Sitting at his desk on the second floor all day, doing the things that electrical designers do, we haven’t had a chance to get to know Dave Jones much yet. So this week, we took the opportunity!

 

 

Tell me about your background.

Well, I am originally from Dayton, Ohio, but I was born in New Orleans and still have family there. When I started college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, so I spent my first two years with an undecided major. I knew I was good in math and tried several related majors. Engineering just seemed to stick and I graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in it. I moved to Indianapolis in 2000 after graduation.

What inspires you?
Taking care of my family is definitely the biggest driving factor in my life. I firmly believe that I must be good at my job and succeed professionally to provide well for them. I have been married to my wife, Jennifer, for 10 years. Together, we have Zoe, 10, and twin 7-year-olds, Davey and Samantha.

And, like anyone else, it’s nice to be recognized for a job well done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you do in your free time?
I used to play sports a lot, but I recently blew out both knees at a trampoline park. I was entertaining the kids with slam dunks and managed to rupture both patellar tendons on my fourth dunk. I had to have both knees surgically repaired and was bedridden. When I finally regained some mobility, I had to use a walker, complete with tennis balls on the bottom to avoid scuffing the floors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s your favorite book?
I really enjoy “The Stand” by Stephen King.

Do you collect anything?
Do gray hairs count?

Do you keep anything special at your desk?
I have several bottles of hot sauce because I like my tongue to burn. If I had to choose, I would say my favorite is Cholula, though it isn’t necessarily the hottest. I also have Valentina, Frank’s, Tabasco, and Tapatio.

What is your favorite hidden activity or place to go in Indianapolis?
Since blowing out my knees, I look weird when I run—like a robot or something. Because of that, I had to find a new exercise routine, and I took up biking. I found this dirt road just off 96^th Street, just west of Allisonville Road. There are some great trails back there.

Do you have a dream vacation?
I would love to visit Spain, try paella made the right way, and see the beautiful architecture there. Unfortunately, my wife doesn’t share the same vision.

It was such fun to sit down and talk with Dave. If you ever get the chance, give him a call. You might get lucky and he would be willing to share some of that hot sauce with you!

Also learn about Sarah Hempstead, Tricia Smith, Charlie Wilson, Tom Neff, and Joe Redar