Greg Bland, director of environmental services, has officially worked at Travois for four years. We say officially because as David Bland and Marianne Roos’ son, he says he’s been involved for what seems like his whole life. Greg remembers helping stuff envelopes for a Travois conference when he was in the eighth grade.
1. In your own words, what do you do at Travois?
I work with Jason Betts, our construction and environmental professional, on environmental reporting and testing for clients’ Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) projects.
2. What education and/or certifications do you have?
I received my Bachelor of Arts in geography from the University of Colorado. I also completed environmental review training through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Native American Programs (HUD ONAP) and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
3. What attracted you to Travois?
I’m not sure I had much of a choice being my father’s son. But now that I am involved everyday, I can’t see myself working anywhere else.
4. How do your past experiences help you in your current position?
Attending school in Colorado really helped me focus my interest on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
5. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you?
My dog didn’t eat your lunch (but in reality he probably did).
6. What is one of your favorite economic development projects that Travois has worked on and why?
I really enjoyed working on the Pascua Yaqui Education Center in Tucson, AZ. I didn’t have a huge role in the project, but it was great being there when the land was undeveloped and seeing the building through to completion.
7. What did you want to be as a kid?
I always loved watching the trash collectors drive down my street jumping on and off of the truck, so I wanted to do that. I also wanted to be a firefighter or farmer — really just anything that would let me drive a big truck or tractor.
8. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet?
I have a dog named Stout. He is at the office most days with me. If you ask anyone in the office, they would probably say he is a troublemaker, but I still think he is the best.
9. What is your favorite meal?
I have always loved my mom’s spaghetti and my dad’s fried chicken.
10. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be?
Sunglasses — you’ve got to enjoy the sun when you can.
11. What talent do you wish you had?
I really wish I could be a professional baseball player, but that would require more than one talent.
12. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I like to spend most of my time outside hiking or on the water somewhere. You will also find me in a local pub tasting new craft beers.
13. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
Kansas City has great restaurants, and I love trying out the new spots.
14. What do you like about Kansas City? What do you dislike?
I live in the downtown area, and I really love being within walking distance of just about everything I need. The only real dislike I have is the lack of mountains, but I don’t think there is anything I can do about that until I develop tectonic powers.
15. What kind of music do you like?
I am a big fan of bluegrass. If you put a banjo or a fiddle in a song, I will probably enjoy it.
16. What is your favorite movie?
“Zoolander” is by far my favorite movie, just great comedy.