8 questions with Wayne Hutchins

“I have been blessed by a lot of random choices that happened to go my way,” said Wayne Hutchins, a systems engineer and self-described computer geek who supports everything IT-related for the Human Resource Solutions (HR Solutions) program inside PEO EIS’s Enterprise Services portfolio.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Hutchins enlisted in the Army after high school and served for 20 years. During his Army service, he volunteered to support the migration of 178 computers from Microsoft Windows 2000 to Windows XP. “That is how it all started for me.” Hutchins said. “That was the one defining moment when I decided I wanted to be in IT. From that point on, I ensured that my section was always squared away when it came to computers.” He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer studies and became a Microsoft-certified systems engineer.

We asked Hutchins, today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, eight questions about his career and life.

How do you support HR Solutions?
I develop applications, manage websites and provide desktop support. I am a fixer. I also provide hands-on training to show people how to leverage automation.

HR Solutions has an important mission. We help Army organizations acquire cost-effective HR services, including counselors who provide suicide-prevention and victim-advocacy services.

I love my job. I am 100% in charge of my section. Brent Thomas and Joan Fries empower me to get things done. They also have my back.

Why did you volunteer to support a PEO EIS stakeholder-management initiative?
I was looking for a new challenge when I saw the developmental opportunity. Enhancing PEO EIS’s stake-holder management platform gives me the opportunity to develop a new skill and help more people.

Why did you decide to join the Army?
My family was not in a financial position to send me to college. I initially planned to serve for three years, get out and go to college. As it turned out, I dug what I was doing and wanted to continue to serve with my team.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Swartz Creek, a little town outside of Flint, Michigan. Even though my parents got divorced, I had a great childhood.

I spent summers with my grandparents on Houghton Lake. My grandparents were the best. They set standards. I worked in my grandfather’s shop fixing things back when you would take things apart and fix them instead of just throwing them away and buying new ones. I learned how to take things apart and put them back together. I learned to work through it in my head before I did it so I could put it back together. Those skills have helped me immensely in my current job. As a programmer, you have to be able to get it out of your head and into your code and understand how everything you do affects the code you wrote eight years ago.

My grandfather, Alfred T. Hutchins, was a shining beacon in my life. He worked for DuPont and retired as a janitor. He taught me how to deal with adversity. He taught me to be the best I can be at everything I do and keep moving. He taught me perseverance. If you have to dig a ditch, how do you dig it? It’s the same way you eat a whale: one bite at a time.

What do you consider the key to your career success?
I genuinely care about the people I work with. I want them to succeed. In IT support, it's important to be approachable and not intimidate someone who is just asking for help. That’s my job. I have a job because you need help. I shouldn't make the process painful. I want you to succeed so we all succeed together.

What’s the best advice you received?
Plan. Make long-term and short-term goals. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Don't deviate from your goals.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in computer studies in Germany by planning and keeping my eye on the ball. I was working about 60 hours a week for the Army and would study at night. I would get up at 4 a.m. and do it all over again.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I am a geek like you wouldn't believe. I administer a personal media server in my home.

I enjoy working on cars. It’s in my blood. I can't just take my vehicle and get the oil changed. I have to do it myself. My son and I tore apart a 1995 BMW 318ti and put it back together.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone you could come to anytime for anything. And if you just need to sit and have a conversation and talk, I am there for you. I can also help you get something done.