In 2018, AVIAN officially became a 49% employee-owned company. This act was vital, as it strengthened the appreciation of shared ownership, which has been a core value since the beginning of the company in 2005.
In honor of Employee-Ownership Month we are highlighting several AVIAN employee owners and their experience working in an employee-owned company.
We are honored to introduce Sandy Kent, Ret. Commander of the U.S Navy, and currently a Logistician at AVIAN’s Panama City Beach office since 2022.
Prior to AVIAN, Sandy served 24 years in the United States Navy, 11 years as enlisted personnel and 13 years as a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) specializing as an Ordnance Officer. Key areas Sandy contributed to were explosives, ordnances, logistics, and safety.
Sandy developed multiple systems during her time in the Navy, and since has been able to see her systems in action 20 to 30 years later. After the Navy, she desired to see the contractor side of creating these systems, and programs. Being at AVIAN, she has the opportunity to fulfill what she enjoyed doing in the Navy but through a different lens.
As an employee-owner, Sandy demonstrates an ownership mindset daily by helping improve efficiency and having a voice in shaping our support to Panama City Beach customers today and in the future.
“By being involved as an employee-owner you have a voice and can make changes,” Sandy said. “You don’t have a voice in a big corporate world. Your suggestion goes into a big box and it doesn’t get touched. They are all about meeting the bottom line and making a profit. Here at AVIAN, there is no backlash for sharing your point of view.”
Additionally, she noted that being an employee-owner allows her to manage her team in a way that best supports their needs. One standard doesn’t benefit everyone. AVIAN provides flexibility for them successfully completing the mission in the way the customer needs it. The result is creating raving fans.
Employee ownership also encourages Sandy to be a role model at work. She feels empowered that she has a voice, so she motivates others to exercise theirs within the workplace.
“Utilizing your voice, showing integrity and standing up for what is right will make an impact,” Sandy said.
Working at an employee-owned company, for the past 3 years Sandy has felt seen, heard, and understood. It has an impact on her daily work life and shapes her future after AVIAN. As an employee-owner, she receives company shares that contribute to her retirement plan.
Sandy has a heart for adventure; and is looking forward to retiring so he can travel and spend more time with her family. Some places Sandy has already been to include Hood Canal in Washington State, Stonehenge in England and several spots in Norway!
We are grateful for all our employee-owners, as we could not truly embody the AVIAN Way without them. Thank you, Sandy, for embracing the employee-owner mindset and using it to impact those around you!
