Nonahood News: What is your job?

Paul Romero: I bring people together to solve complex problems. My employer is CHEP, which is a subsidiary of Brambles, and my current title is director of network automation. Prior roles with the company have been equally split between operations, engineering and safety. My current responsibility combines all prior roles to develop and manage automation projects.  Project success is measured by cost reduction and increased capacity.

NHN: What does your day-to-day schedule look like?

PR: It varies. I travel frequently to many locations in the eastern U.S. There may be meetings in Atlanta or working with project teams in one of our many service centers. When not traveling, I am in the office meeting with co-workers and third-party agencies. 

NHN: What would you say is the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job?

PR: One of the bigger challenges is quickly making strategic decisions with not all the information. I therefore get involved in risk assessment and management. An enjoyable aspect is achieving major project milestones and looking back on the success. It’s like planting seeds and, over time, seeing them grow, mature and bear fruit. 

NHN: What got you interested in doing your current job?

PR: In 2004, I was managing operations for a Honeywell plant in Georgia when I received a phone call about an engineering opportunity in Orlando. Since my undergrad is mechanical engineering and I really missed the Florida weather, the opportunity was very attractive. With the support of my wife, we made the move back to Florida.

NHN: Where are you from originally?

PR: My wife and I are from El Paso, Texas, but have lived the longest in Florida. We previously lived in Brandon (near Tampa) and Panama City, Florida. 

NHN: What brought you to Lake Nona?

PR: In 2004, we looked at properties in Southeast Orlando, but the selection was limited and the pace of the market was very active. My realtor then showed me a home in North Shore, which met the requirements for our young family and three dogs. We made an offer and officially became residents of Lake Nona.   

NHN: What would you say is your favorite part of living in Lake Nona?

PR: Watching the growth. At the time we moved here, Publix and surrounding stores near Moss Park, in addition to the Northlake Park YMCA, were the main activity sites. Being close to the airport is also a huge benefit. We have also become friends with many good people who make up the Lake Nona community. 

NHN: What would you say to anyone who is considering a move to Lake Nona?

PR: Lake Nona is family-friendly. It has good schools and many places to spend time with the kids. It is also a safe community with respectful neighbors and diverse backgrounds. Our community is also home to the one and only Lake Nona Toastmasters club, where you can meet interesting people and develop your public speaking and leadership skills. 

Photos Courtesy of Paul Romero