BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Danny Wolf Gonzales is part of Pathways to Career Excellence Group 50 and previously served in the U.S. Army.
Why did you first apply to PACE?
I felt like I had hit a sort-of-plateau in my career and wanted to gain more knowledge about DLA for more upward movement. And I knew Battle Creek held a plethora of knowledge through its people so I had to jump on the opportunity.
What was your career path before joining PACE? For example, what was your previous role, and what led you to DLA?
After I got out of the Army as a construction engineer, I took a break from the federal service and worked at Lowes for about four years as a warehouse receiver. Then my sister sent me a link to apply for a warehouse position in DLA and I was fortunate to be selected, given my extensive background within warehousing operations.
What have your favorite parts of PACE been so far?
I’ve enjoyed traveling to different field sites and seeing how their processes might be different than what I’ve seen. Also, getting to meet and spend time with the rest of Group 50 has definitely been a highlight of this program. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we not only work very well together but we also get along with each other outside of work, which makes this experience much more enjoyable and fun.
What has been your most memorable moment in PACE and why does it stand out to you?
The multiple TDY trips I took with the other PACERS has been the best part of this experience for me. Not only did we get to see other sites, but we also met so many different people and had the chance to hang out and get to know one another outside of the office. There were many laughs and shared experiences. With every new place, I collected more than just miles; I collected relationships, stories, knowledge, and a ton of moments that will continue to stitch and map out my DLA career into this huge tapestry of human connection.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their PACE journey?
I would say to try and find a former PACER to be a sort of mentor or guide to make the transition smoother and alleviate any anxiety that might come with traveling to a new place and meeting different people.
What suggestions could enhance the PACE experience for future participants?
A list of places that former PACERS lived at for their year here would be helpful to know prior to coming to Battle Creek. Maybe a list of cool things to do or hidden gems in Battle Creek to go to for a year that might interest people.
What are the key qualities that help a person succeed and thrive in PACE?
Participants who are comfortable with public speaking and interpersonal engagement in general are going to gain more in the program, considering the many experienced professionals here who are willing to share their knowledge.
How would you briefly describe PACE and its benefits to a colleague?
The first year is about gaining all the foundational information in our agency, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to get a head start in DLA. It’s also the perfect time to establish a professional network and accelerate your learning curve beyond what would come from starting somewhere else.
Where will you be assigned for your second year of the program?
I’ll thankfully be going back to sunny California at the Barstow site.
Looking beyond PACE, what are your long-term career goals within the agency?
My long-term goal is to stay a part of DLA for the long haul and hope to climb the ranks while remaining on the West Coast. Whether that takes me to other places or not, I have a natural itch to seek out new challenges and learning opportunities, and I look forward to scratching that curiosity through diverse roles within the agency.
The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program educating PACERS on the full scope of organizational business processes and the various directorates. The first year takes place at major subordinate command headquarters in Michigan, with a second year either in Battle Creek for Contracting trainees or at field sites for property disposal personnel. PACERS begin training as General Schedule 7 employees, promote to GS-9 at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PACER, including through DLA internal selection, recent graduates, or candidates coming directly from active military service.