Employee Spotlight Justin Gales

Can you describe your position?

My position is all about making sure that everyone who comes through our doors leaves with a positive experience. I oversee all of the coming and going of materials that belong to the library. I manage the circulation team so I make schedules, do trainings, complete reviews, etc. I run a monthly event called Beyond Board Games. This event happens the third Tuesday of each month. This is a chance for people to bring the games they love up to the library and share them with other like minded gamers. I am also on the marketing team for the library. I create videos for the library as well as help maintain our social media pages.

What did you do before landing your job with the city?

Before I worked for the city I worked at the corporate office for GameStop over in Grapevine. I worked in the HR department for about 5 years. While there I helped create GameStop’s HR Solution Center. This was a team that served as the front lines of all HR issues company wide. We assisted in everything from personnel changes, benefits, compensation, recruitment, and disputes as well as other HR related areas.

What made you choose your career path?

My wife and I had our son, Dain, and we decided that I was going to be a stay at home dad until he started school. Once he started pre-school I applied for a position with the library.

What do you love about your job?

I love interacting with our community! I love being able to talk to and get to know so many awesome people.

*Photos provided by Nicole Wright

What do you find most interesting about Weatherford?

Like the last question, I think the community we have here is great. I love that you can go to the store and see people you know by name and strike up a conversation with them even if you haven’t seen them in a while. The city may be getting larger, but we still have the small town feel.

Justin with his family

*Photos provided by Justin Gales

Where is your favorite place in Weatherford?

Other than the library?!? I would have to say I really enjoy Soldier Springs Park. I like how walking the trails makes you forget you are in the middle of the city.

If you could have any job in the world (no limitations) what would you do?

I always thought it would be cool to be an explorer.

Justin and his family welcoming a new family member!

*Photos provided by Justin Gales

Do you have any hobbies or areas of interest and what are they?

I am a gamer. I love playing both video games and card games.

Do you have any personal goals for yourself?

My wife and I are saving up to buy our first home. So hopefully around this time next year we’ll be the proud owners of a place either here in town or near it.

What else would you like everyone to know about you?

I collect Legend of Zelda related items.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky – Michael Scott

*Photos provided by Justin Gales

What type of music best describes you?

90s Alternative – It’s upbeat, edgy, and sometimes kind of weird.