Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to EJ Wood. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi EJ, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism springs from various sources. The excitement I receive from clients, as well as the reciprocal energy shared with both clients and colleagues, plays a significant role. Seeing ideas come to life in real time fills me with a sense of wonder and fulfillment. Positive engagements and the formation of friendships that arise from project collaborations bring a sense of joy and connection. Moreover, the ability to contribute to environmental improvement and enhance Houston’s green and ecological footprint serves as a constant source of inspiration. Lastly, creating spaces that bring happiness to children and pets is deeply rewarding. All these factors combine to fuel my optimism, passion, and commitment in my work.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I seized the chance to join an illustrious landscape architecture firm as a member of their business development team. During this time, my approach was to be an attentive learner, focusing on listening and absorbing knowledge from those with greater expertise and experience. Eventually, I transitioned to working within the project management and architecture team, which provided me with invaluable insights into how individuals utilize spaces and how to effectively address the unique priorities and requirements of each client. When the opportunity arose to lead both the business development and project management teams at Hogue, it felt like the culmination of my diverse experiences in the industry, and I eagerly embraced it. I am fortunate to have a dedicated and skilled team of individuals who consistently exceed expectations, and I derive immense satisfaction from delivering transformative outdoor spaces for the people of Houston on a daily basis.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Firstly, being attentive and open to learning from my team and those around me has been invaluable. Embracing their insights and experiences has broadened my horizons and fueled my growth. Secondly, I have learned to view challenges and hurdles as valuable learning opportunities. Instead of being discouraged, I have embraced them as chances to acquire new skills, enhance my problem-solving abilities, and cultivate resilience. Lastly, learning to listen actively to my clients has been essential. By attentively understanding their needs and priorities, I have been able to provide tailored solutions and build strong relationships based on trust and effective communication.
For individuals early in their journey, here is my advice on developing and improving these qualities:
1. Embrace a curious and humble mindset. Actively seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills, and be receptive to feedback and constructive criticism.
2. Adopt a growth mindset towards challenges. Rather than being discouraged, approach obstacles as learning opportunities. Embrace a resilient attitude that fuels continuous improvement..
3. Hone your listening skills. Practice active listening to understand clients and colleagues, enabling effective communication and strong relationships.
Remember, personal and professional growth is a continuous journey. Stay open to learning, embrace challenges, and strive for improvement.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I am actively seeking collaboration and partnership opportunities. Specifically, I am interested in collaborating with architects, designers, and home builders. Architects who share a passion for innovative and sustainable design would be ideal collaborators, as well as designers who have a strong sense of aesthetics and user experience. Additionally, I am looking to connect with home builders who prioritize quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, please reach out to me through [insert preferred contact method]. I am excited to explore potential partnerships and create exceptional spaces together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hoguels.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoguelandscape/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HogueLS/
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hoguels
Image Credits
Hogue Landscape Services, LLC
