This “Faces of ECI” profile focuses on Project Management Director Bill Martin. Bill, who has been with Exhibit Concepts and Exploration Zones since 2017, brings an experienced eye and down-to-earth perspective. From his Ohio roots to heavy metal, Bill is opening up in our latest “Faces of ECI” profile.
When did your career at Exhibit Concepts begin?
I began working at Exhibit Concepts in May 2017.
Explain your role.
As the director of project management, my job is to lead the project management team, help develop personnel and ensure that clients receive unparalleled support.
What do you like most about experiential education?
As a parent and a grandparent, I understand young children learn more through play. As a self-defense instructor, I understand that adults and children learn better through hands-on participation. Seeing what ECI does in experiential education puts this into practice. We are creating an environment for these young children to be transported into, which looks and feels playful while integrating learning. The activities and themed spaces are closely tied together, which helps the teachers facilitate a playful learning environment, teaching these young children life skills that will undoubtedly stick with them for their entire lives.
Describe your most impactful moment related to an experiential education project.
For me, the most impactful experience has been working with the educators and curriculum development teams within the districts. Watching and listening to them collaborating with our design and curriculum teams to determine how the activities and environment could best be used to facilitate learning for the children has been so refreshing. Seeing how much these educators and administrators genuinely care about their communities and knowing our work is a significant part of developing the next generation are major reasons why I come to work every day.
What’s your favorite theme? Why?
As a carpenter, I am drawn to the construction space. I like that we are introducing young children to trades at an early age. I like seeing them have the ability to play with building blocks, allowing them to play and build kinesthetic skills. Seeing these kids work together in this space, I also see how these spaces build their socialization and communication skills.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE…
Favorite food?
Steak!
Favorite band or musician?
I’d actually have to say there are two that are very, very equal. One would be Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks. I love to hear her sing, even in her solo career, but as a band they just gelled so well together. On the other side, Pantera. I just love Pantera. I hate that they’re not together anymore.
Favorite movie?
Bloodsport. Jean-Claude Van Damme. I could watch it every time it comes on. I just love the fight choreography.
Favorite author or book?
I like to read books on leadership and training and education. I’m pretty much a non-fiction type of guy.
What is your ideal place to live?
I truly love living here in Ohio. I love the Midwest. I like seasons. Where I live now is a house that’s been in the family. It’s got land and is surrounded by farm land. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What is a superpower you wish you had?
It would be the ability to transport myself and people that I love anywhere in the world. There are so many amazing things to see in this world, so many awesome places to go, and so little time.
What charitable cause is important to you?
Pink Ribbon Good. It’s a local charity that supports those going through reproductive cancer. When my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and we needed that support, they were there at every turn and gave so much moral, physical and financial support. Everybody should give to them.
