From Manufacturing to Your Front Door
In 2004, George HAAS stepped off a plane in America with a go getter attitude, and exactly $500 in his pocket. He didn't start his journey in a corporate boardroom. He started on the hot, demanding shop floor working as a sheet metal designer and fabricator for EJM Copper, the home of the finest craftsmen. To build a new life, he did whatever it took. Installing metal roofs under the blistering Florida sun for Collis Roofing. Later drafting blueprints and design mechanical systems for Siemens Energy gas turbines, discussing their details late into nights with customers all over the world, balancing projects worth hundreds of millions dollars and employment of Americans for years. He didn't care how grueling the hours were, all he wanted is to succeed. He went back to school, earning his second Master’s degree in Engineering Management from UCF, to master the science of running complex organizations, eliminating waste and delivering projects on time and on budget.
He fell in love with the Central Florida community and was determined to earn his place in it. Today, nearly 20 years later, he still walks into offices of Siemens Energy as a Product Marketing Specialist, training young engineers and helping new products succeed in the difficult energy marketplace.
A Life Deeply Rooted in Orange County
George didn't just build a career here; he built a family and he is building a legacy. Few years after moving to USA, he met his wife, Vanesa, an elementary school teacher, here in Orlando. Together, they are raising two children, a dozen chickens for his son Adam’s fresh egg venture, and ten goats that power his daughter Victoria’s local petting zoo business.
He is teaching his kids the responsibilities and work ethics as well as giving back to community, by volunteering and helping others.
"True leadership isn't about giving speeches from a distance.
It's about showing up where your neighbors are hurting."
Every single Sunday, you’ll find George volunteering at Friends Community Church. As Chairman of the Board and a member of the church band, he doesn’t just sit in the pews; but he rolls up his sleeves to run all aspects of running the business side of the church, organize mass food distribution drives, getting food directly to families in need. His wife Vanesa leads the children's ministry of the church organizing family focused gatherings and activities.
The road hasn’t always been easy, but it has been rewarding. In 2019, George took the ultimate step of devotion to his adopted country and officially became a United States Citizen, actualizing his American Dream of finding success and family in the United States of America.
The Catalyst: Why an Engineer is Stepping Up
George’s entry into public service wasn’t inspired by political ambition it was sparked by a crisis on his own street.
When the families living on Lake Downey Drive couldn't get access to clean, potable county water, George refused to stand by and watch his neighborhood be ignored. He applied his project-management background, partnered with Orange County District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez-Cordero, and fiercely advocated for his community until the project was approved and county water was delivered directly to his neighbors' homes. As a demonstration of gratitude the Haas family started to volunteer in all events organized by Commissioner Maribel Gomez-Cordero and the District 4 staff.
That inspiring victory proved something vital. Local government doesn't need more rhetoric. It needs problem solvers. The people of Orange County District 8 deserve someone with vision, honesty and a will to work every single day to ensure that the community is doing the best that it can. Haas is that leader and hard worker every day, and will bring that same mind and ethic to Orange County Government.
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