By: Kim Thomas
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a chef—though I called it being a ‘cooker.’ As I grew older, I aspired to be an attorney and even took the LSAT. However, I ultimately discovered my true passion in serving and educating marginalized communities, as well as in developing leadership models and practices to make a positive impact in those communities.
What is the best thing about your job?
I genuinely enjoy the opportunities to collaborate with others to strategically influence, drive, and support change, growth, and progress within PE Systems.
What are your goals for 2024 and 2025?
For 2024, my goals are centered on transitioning into this new role by expanding my understanding of the business, engaging with as many employees as possible, soliciting their feedback, and enhancing communication across our locations. Additionally, I aim to get PE Systems certified as a Woman Owned Small Business with the Small Business Administration.
In 2025, I plan to continue learning about the industry, support the development of strategic relationships to pursue new work, and identify opportunities for new prime work. I also intend to create professional development opportunities for our employees to support their career growth and promotion. Furthermore, I want to enhance our communication management efforts and identify specific SMART goals to ensure continuous progress monitoring and incorporate employee feedback into our strategic planning and future direction.
If you could do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would choose to be a traveling photographer and photojournalist.
Who is your hero and why?
My father is my hero, and while it may seem cliché, his life story is truly inspiring. Raised during a challenging era—right before World War II, amidst economic depression, and systemic racism—he faced numerous hardships. Losing his father at age 7 and being raised by a single mother of seven, he could have easily been overwhelmed. Instead, he got his first job at 7 to help his mother with bills.
In high school, he excelled as a student-athlete but was not heavily recruited for college. Despite this, he was accepted into the University of Pittsburgh due to his academic performance. Although tuition was a challenge, his family made it work. His big break came when he participated in a track meet, broke the school record in discus, and earned a scholarship.
His perseverance, self-belief, and drive continued throughout his Navy career. Before leaving for Vietnam, he bought a home for his family, ensuring they had a place to live if anything happened to him. After retiring from the Navy, he joined PE Systems, combining his love for the Navy, engineering skills, and commitment to national defense.
I remember him drafting plans and ideas on our living room couch, always striving to build, grow, and progress. Purchasing PE Systems in 1995 was a pinnacle moment for him, allowing him to elevate the business and care for his employees like family. His drive, discipline, motivation, perseverance, resourcefulness, self-belief, and care for others have been exemplary. His life and example are a gift, making him a hero not only to me but to others as well.
What is the best advice someone has given you?
My father, Wesley King, once told me to have patience, show grace, and never give up on what you believe in or want to achieve.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Personally, I love spending quality moments with family and friends, cooking up delicious meals, diving into a good book, relaxing on the beach, and whenever I get the chance, traveling to new places.