In this week’s Fellow Spotlight, we are checking in with Hayden McNeil. He fills us in on what he enjoys most about Detroit, his host company, PM Environmental, and what he’s looking forward to as a Challenge Detroit Fellow.

Tell us about your neighborhood in the city. What are some of your favorite things about it?

I live in a historic neighborhood in Midtown called Woodbridge. It is one street away from Wayne State University’s campus and has close to countless local eateries, shops, and food stores. My favorite part about Midtown is its walkability/bikability. I can easily get to the gym, work, and the grocery without ever getting in my car!

Tell us about your host company and your role with them.

PM Environmental is an environmental and engineering service firm that specializes in due diligence and industrial hygiene. It is one of the nation’s premier firms in its industry and the top choice in Michigan. PM Environmental is unique because it has its own Research Department and this is what I am a part of. My job as a Research Consultant is to look up historical and current uses of land. I visit the Fire, Building, Assessing, and Oil & Gas Departments in Detroit weekly and work on projects across the United States.

What have you learned with Challenge Detroit so far?

I have learned that everybody, no matter what they do or where they hail from, has a truly unique story and it is always wise to listen. We can all learn something from everyone we meet if we are willing to ask questions and hear what they have to say. Also, Challenge Detroit has taught me that there is always events happening in the city such as shows, presentations, galleries, or speeches.

What kind of impact do you hope to make with your host company? With the city?

I plan to bring a new perspective and knowledge from previous experiences to PM Environmental. Also, I plan to keep my co-workers up to date with events happening in Detroit. Within Detroit, I hope to find my niche to help within a volunteer organization.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

I am most looking forward to taking advantage of a Michigan summer. With the amazing amount of lakes, craft breweries, and festivals in the area, I’ve been told the summer time is immaculate! I plan to take full advantage of these activities with my fellow fellows and new friends in Detroit.

Also, be sure to check out Hayden’s video to hear more about his time in Detroit, so far.