In Focus: Ira Jones

Ira Jones is one of those people who knows a lot of people – especially at UWF. He makes new friends every day as he goes from building to building with a handful of work orders completing job after job for Facilities Maintenance.

 “I love what I do. I get to meet new people every day. I look at them as my customers and the customer always comes first. I hope I leave a good impression and that they know me for the right reason,” he said.
 
Jones starts each new day, including those spent at UWF, the same way: riding one of his two Suzuki Intruders. “I ride every single day of the year. I just enjoy life. I don’t have a bad day.”

What is your job and where do you work at UWF?
I’m a maintenance mechanic at UWF.

How long have you been working at UWF?
I’ve been working here for about 11 and a half years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
 I enjoy doing so many different types of jobs – and all the different people I come in contact with.

What is a typical work day at UWF like for you?
Work orders, it’s a never-ending job with work orders.   

People you work with might be surprised to learn that you….
I write poetry. I play golf and I teach golf, I’m a golf instructor.  I also like to go bowling. I also design landscapes. 

Cook in or eat out, which do you prefer?
I’d rather eat out.

What is your favorite (season) time of the year?
The fall… and the winter.

Do you consider yourself a morning or a night person?
I’m both. I’m happy early in the morning and late into the night.

What is the best advice you ever gave?
I tell people never to make a promise. You never know, on down the road, you might have to break it. So it’s better not to make a promise. I always want to tell people who are married, don’t take for granted your spouse or your kids.   

What is the attribute others admire most in you?
I’m a positive person. I have one of the best outlooks on life that you’ll ever find. And it’s all about being positive. I never worry, that’s just a waste of time.

Any family at home or pets?
My sister, Mary Ann, and her three cats.

What is your idea of a perfect afternoon?
Riding my motorcycle.