Profiles
Mike Wilson, Fleet Services
Most University facilities escaped the wrath of the April 13 tornado that hit the Iowa City area. Unfortunately for Fleet Services manager Mike Wilson, his building was the exception to the rule.
But thanks to cooperative efforts, traveling University employees had access to vehicles the very next day. Wilson sat down with fyi to discuss the storm's aftermath, the joys of his job, and his ownership stake in a pro sports franchise.
What was your initial reaction after discovering the extent of the damage to the motor pool building?
I was talking to Public Safety on the telephone, and they said, “You better get down here. Your building is gone.” My reaction: “It can’t be GONE!”
How did the vehicle fleet fare?
Only one vehicle was totaled, and about 75 vehicles sustained damage. That’s actually pretty fortunate.
What did it take to get things up and running again?
The next morning, we were open for business. People had to track us down—we didn’t have a building, after all—but our dispatcher, John Knoll, did a remarkable job finding cars for people. The staff did outstanding work, keeping the customers satisfied.
We were temporarily housed in USB. They welcomed us with open arms, offering office supplies, telephones, and computer access. ITS had us wired the day after the storm. Our shop is at the Cambus facility for the time being. By the following Monday, we were at full operation. Without the cooperative efforts, we would not have been able to serve our customers.
The demolition of the building must have stirred some emotions.
Some members of the department had worked there up to 30 years. People took bricks as mementos.
What’s the plan for a new building?
Not many specifics at this point. Our hope is to rebuild at the same site, as it offers our customers easy access.
OK, let's talk about you.
I've been with the University for seven years. My wife, Maureen Donovan, is a pharmaceutics professor here. We have a daughter, Kyra. I'm originally from Cedar Rapids, and I graduated from Iowa State University.
Why did you come to the University?
I like working in an educational environment. It’s not always about the bottom line. There’s a lot of consideration about what is the right thing to do.
The best thing about your job is...
My boss, Dave Ricketts, makes me feel like an entrepreneur. I am allowed to make decisions that help our business succeed, and I have a real sense of ownership as a result.
On your day(s) off we'll most likely find you...
You’d find me with my family. We stay busy with my daughter’s many activities. Work and family, that’s what I do.
If you were to take up a new hobby, what would it be?
Collecting beer steins. My father left me some steins, and I appreciate the art. It might be a good hobby to take up.
Your colleagues would be surprised to know that...
I was a door gunner in the Marine Corps. I was trained on a .50-caliber machine gun as well as the M60 and the GAU-2B, which is a Gatling gun that shoots thousands of rounds per minute.
Let's hear your favorites.
Food: Meatloaf! I like Granite City’s meatloaf, and my wife knows four different recipes.
Drink: Margarita. I enjoy the variety.
Weekday lunch spot: My wife and I often hit Milio’s. Good bread.
Book: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. I love sci-fi.
Music: Rock ’n’ roll from the ’60s and ’70s.
Movie: The Goodbye Girl
Television show: The West Wing
Sports team: Green Bay Packers. I’m an owner! I bought a share of stock the last time they offered them.
by Christopher Clair
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