A lifelong local, Justin Gordon leads the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s team that handles property tax billing and collection, business tax receipts, passport services and public records management – and he’s usually the one who makes the first pot of coffee.
- Gordon’s day starts at 5:45 a.m. with school drop-off and an ironing board, and by 7 a.m. he’s at the office carving out quiet time to read his Bible and pray before his team arrives. He never goes far without a flashlight, keeps an app counting down the days until Christmas and unwinds with a run.
In this edition of How I Work – sponsored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce – Gordon talks about his routine, the career advice that stuck with him and a decades-old family Easter tradition that involves fireworks.
Are you a lifelong local? If not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?
Lifelong local.
What’s your current job title and where do you work?
Director of Tax Services, Okaloosa County Tax Collector.
What’s your morning routine?
My mornings start around 5:45 a.m. when I get my oldest daughter up for school. After getting cleaned up, I make a cup of coffee and iron my clothes (and anyone else’s in the family who needs theirs done!). I try to sit down for a few minutes to review the day’s calendar, and of course, check how many days are left until Christmas! Then it’s off to take my daughter to school and get the day started.
Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.
A typical workday revolves around supporting my team and serving our customers. Some days are filled with phone calls, in-person conversations and meetings, while others involve analyzing data, testing software enhancements and finding ways to improve our processes. The team I have the privilege of leading is responsible for a wide range of services, including property tax billing and collection, business tax receipts, passport services and public records management. Because many of these responsibilities follow annual cycles, my daily workflow shifts throughout the year. No two days are exactly alike, which keeps the work interesting.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?
I typically arrive shortly after 7 a.m. and start by making a pot of coffee for our back-office team. Before the workday gets busy, I try to carve out some quiet time to read my Bible, be still and pray. Once I’ve had that time, I pour a cup of coffee, turn on my computer, catch up on emails, review the work calendar and make my to-do list for the day. My goal is to have it all done before the team arrives at 8 a.m. so I can start the day feeling grounded, organized and ready to support my team.
What tools, apps or gadgets can’t you live without?
For tools and gadgets, I’d have to say flashlights! You never know when you’re going to need one. As for apps, my go-tos are the Bible App and Sleeps 2 Christmas. One helps keep me grounded in my faith, and the other keeps me counting down to my favorite holiday!
Apple or Android?
Apple.
What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
Americano (black).
What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?
I love to go home for lunch and eat on the back porch.
What’s one local business you love supporting?
There are so many great local businesses to support, it’s hard to choose just one! For a great steak, I love Magnolia Grill. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Kinfolks BBQ or Mary’s Kitchen. And for breakfast, The Donut Hole is a favorite!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Be confident in your abilities and expertise, especially when speaking to a group that has invited you to share your knowledge. Remember that you were invited for a reason, and you have something valuable to offer. Focus on leaving your audience with a few meaningful takeaways or nuggets of information they didn’t know before. At the same time, don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” You don’t have to have every answer, but you should be willing to find the answer and follow up. Confidence, humility and a commitment to continuous learning go a long way.
If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my 20-year-old self that it’s okay to make mistakes, take calculated risks and step outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to have everything figured out to move forward. Trust God to guide your path, and remember to be present with the people you love. Life moves quickly, and while it’s important to work hard and pursue your goals, don’t get so caught up in what’s next that you miss the blessings right in front of you.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I go for a run!
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Every Easter, my family has a tradition that might sound a little crazy: we blow up Easter eggs with fireworks. You read that right! We take hard-boiled eggs, stick fireworks in them and throw them like grenades. This unusual family tradition goes back decades and was the brainchild of one very adventurous (and probably slightly crazy) uncle. It’s definitely not your typical Easter celebration, but it’s a family tradition that has stood the test of time!
What’s your favorite local event or tradition?
I enjoy the annual All Sports Association Awards Banquet and, of course, the Christmas parade.
What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?
The Built 4 More Podcast with Denny Thompson and Joby Martin.
Early bird or night owl?
A little of both, but more of a night owl.
Most used emoji?
😀
Music while working: yes or no? (And if yes, what’s on your playlist?)
Yes, when I can! I usually listen to movie soundtracks or instrumental music without lyrics.
Favorite motivational quote?
My favorite motivational quote is actually a Bible verse, Matthew 22:37-39:
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
In other words, love God and love people. Life can be messy, complicated and stressful, but when I turn my focus back to Jesus and these two simple commandments, the noise quiets, my priorities become clearer and I find peace. No matter what life brings, loving God and loving others is a simple reminder of what matters most.
Standing desk or sitting? Mix?
A mix.
If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and don’t take criticism and complaints personally. Mistakes are part of learning and growing and should be viewed as an opportunity to improve rather than as a personal attack. When working in public service, many responsibilities are guided by state statutes and rules, but how those requirements are carried out can make all the difference. You should always look for ways to make processes more convenient, thoughtful, and responsive to the people you serve. Ultimately, the goal should be to go beyond simply meeting requirements and strive to provide service that exceeds the expectations of citizens.
