Brandon Reese, a supervisor with Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR), has shared insights into his career and the work being done to maintain and improve the city’s parks. Reese began working for APR in March 2019 as a seasonal team member at Riverside Cemetery before moving into a full-time Trades Worker position. He was later promoted to Senior Trades Worker and now serves as Labor Crew Supervisor.
“As a father, I was excited for the opportunity to give other families the best parks possible. It takes a lot of work to maintain the amount of parks we have, but I enjoy the challenge. Working on the APR team is a chance to do something good for the community. It’s also fun to be able to do so many different things from day to day. It definitely never gets boring!” said Reese.
Reese noted that managing his team has improved his patience, organizational skills, and adaptability when plans change unexpectedly. He emphasized that learning about each team member’s strengths and weaknesses has helped create smoother workflows within daily operations.
“Managing this team has significantly enhanced my patience and organizational skills, and improved my adaptability when plans suddenly change. Recognizing and understanding the unique strengths and weaknesses of each team member has been key to achieving a much smoother workflow. Starting at the ground level and working my way up has significantly enhanced my ability to supervise daily operations. This journey has equipped me with unique skills that can only be obtained through hands-on experience from the bottom,” he explained.
Reese pointed out that teamwork is crucial given their small crew size compared with their workload. The department has adopted new methods such as digitizing inventory, improving playground maintenance processes, and using 3D printing technology in their efforts.
“In our line of work, teamwork is paramount. Despite our small crew, the demanding workload necessitates unwavering cooperation from every member – a commitment they consistently demonstrate. We have also implemented significant measures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, ranging from digitizing inventory and playground maintenance to leveraging a new 3D printer,” said Reese.
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene led Reese to focus more on patience as restoration efforts continue across affected parks.
“I’ve been working on cultivating more patience. It’s challenging for the community to witness ongoing disarray of their beloved parks, but I’ve made an effort to communicate the immense dedication and hard work we’re all putting in to restore these spaces,” he stated.
Outside of work, Reese enjoys golfing, spending time with family, and watching Formula 1 racing.
When asked why he works for Asheville Parks & Recreation, he responded: “I believe it is where I’m meant to be.”
The department continues its efforts by recruiting individuals interested in supporting local recreation programs or park maintenance through available job opportunities listed online.
