
If you could go anywhere on vacation, where would it be and why?
I’m more of a “stay-cation” guy (much to my wife’s chagrin). So, I would probably say out back in the pasture. I know… thrilling.
If you were stuck on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be?
Some form of solar powered mp3 player loaded with music, a jug of water, and a pocketknife. I can figure out the rest out from there.
What do you do for fun?
I own and operate a farm in my “spare time.” So fun is subjective, but I do a lot of construction projects revolving around that, which is just grown-up Legos. I also cook and write when I have a free moment.
