Faces of Brown in the Community
Antonio Mendes in front of The Rockefeller Library
From Goodwill in Texas to Good Will at Brown
Antonio Mendes may look familiar to you. A Facilities Management staff member, Antonio can often be found out in the community, meeting with neighbors to gather ideas and feedback to ensure their perspectives inform construction planning and activities. For example, he recently worked with neighbors of Perkins Hall to install a fence and plant trees. Lately Antonio is spending his days making sure the University's grounds are safe and attractive for both Brown and the surrounding community. In this new feature, we hope to provide an opportunity for our neighbors to get to know people, like Antonio, who are valuable contributors to our community.
How long have you worked at Brown, and where were you before?
In October it will be two years that I have been employed here. It’s a long way from Texas, where I was living previously. Prior to coming to Brown I worked at Goodwill of Austin, Texas. I was responsible for maintenance and operations of more than 50 locations over 100 miles. Some of these locations included contracted services with several Texas government agencies.
What is your job at Brown?
My title is manager of structural trades and projects, which means I work with all of the outside contracted services on maintenance, repairs, and emergencies on all of Brown University’s properties.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of the job is working at Brown University, and the most challenging is working at Brown University. Brown is a unique place. It has a historical reference that dates back to George Washington, and at the same time it has integrated its architecture and culture into a modern society. This has its own reward: knowing that you are a part of a team that is maintaining and preserving Brown’s historic buildings for people to enjoy now and in the future.
How does your job affect the local community?
By maintaining our properties and keeping the historical aspects of Brown intact, we keep the neighborhood as it has been for years; and in doing so we maintain the ambiance and beauty of our community in Providence.
What do you like most about working in Providence?
It has many architecturally gifted buildings that are well integrated with newly built structures. Providence is a cool place to walk around, and I especially love WaterFire.
How long is your commute to work?
My family and I live in North Providence. Depending on traffic, it takes me about 20 minutes to commute between Brown and home.
What is your favorite pastime outside of Brown?
My favorite pastime is to watch my daughter play soccer and softball. Other than that, I enjoy working at my house and on my car.
What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
This is a good question, since I don’t think much about the future. However, I do see myself working at Brown for a long time and hopefully working my way up through management.
What is your favorite area restaurant, and what do you usually order?
My favorite restaurant is Gianfranco’s in Johnston. I love the Italian home cooking, and I generally order the seafood platter. This is an awesome restaurant that provides a huge platter of food along with awesome desserts and a friendly environment. Franco and family make you feel at home, and that’s why my family and I love to eat there – at least once a month!