Name: Carlo Sechi A.K.A Mr. Fix-it
DBR Title: Partner, Director of Higher Education
Office: Houston, Texas
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
“Somewhere buried in my Italian genes were the gifts to build, create, and enjoy speed. I was fortunate to discover and unlock these at an early age.”
How did you get started with your activity/hobby? What do you enjoy about this activity?
I started working on bicycles as a kid. Then in middle school, I was working landscaping –saving money — and I ran across a kid selling his dirt bike, unfortunately for money to buy drugs. I bought that motorcycle “Over my dead body”, were my mother’s exact words – she was not pleased. You never forget your first love, and that motorcycle was it. As I grew older, I bought and raced bigger and faster motorcycles. In order to spend the most amount of money on the fastest parts, I did all the maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and tuning myself. I learned how to plan, understand complicated systems, and buy the right tools. That has worked for me throughout my life and career – keep loading your toolbox literally and figuratively and anything is possible.
What has been your favorite project at DBR?
Texas A&M University Corp Dorms for sure! It was a test to see how bad we wanted to be in the Higher Education market. We were untested, did not have the user’s trust, and were working/being reviewed by very seasoned and veteran Engineers – not to mention we designed a system that was way outside the box.
If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?
I always joke that if I was stuck on an island I would bring Enzo (my older son) because he has such an incredible killer instinct. Three things : Hammer, Saw, Something that plays music.
What did you want to be when growing up?
A fighter pilot – I still have my 20/20 vision…
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
A Ferrari 458 – Red, of course.
What is the first concert you attended?
Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet – @ Shoreline Amphitheater
What book did you read last?
Shoe Dog : A memoir by the creator of Nike.
What celebrity do people think you look like?
Bob Saget