At Apex Facility Resources, we believe in celebrating not just the professional accomplishments of our team but also the unique personalities that drive our success. Our Employee Spotlight offers a glimpse into the lives of our exceptional team members, each of whom is dedicated to creating innovative and efficient workplace solutions for our clients.
In this Employee Spotlight, we’re pleased to introduce Darren Swift, Account Manager. Let's dive into what makes him passionate both in and out of the workplace.
What keeps you passionate outside of work?
Going to the movies with friends and gardening during the spring/summer months. This year’s garden has created more salsa and tomato sauce than in the last couple of years. I have been a Sounders season ticket holder since they began playing in 2009.
What problems do you solve for clients in your role?
What I try to solve is the disconnect between budget and creativity. Many clients feel they have to sacrifice one for the other, but I show them how smart design decisions can deliver both. I help transform their office into a place where people want to be—functional, inspiring, and aligned with their future brand identity.
What’s your favorite aspect of your role at Apex?
Clients often come to me with the goal of changing their work environment. I enjoy showing clients what options they have to improve their office, from the work areas to the teaming areas. Bringing a new and improved working environment to the client is always my goal.
How do you keep a healthy work/life balance?
I try to watch movies with friends and visit family members in the area. I also enjoy small outings to the Washington coast to smell the sea air and visit Yakima, Prosser, and Benton City for wine tasting.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
I have two. My father taught me a lot from a personal point of view by leading through example every day. From the business side, I had a new manager come in and transform our design team for the better. He always said, “You guys are the subject matter experts on anything design-related for our company, and I will back you up 100%.” That was great to hear from a new manager—it gave me the confidence to block-plan an entirely new space in downtown Seattle for the company I was working for.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to approach every project or goal with an open mind — and it has stuck with me both personally and professionally.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Seattle, and what makes it stand out to you?
One restaurant I enjoy in West Seattle is Efesis. The owner recently came out of retirement and switched the food back to the Turkish kebab house it once was. He always remembers my family when we come in, and I love that he recognizes us. I also have to mention my favorite bakery—Bakery Nouveau—they make everything sweet and savory taste amazing.
If you could do anything and know you would not fail, what would it be?
It would be great to visit the International Space Station. Experiencing weightlessness and seeing the planet from up there would be awesome.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
Years ago, I was pretty good at photography—both before and during the digital age. I used to make Christmas photo cards each year featuring different scenes from around the Seattle area. A few of my photos were accepted into the Puyallup Fair photography exhibit, and my picture of two grizzly bears was featured on the front cover of Bartell’s calendar one year. One of my favorite quotes from a local photographer is, “The best camera you have is the one you have that day.”
Which part of our company DNA speaks the most to you and why?
Natural Problem Solver. Jigsaw puzzles have always been something I was good at putting together. Each customer is a 2,500 piece puzzle that needs to be solved, starting with the edges. The edges being the knowns— the customer’s ideas through emails or a walk-through of the new space that will help shape the office space. Filling in all the other pieces are the offices, conference rooms, teaming areas, and workspaces to complete the puzzle. Once the customer’s office puzzle is put together properly, we have a satisfied customer.
