Walker Headlights: An Nguyen

An Nguyen recently joined the Los Angeles office as its Director of Business Development. At the early age of 31, he has nearly a decade of parking industry experience under his belt. We sat down with An to learn more about Walker’s newest business development dynamo! Q: We’ve heard your name pronounced so many different and funny ways. For the record, how do you pronounce your name? A: You wouldn’t believe what people come up with when trying to pronounce my name. But the correct pronunciation is An (like turn the light on) Nguyen (like when is dinner). Q: What profession would you have if you weren’t in business development? A: I was pre-med before I joined the parking industry, so I would be an interventional radiologist. They use minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat diseases. Q: If you didn’t live in San Diego, where would you live and why? A: Vietnam. My parents grew up there and I have lots of uncles, aunts and cousins that still live there. Plus you can’t beat authentic Vietnamese food. Q: What is your favorite piece of architecture? A: The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing, China. Q: What is your favorite hidden gem in Southern California? A: Windansea Beach in La Jolla.  It’s clean and quiet. Q: What are you most excited for in 2015? A: My wedding! I’m marrying my beautiful fiancée Samantha at the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, CA. We’re 6 months away and still have tons to do, but we are both really excited for the big day. Q: What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on while here at Walker? A: We had the pleasure of working with the San Diego Chargers and ACE Parking on the Qualcomm Stadium parking operations. I’m a huge football fan, so it was really cool to combine my work with one of my favorite past times. Q: What are your guilty pleasures? A: I love food, especially candy. You’ll find Mamba’s, Starburst, Gummy Bears and Laffy Taffy in my desk at all times. Q: You’re a foodie. What is your favorite place to eat in DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles)? A: I really enjoy The Edison on 2^nd and Main.  It’s a really cool bar and restaurant located in a historic building. They have innovative drinks, good food and lots of great people watching. Q: What is your favorite part of the design process? A: The conceptual design phase…that’s where ideas come to life. Q: Walker has three phenomenal groups under its umbrella. Of the design group, studies group and restoration group which group interests you the most and why? A: Design. I enjoy meeting with the client, coming up with a really cool concept and watching that idea come to life. Q: You’re a big football fan. If you could bring one team to Los Angeles which would it be and why? A: The Rams. I think they are the most realistic shot LA has at a team. Q: What are your pet peeves? A: I’m from the South, so inconsiderate people and people who forget their manners really frustrate me. Q: What’s the most exciting part of being in business development? A: I get to meet a varied group of people on a daily basis. I make new friends every day. Q: What parking innovation are you most excited for? A: I hope that one day we are able to set a destination using an in-car app and program it to not only pick the best parking facility in the area, but also reserve a space and pay for it all through the app. Q: What would we find you doing on a typical Sunday afternoon? A: Playing flag football with friends. Q: What advice would you give to a business development/marketing professional just starting out in the A/E/C industry? A: Be yourself and don’t back down from a challenge. Get in touch with An !