Joe Paugh is the Business & Facilities Manager.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Once Joe has his coffee in hand, he goes through the mail, dividing out bills, contributions, and junk mail and then addresses each category as appropriate. He processes email in a similar fashion. These tasks can occur throughout the day while Joe interacts with other staff members, parishioners, contractors in person and by phone. He addresses facility maintenance, inspections, and special projects; computer issues; and business matters. Although the core elements of his job are the same every day, each day is distinctly different due to problems, challenges, and needs that arise.
What do you like most about your job?
Joe most likes interacting with the people and describes staff and parishioners as “awesome!” He works with TVLC volunteers on a daily basis and Joe says their love for TVLC and its ministries is contagious.
Why have you chosen to work in a church?
Joe has always enjoyed working in a business environment, surrounded by dedicated professionals, and believes TVLC to be no different. He loves working with our talented people, both staff and volunteers. Joe believes the biggest difference from past business experiences is the size of the church team — smaller and more like family — and that church goals are ministry-related with an eternal impact. He was intrigued from day one by TVLC’s simple yet profound motto “God’s Work. Our Hands.”
About you?
Joe is from a little town in West Virginia — Stanaford. He claims only locals know the town so he tells people that he’s from the “big” city next door — Beckley. Joe confesses that most people have never heard of it either. Joe went to Tucson Christian High School, Pima College, Tennessee Temple University and the University of Phoenix. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Sue, and they have two sons.
Dogs or cats?
Joe is a dog person. He enjoys their companionship, joy, security, and the opportunities they provide for exercise and socialization. Because Joe and Sue like to travel, they don’t have a dog at this time, so they make do with their neighbor’s two Golden Retrievers.
Hidden talent?
Joe likes to make knives. He does not claim to be good at it, but he enjoys making a useful instrument from raw materials.
Pet peeves?
Joe admits that he can become irritated with those who drive 10 mph under the speed limit. He further confesses that even driving 5mph under the speed limit can aggravate him when he’s in a hurry. Joe finally gave it up and admits that even people driving the speed limit can irritate him. (You’ll want to know, Joe drives a silver pick-up.)
Happiest doing when you’re not working?
Joe and Sue enjoy camping and riding all-terrain vehicles with friends. Their group of friends enjoys camping in RVs in remote areas, outside of cell service, while still having the comforts of home. Joe especially enjoys visiting around a campfire with good friends and gazing up at the vast universe.
What inspires you?
Being around friends and our church community is always an inspiration for Joe.
Personal motto?
Joe’s motto is “Learn from everyone, but never compare yourself with anyone.” Joe believes each person can be an example, whether good or bad. He also believes social media can lead to discontent by comparing ourselves to others.
Favorite church memory?
Joe’s favorite church memory is from 1968 when Joe and his dad were baptized in a cold lake in West Virginia. Joe’s dad had undergone a transformation at age 38, so being baptized along with him was impactful.
*Note to our readers: Joe’s genial presence and sense of humor help lighten the mood of everyone with whom he interacts. Also note that he still has a lot of West Virginia in him. Each time the word “people” is used in this article, Joe used the word “folks.” In addition, note that when asked what else should have been asked of him, he replied “You should have asked everyone their opinion on the usage of Oxford commas,” which was meant to delight this writer. And finally, note that Joe really is a safe driver!
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