Gerry Sullivan

Project and Risk Management Coordinator, Eastern Composite Services inc.

Gerry Sullivan is a proud Newfoundlander who thrives on change and diversity. Working within the Eastern Composite Services team, Gerry has a unique position focusing on various areas of operations from Quality and Technology Integration from a research and development perspective to working with clients in various industries to develop preventative risk management programs through the development of fitness and wellness programs within the respective companies. This different combination comes from a passion towards health and wellness that Gerry himself is on, after loosing over 100 lbs Gerry went and became certified in fitness and nutrition, most recently completing his Training for Warriors Instructor designation so that he could help others through what he has learned from both personal experience and his academic experience.

Gerry has worked on project and risk management for ten years in corporate wellness, logistics planning, manufacturing and training. Working in government, academic and private sectors as well as being an International facilitator and corporate strategist, Gerry has a unique understanding of how to envision the combination of resources from the sectors he has been working in towards project completion in very complex projects.

As the sun goes down at the end of the day Gerry can still be found running around town or across the highway. Weather it is in his role as the volunteer chair of the Placentia Bay Industrial Showcase, within Pro Fit NL (an organization he founded to promote fitness and wellness for youth), or helping out at Holy Cross Junior High he makes sure that he gives back to the community that has given so much to him.

We asked Gerry:

The OGM: What does sustainability mean to you?

Gerry: Sustainability to me is the having a capacity to endure and continue. In the energy sector I look at this from an IP perspective of having the transferable knowledge to sustain within the companies and from the energy itself having the resource capacity and availability to sustain itself.

The OGM: Have you had a mentor?

Gerry: Most Definitely. Moving from the academic community to a small entrepreneurial group of companies the owners and management have been mentors and support to help me grow and learn.

The OGM: What does success mean to you?

Gerry: Success to me is being able to achieve a goal that I would not have though possible or even conceivable when starting a process. However through persistence and continual learning being able to reach that goal is success.

The OGM: If you were to describe your career in three words what would they be?

Gerry: Diverse, Exciting, & Rewarding

The OGM: What advice would you give to someone looking for a career in the energy industry?

Gerry: You must be open to change and a challenge. Diversity is the key to the game. Become multi-disciplined and have a general knowledge of the sector and you will do great.

The OGM: Describe a milestone in your career?

Gerry: The milestone in my career was after taking a two year break from the energy sector to try a different field realizing my passion and interest is in the energy sector and coming to work in my current role with ECS a division of the group of companies I started with.

The OGM: Describe a challenge you faced in your career?

Gerry: The challenge I face is the same thing that intrigues me. The constant changing of demand and opportunity is what caused me to look outside of the Energy sector for work. However without this challenge I would not have learned to appreciate it as much.

The OGM: What impact does technology have on your career?

Gerry: Everything I do focuses on technology from Project Management IT Software development to equipment integration for increasing productivity and risk mitigation.

The OGM: What do the next five years look like in your career?

Gerry: Honestly I have no idea and that is what I love best. Not knowing what project or challenge I will be dealing with when I walk in the door is what keeps my passion going.

The OGM: Were you always interested in a career in Energy?

Gerry: No, my plan was to work in public policy development but stumbled into the energy sector.

The OGM: 11. What interests you to sustain a career in the energy industry?

Gerry: The diversity and ever changing scope of work based on the current project of the time. I also love working under pressure and deadlines so it just fits

The OGM: Do you have a role model you look up to?

Gerry: In life my role model has always been my father and this carries through to how I operate within business. Have fun, enjoy life, and relax has been the philosophy I learned from him as I grew up. With a positive attitude and emotions in any set of circumstances you will persevere.

The OGM: What does energy mean to you?

Gerry: Energy.

The OGM: What is your favorite APP on your phone?

Gerry: My fav APP would have to be CBC. Being always on the road I turn the cbc app on while driving across the highway to catch up on what’s happening.

The OGM: What impact will the Millennial Generation have on the energy industry?

Gerry: Being more of a tech savy generation the process for which a lot of operations is currently done will change and as this transition continues the positions within the companies will change to reflect this.

The OGM: What’s your take on Social Media and our ever changing digital world?

Gerry: I am a huge fan of social media. I think the evolution of social media is no different then when radio and tv came into the public realm. As society evolves so does our methods in which we communicate.

The OGM: What Social Medium do you use on a daily basis?

Gerry: Facebook and twitter mainly but do use linked in a little.

The OGM: Do you use Social Media for work?

Gerry: Not on a regular basis but have found it beneficial for communication and promotion of activities that we have been involved with.

The OGM: What do you think of Social Recruiting?

Gerry: I think it is an excellent way to access new personnel that you may not be able to target through traditional means.

The OGM: Why do you love what you do?

Gerry: I love what I do because every day is a new adventure and when working with a team that can keep you focus and entertained at the same time there is no other place I would rather be.