Patrick Gough

Patrick Gough

Chief Operating Officer


PKL Services, Inc.

Poway, CA USA


I deal with discouragement by reminding myself of characteristics like my strong sense of self-motivation, my passion for the things that I do in my life, and knowing who I am fighting for.

Milestones

My road in life has taken me all over.
First, I immigrated to Whittier, CA, USA from Waterford, Ireland at the age of 5.
Then, I lived there all my life where I eventually graduated from St. Paul High School.
Then, I went to Whittier College as a pre-med major with a full ride and I also played football on the varsity team.
Then, I got involved with my then Fraternity where I got in some trouble and was told by my college that I would no longer me getting my education paid for.
Then, I transferred to California State University, Fullerton where I also changed my major to history.
Then, I went straight into the Marine Corp where I moved immediately to Quantico.
Then, I was in the USMC for about 30 years where I retired as a lieutenant colonel.
Then, I worked for OCTA for 6 years as an executive director and then later worked for a company called PKL Services Inc. as a Chief Operating Officer.
Keep following my journey

Education

High School
St. Paul High School
Bachelor
History, General
California State University, Fullerton
Certification/License
Aviation/Airway Management and Operations
Naval Aviation Flight School
Graduate
Marine Corp Amphibious Warfare School
Graduate
Marine Corps Command and Staff College
Graduate
Air Force Command and Staff College
Certification/License
Eno Center for Transportation Leadership Transit Executive Seminar
Graduate
The Naval War College

Career

Chief Operating Officer

I currently work for PKL Services Inc. as a Chief Operating Officer doing international military business contracts.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Armed Services
Government
Accomplishing Goals

Day to Day

At 4:45, I wake up, I am usually out the door at 6, I get to work about 6:30 and we usually try to close the doors at 3:30. I usually leave the office around 3:30, unless I really want to play golf… then I leave at 3. And usually, I’m still doing emails because we have employees in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, all over the world and it’s a different time of day where they are. I usually start doing emails at around 4:45 and I’ll stop doing emails around 10 o'clock at night.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for everyone

I recommend to immerse yourself with people who are doing what you want to do and do whatever those professionals are doing. Network! Network! Network!

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

graduate
Graduate
graduate
Graduate
graduate
Graduate
certification
Certification/License
graduate
Graduate

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Society in General:

"I suffered a head injury while in active duty for USMC. The doctors told me that I would never be able to fly again, but, with determination, not too long after, I was the first person to fly after having a head injury."

Challenges I Overcame

First-Generation Immigrant

Q&A

How and in what ways did your parents talk about college?

Asked by Lindsey at CSUF

They didn't. First of, I am the first and only member of my family to go to college, and when I was playing football at St. Paul High School colleges began to show interest in me. So, my coaches were the first to talk to me about college.

What interest you the most about the work you do currently?

Asked by Lindsey at CSUF

I'm an aviation junkie. I still love going to air shows and taking my grandkids to the Chino Air Museums and any chance that I get to work with people and with aircraft. In my company we work with everything from F-15's, F-18s, etc.

What was your first job after graduating from California State University, Fullerton?

Asked by Lindsey at CSUF

I was a lieutenant of the United States Marine Corp., making around $800 a month.

Who was your role model growing up?

Asked by Lindsey at CSUF

My father, without a doubt. He is a man who saw a better life for his family in the United States and made no hesitation to take the risk to immigrate. With only $120 cash and two suitcases my father was able to make it work for my family and I.

Interviewed By

Lindsey

at CSUF