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 Name:
Larry Gawronski, CFE
Title: Vice president/executive director
Facility/Company: Compass/Vicksburg
Convention Center and Vicksburg Auditorium
City-State-Country: Vicksburg, Miss.
Year CFE obtained: 1997
Email:
larryg@vicksburg.org
What facilities have you worked in?
I began my career in Buffalo, N.Y. (my birthplace), at a new
convention center that opened in 1978. I started as a tour guide/information
coordinator, worked through management in the operations department and
“graduated” from that venue as sales and marketing director. Seven years
later, after a very short stint with a downtown resort hotel to gain more
experience in food and beverage, I was hand picked by Joe Floreano, CFE, to
assist him in opening and operating the new Rochester (NY) Riverside
Convention Center.
An opportunity presented itself in Danville, Ill., in 1988 to manage a small
arena and gain valuable concert and ice event experience. Three years later,
a close personal friend, Phil Greco, asked me to join him and his family in
managing and marketing their privately owned facility (Odeum Sports and Expo
Center) in the Chicago-land area. I read in the trades in 1995 where a new
convention facility was being planned in Vicksburg, Miss. It provided the
chance to be an integral part of the design, development and construction of
a new facility, and I jumped at the opportunity.
I found myself in Omaha, Neb., two years later at an arena that was later
slated for closing. Two years after that, I was in a business development
venture with an architectural firm in New Orleans. Many years into my
career, I found “home base” — working with Steve Peters, CFE (IAAM’s first
vice president), and Compass Facility Management.
Shortly after joining Compass, I returned to Vicksburg at the Convention
Center under the private management flag. My home is Vicksburg and I’m proud
and privileged to say that. Since returning in 2001, we’ve added another
venue to our scope of services and now provide management consultation for
all functions of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. I’m living the dream
(if I can just shed the night sweats and tremors)!
What is your favorite food or restaurant?
My favorite junk food, without a doubt, is French fries with gravy on the
side. It’s comfort food, and my waistline is proof of that. My favorite meal
is ethnic — cheese or sauerkraut pierogi (Polish) or any home-cooked pasta.
The key is the sauce! Spicy, boiled crawfish is my “Southern” Achilles heel.
For dining out, it’s hard to beat the ambience of Andre’s at Cedar Grove
Mansion Inn in Vicksburg.
What book are you currently reading?
I recently read both The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. I
also enjoy John Grisham’s novels. When I’m not reading for pleasure, I
always have some book handy that I can draw from and apply to business, such
as Career Warfare by David D’Alessandro. I’ve heard great things about
another book entitled The Politics of Bad Faith by David Horowitz. I’m
looking forward to reading that one soon. Otherwise, it’s lots of trade
publications to keep current in the industry.
What CD or cassette is in your car right now?
John Prine’s Fair & Square is in right now. But in queue are The
Black Eyed Peas’ Monkey Business and several Broadway show soundtracks. I
have a wide range of tastes. I like just about every type of music.
Strangest merchandise?
For me, almost anything peddled at a Star Trek convention. I never
got into that whole thing and just do not comprehend the depths that a
Trekkie goes to in “representing.”
Strangest anything?
It depends on what
one labels as “strange.” I have seen “interesting,” though. I worked a show
once called “Rockfest” presented by a rock radio station. There was a couple
that meandered to an area of the facility where they thought they weren’t
visible. They proceeded to have a “courtship” that turned highly public.
At the epitome of their relations, the crowd that had gathered to watch from
a distance was cheering so loudly that it must have upset their good
vibrations. It became apparent to them that they weren’t sharing their
special moment in private. They attempted to regroup and don their garments
but couldn’t beat security. They were escorted to a police car, where I
believe they pled their conjugal case.
What is the weirdest event you ever had in a
facility you’ve worked in?
See above. It wasn’t the event, but the “happening” at the event.
What is a motto, inspiration or quote you try to
live by?
The Lord’s Prayer. Praise His name; follow His will; provide for our
basic needs; forgive and be forgiven; lead us from temptation and deliver us
from evil.
Why did you choose to pursue the CFE?
I see the Certified Facilities Executive designation as a symbol that
I have attained one of the highest levels of professional achievement in the
industry that I love so much and have worked in for over half of my natural
life.
The journey through the philosophical essay, written examination and oral
interview has globalized my thinking to embrace the similarities and the
differences between venue types.
The knowledge is stimulating and, in a constantly changing environment,
staying up to date is essential. It’s like exercising or playing a musical
instrument: The more you practice and the harder you work, the better off
you’ll feel and the more proficient you’ll be.
What do you think are the benefits of having a
CFE?
I believe that with the CFE tools I have, the knowledge I have gained and
the leadership and management skills I can apply, I could be placed in any
venue worldwide and lead toward achieving a successful outcome.
Would you recommend attaining the CFE to other
colleagues? Why?
Yes, without question or hesitation. The professional road we
traverse is tough enough to navigate without the proper instruments. CFE is
a confidence builder and a living, breathing, educational and professional
tool that helps me every day.
I’m part of a dying breed of “old school” graduates who entered this
business with a traditional degree. Now, one can specialize in sports or
public assembly facility management. I planned early to make professional
career decisions that led me down the road to the PAFM School at Oglebay,
right through CFE designation.
What couldn’t you live without?
My wife, Diane. We’ve have been married (that is, she has put up with me)
for more than 27 years. She has earned a ride on the “Express Elevator” (no
stops on any other floors) to heaven.
What’s your most prized possession?
Two things: my time and my health. I wish I had more time to do the things I
would like to do, so I savor and covet the precious personal time I do have.
I strongly believe that if you have your health, you have everything.
What’s your favorite place on earth?
Anywhere with family or friends. It’s not so important where I am, but whom
I am spending time with.
What’s your most favorite moment in sports
history?
I don’t have one yet. I got close once — when the Buffalo Bills nearly
kicked the field goal to win Super Bowl XXV. I am hopeful to have one,
though!
What’s the one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
That I would’ve liked to have been a professional baseball player.
Is
there anything else you would like to add?
Before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don’t carry it
home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Take a while to simply relax. Life is too
short. Enjoy it!
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