Among SNA Displays’ core values is the concept of “people first.” Even though our tangible product offering is top-tier LED video display technology, our strongest collective asset is the people who work at SNA Displays day in and day out, the ones who make Dreams Live Digitally® a reality. With that in mind, our communications team introduced a series of employee spotlight features to show our clients and partners who they’re working with (and yes, maybe some humble brags about our employees). As we continue this series, let’s learn little more about Rasool Sayed, who you might remember from when he lent us his project management expertise for a glimpse of behind-the-scenes work at American Dream.
Rasool Sayed, senior project manager at SNA Displays, is a talented construction manager with demonstrated expertise in the electrical and manufacturing industry. His experience includes drafting and managing projects from schematic design through design development, construction documents, and construction management. Rasool has a Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology.
Background and Personal
Where did you grow up? Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
I grew up in Montville, New Jersey. My favorite childhood memory is winning the design competition for a model house in 9th grade.
Sounds like you started your career early, then. Do you have a personal motto or mantra?
“You don’t come this far to come this far.” I always believe in exceeding goals and moving forward, going above and beyond.
How do you spend your free time?
Gardening, playing sports, and going on spontaneous adventures with the destination in mind but route to be explored!
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I traveled by foot 400 miles to come to America.
I definitely need to follow up on that question. Can you tell me a little more about that experience?
So, we traveled out of Afghanistan in 1994 when there was war there and we lost everything we had in our hometown of Helmand, Afghanistan. Traveling by foot between villages and different refugee campsites was the norm for about 5 months until we finally made it to the US embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. From there, we got a refugee visa to come to the US and apply for asylum. We landed at the JFK Airport in New York and were assigned an apartment. From there, we slowly began building our future to where now I’m a senior project manager with SNA, making a difference in cityscapes.
What’s something you wish more people knew about you?
I wish more people knew that I’m a very good listener and have experience with social problems and relationships. I can be comforting if one needs.
Besides your job, what subject are you an expert in?
Speaking Farsi and landscaping.
Who’s had a significant influence on your life?
My dad.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Exceed your loved ones’ expectations, but don’t expect anything.
Professional Experience
What did you do before joining SNA Displays?
I was a project manager for a glazing manufacturer.
How was being a project manager there different from being one in the LED industry?
Being a project manager for SNA Displays involves integrating multiple trades such as design, electrical, structural, and finishing. Other trades don’t overlap as much. For example, in the glass industry, you only deal with flooring people or drywall people and the architect. In the LED industry, we deal with structural engineers, electrical engineers, plumbers, HVAC engineers, flooring, finishing, architects, and other trades that relate to building facades or adjacent spaces that we’re working in.
Experience at SNA Displays
In your own words, how would you describe your role at SNA?
I’m a project manager that works on complex LED design-and-build projects and manages site installation activity.
What drew you to SNA Displays?
The innovation and technology.
Have your previous jobs been similar to working here or different?
Both. My experience has been similar in terms of management and using tools to stay organized. It’s different as the schedule is a bit more complex and working with larger developers requires more attention to detail and responsibility.
What is your typical workday like?
I spend the mornings getting organized. Throughout the day I complete action items while managing crews on-site during install. At the end of the day, I complete daily progress reports.
What do you like most about your job?
My co-workers, managers, and team ethics.
What have been some of your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment at SNA Displays was installing the huge display at The Reef. For my career overall, it was designing and installing 60 floors of bathrooms without any hiccups at the Christie Hotel in New York. My next big accomplishment will be installing LED and static signage at Figueroa and Pico in Los Angeles.
How has SNA Displays helped you in your career development?
Working at SNA Displays has helped me develop organized methods of communications, customer service, and certain ways to handle particular clients.
If you could switch jobs for a day with anyone else at SNA Displays, whose job would you want?
I’d want Pete Simon’s job in Sales.
Looking to the Future
Where is SNA Displays and/or the industry headed in the next 10 years?
I think 3D displays might be something that will be big in the next 10 years.
What advice would you give new project managers?
Stay focused on organization, time management, and follow-up with clients. Get them on your side as much as you can.