FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency Energy Hall of Fame member Donald Peschka shared his experiences and words of wisdom with the workforce during a brown-bag mentoring session, Feb. 20.
Peschka was a member of the DLA Energy Inaugural Hall of Fame in 2016 and inducted into the DLA Hall of Fame in 2017. He is also a 2015 recipient of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Acquisition and Contracting Legends Award.
"DLA employees are here for the warfighters," Peschka said. "They simply cannot do it without you."
Attendees asked the award-winning former Bulk Petroleum Products director about the importance of relationship building.
"Communication is key in all relationships," Peschka said. "Get to know your lawyers … they know the law. Go and talk to counsel and build a relationship with them."
When asked how he built relationships with his suppliers, Peschka explained that contracting professionals must know their vendor contacts and foster those connections.
"Establish a relationship, ask them how their families are and ask them about their business," he said. "They will open up to you and you will gain industry insights."
Peschka stressed the importance of attending conferences where vendors are present. It is helpful in building strong partnerships, he said.
Accept that issues will arise among industry partners but stay committed to the relationship, Peschka advised.
"Things can go wrong but remember to follow the contract and work with the vendor," he said. "Things will work out."
Procurement Analyst Kelly Dowd worked with Peschka for several years in Overseas Bulk Fuels and learned about foundational principles early in her career that still hold true today.
"I knew he had great advice to share and insights on managing people," Dowd said. "Supporting the warfighter is the most important thing we do. I learned that by working with Don."
"Number one, I don’t see a difference between employees, men or women," Peschka said. "If my staff had ideas, I listened, and if they were decent we tried them."
DLA Energy Chief of Staff Army Col. Doug Henry thanked Peschka for sharing his experiences and knowledge.
"Your perspectives are just as pertinent now as they were then," Henry said. "What resonates with me is the relationships you had with industry, government agencies, the services, and with each other."
The next DLA Energy brown bag luncheon is scheduled for March 20 and will feature Kathy Cutler, DLA Information Operations director.