In his own words: Tom Hegge, VP of Office Pavillion

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position.

Tom Hegge: OFFICE PAVILION is a provider of commercial office furnishings and related services to private companies, governmental offices as well as educational and medical facilities. We were founded in Boise in 1982 and opened our Reno office in 1995. I handle operations for both locations, including service and installation, banking and finance, equipment and facility leases and employee issues. Company president Patty handles sales, marketing and vendor management.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Hegge: While in a previous occupation, I met the prior owner of OFFICE PAVILION and we hit it off. He was looking for someone to learn the business and manage his Boise operation. Over time we bought his shares and he retired.

NNBW: What's changed about your job with the recession?

Hegge: First, we have to watch the details carefully because there is no room for error. Second, we have to stay efficient. We purchased "the" state-of-the-art business software for office furniture dealers three years ago. We use it to track our projects and serve our customers. It allows me and the rest of our company to do more with less.

NNBW: What has changed the most in your industry from the time you started?

Hegge: When I started, we were selling the first office panel system that was "invented" and sold by Herman Miller. We also had the first ergonomic chair.

Today there are many companies with panel systems and ergonomic seating products. Panel systems are now expected to define space, deliver electricity and data, as well as provide a healthy environment for the worker.

NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?

Hegge: When we are working on a large reconfigure for one of our corporate clients, that process is rewarding. The end user is excited about getting a new work space and we partner with flooring, electrical and data companies to complete the project. The fun is the comraderie of working with our own installers, who have a great sense of humor, and the customer that is looking forward to the completion.

NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?

Hegge: We enjoy hiking in the Sierra, and when possible, a round of golf or two. We also visit family and friends throughout the West via our own airplane.

NNBW: What can you do that someone else can't?

Hegge: The statistics are that less than 1 in 50 people in America can fly, and most importantly, land an airplane. I have a private pilot's license and have owned my own Piper Comanche for 12 years. I believe in general aviation and its value to our way of life and our business community. I serve on the Community Outreach Committee of the Reno Tahoe Airport to help preserve this freedom. With the recent service cuts by Southwest Airlines, we will be utilizing our own aircraft even more.

NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?

Hegge: I had the opportunity to attend the Macco Las Vegas Bowl last month. We had great seats, and it was a great game. Both the first half and the second half kick-offs were returned for touchdowns! I cheer for UNR and Boise State, so when they play it's a problem! On that day I usually wear a BSU shirt and a UNR hat which confuses everyone.

NNBW: What's your perfect vacation spot?

Hegge: We have a place at Lake Powell and travel there regularly throughout the year. The boating and water skiing are terrific. There are many places to hike in Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands and the Grand Canyon. We like exploring the slot canyons and finish most days with a nice glass of wine and a sunset.

NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada?

Hegge: We moved to Reno about eight years ago to be more central to our markets, which include all of Nevada and southern Idaho. We enjoy the weather (most days!) and the general climate. The mountain views are incredible. We also enjoy the special events, entertainment and restaurants. When it actually snows, we enjoy cross-country skiing as well. I am active in Rotary and have met many wonderful men and women through our Rotary activities.

The basics:

Name: Thomas (Tom) Hegge/Vice President

Number of years in this job? 25+ years with Dundas Office Interiors Inc. dba OFFICE PAVILION

Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering from UCLA

Last book read? "Blink" by Malcom Gladwell

Favorite movie? "Young Frankenstein" for a good laugh, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy for a quiet evening at home

Spouse, kids or pets? Fabulous wife Patty (who also is my boss and company president); a son working and living in Boise; and our daughter, who is a freshman at University of Nevada, Reno

What's on your iPod? I don't own one, but I do have an aviation GPS with XM radio and weather that I use extensively when I fly or drive.