At Ambit, we recognize that team members are a company’s greatest asset and work to provide a culture that cultivates lifelong learning, teamwork and leadership development. Every member of our team offers unique perspectives and valuable skills.
This month we’re spotlighting Myles Vanderzanden, Ambit’s Field Surveyor for the Northwest Region. Myles joined the team with a problem solving mindset and a positive attitude.
Kevin Cunnagin, Field Specialist & Myles’ direct supervisor, shared, “Myles brings the right combination of experience and desire to grow to our field team. His love of the outdoors and adventurous attitude fits right into the core aspects of land surveying.”
We also touched base with Matt Ford asking “if Myles had a spirit animal, what would it be?”
Matt replied, “Myles spirit animal is definitely that of the Crocodile: stealthy, fast over short distances, hungry, dangerous when angered and he’ll probably live forever. Don’t ask me how I know this, I just know things.”
Last week we chatted with Myles for our behind-the-scenes look into Ambit team member’s experience, industry perspective and more – here is what we learned.
(Read until the end for his big New Year news!)
An Interview with Myles Vanderzanden
Q: When you were young, what did you imagine doing when you grew up?
I wanted to be a stuntman. It was really pretty simple – I just wanted to do all the flips and rolls and action stuff in the movies. I do get to do that sometimes for my job now, all while carrying a machete (which might be even cooler).
Q: What initially got you interested in land surveying and telecommunications?
Like most people, I kind of just stumbled into it. I was pretty much at an impasse and didn’t want to be a mechanic any more, so my dad recommended I work for his company. And I guess you can say “the rest is history”.
Q: What made you decide to join the Ambit team?
I found out about Ambit in a job posting on Craigslist and sent in my resume. I got interviewed and was hired. I knew I wanted to be a surveyor at that point (we’re also fairly certain he was blown away by Matt’s incredible beard, as many are).
Q: What do you feel sets Ambit apart from other companies?
Definitely the travel, views, and team spirit.
Q: Based on the Ambit calendar, it is clear that photography is a talent of yours. What is the most breathtaking image you’ve ever taken?
I got interested in photography from seeing extremely beautiful sites, and realizing I wanted to capture those moments in time. So I started photographing them. The best picture I’ve taken was probably in Notches, just West of Yakima (photo shown above). You can see all the way from Mt Rainier to Mt Helens. I have it hanging in my living room.
Q: If you could change one thing about this industry, what would it be?
Hm, I’m not sure I would change anything. I really like it, and my job. However, I wouldn’t turn down even more incredible ‘office views’ in my job.
Q: What is something about you that not many people know?
I’m a nerd and like ninjas so I got into Taijutsu. It was a wartime martial art in the time of ninjas and samurai in Japan, like Krav maga and marsoc is today. I stopped going due to my work schedule and only weeknight classes.
Matt Ford, Ambit Owner, noted on this response, “This makes sense as the machete is the katana of the surveyor & Myles yields it well!”
Q: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time?
Living in Kirkland, there are lots of chances to hike. I love camping up in the mountains, going to the river and shooting. I can’t say that I have a favorite camping spots, most places are so beautiful, however I did most recently camp out at Baker Lake which was awesome. I also like hanging with my family whenever I can.
Q: What is the last show you watched on Netflix/Hulu/Amazon?
I’m watching The Firm right now, it’s alright, never seen it before. I’m usually working while I watch it too.
Q: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Camping – everywhere and anywhere.
Q: What is your drink of choice?
Red bull and vodka (which he clarified he was not drinking during the time of the interview)
Q: What was the last thing you laughed really hard about?
Something with politics, I’m sure.
Q: Anything else you’d like Ambit’s readers to know?
I’m expecting a baby boy in the New Year! Hoping to get a big yard later to let him run around and get his energy out.
To learn more about the Ambit team, or to apply for an open position, visit our About page here: https://ambitconsulting.us/about/
