A Partner With Purpose – From Guest Blogger Andrew Boy
I moved to Columbus 17 years ago with a big vision rooted in a single belief: that every child, regardless of zip code, deserved an outstanding education. Throughout my time leading this network, I was determined to align myself with folks who could help me shape that dream into a reality.
Along the way, I was introduced to Brent Foley at a CEOs for Cities conference and we quickly found common ground – we were both mission driven visionaries with a passion for service and improving the world around us. It was this initial alignment that brought me back to Brent for our first major renovation project. We released a RFP and Triad answered the call – by presenting a proposal that was directly aligned with our vision and our needs, not to mention, it was head and shoulders above the other proposal submissions from project plan to budget. From proposal to project completion, Triad made our first and biggest renovation project a huge success.
I know enough to know that my best skill as a leader is surrounding myself with really smart, talented people who know more than I do. That skill has driven us to outstanding results for students year over year, and it’s what keeps us coming back to Triad, year over year. At every opportunity, Brent and his team show up for our mission as trusted advisors. When a Triad team member arrives at a planning meeting, they’re not only thinking about architecture; they’re considering how they can use their expertise to advance our mission of transforming lives and our communities through the power of education. That deep understanding of our mission is apparent in their work. When we were awarded competitive state facilities funds to renovate our historic building, Triad designed brilliant, beautiful spaces that affirmed the hard work students are doing inside our walls.
When we were awarded the same competitive grant at another campus, Triad met with the elementary student council to diligently take notes on their improvement ideas – including, but not limited to, a bronze panther statue in the entryway and a playground on the roof.
When we faced a time crunch to move into a new building so we could serve more students, Triad volunteers showed up, ready to offer some sweat equity.
They have mentored our students, dreamed alongside us, and built new services, such as facilities maintenance management, to meet our needs.
I am proud to be a small part of their work over the last 25 years, and I’m looking forward to being part of their story as we grow our organizations together.
