Employee Focus on Donald L. Bolen
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Name: Donald L. Bolen
Current Title: Building Services Assistant
Hometown: Piqua, Ohio
Degrees and Institutions Attended: Michigan Christian College, David Lipscomb College
Years of Employment at the College: Two
Q&A
What brought you to the College of Optometry?
A friend of mine works at Central Receiving, and when there was an opening there, he told me to apply. I interviewed for that job but didn’t end up getting it. I decided to look at more jobs at Ohio State and saw this one. It seemed like a job I would be comfortable doing—something that was in my wheelhouse, and I wouldn’t have to learn a bunch of new systems and technologies. Once I saw the optical equipment and some of the rooms, it was a little different than I thought it would be. I realized it was more maintaining equipment than just moving it around. But, I am good with my hands and comfortable taking things apart and putting them back together, so I thought this was a good fit for me.
Describe your typical day at work or describe your position/role.
Taking care of the eye equipment and moving office furniture to different offices.
What brings you the most joy in your work?
Getting things set in place and all works well.
What advice would you give to a new employee at the College?
Be patient. It’s a whole different world working for a government or public institution than working in the private sector. It seems to take a lot longer to get things done, and there are a lot more committees that make decisions. It takes a lot longer to get things ordered, and there are a lot of systems and paperwork, but it gets done. You just have to be patient and let the process play out.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I have played Bluegrass music for over 25 years. I play guitar and upright bass and I’ve played through many states and with lots of different people. I used to be in a band called Never Dull. It was named after a car polish that one of the women in the band used to use on the chrome of her ‘59 Edsel. Now I play with a group of friends just for fun, about twice a week. I also love to fish and go to flea markets.
What is your go-to Columbus/neighborhood eatery?
My go-to Columbus eatery would be Windward Passage. It’s on Reed Road. It’s been around a long and doesn’t look like much. The food is great. It is run by a lady named BJ. You need to get there early, or you will have to wait in line. On the weekends you get a hot cinnamon roll to set your order. Service is great and the steak is wonderful. The doors open at 4:30 p.m.