HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Meet Maverick "Mav" Solomon, deputy director of business operations at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, whose life is a blend of adventure, family fun, and a dash of Bigfoot magic. His journey with the government and the Complex began in April 2011. Since then, his career has been a testament to his strong work ethic and unwavering patriotism in supporting the warfighter.
Born in West Valley, Utah, and raised in Vernal, Utah, Mav's story is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing significant challenges in his youth, including family disruptions and personal struggles, he turned his life around through sheer grit and perseverance - and "a lot of support" from his wife, Brenda. Returning to school later in life to earn his GED and a bachelor's degree, Mav believes in the power of self-improvement and never giving up. This personal journey of overcoming adversity is a cornerstone of his character, driving him to inspire and support his colleagues and team members.
At work, Mav's role is anything but boring. He's like a firefighter, tackling diverse and urgent daily tasks in a staff office with tremendously broad responsibilities. His approachable leadership style fosters strong relationships across the organization. Mav's ability to connect with people and drive teamwork is a key ingredient in his professional success.
But it's not all work and no play for Mav. Family is the cornerstone of his life. He and his wife, Brenda, have built a supportive and loving household. Their three daughters, Kennedee, Liberty, and Quinci, excel in academics and athletics, making their parents proud. The family shares a passion for travel, exploring national parks and international destinations, enriching their lives with shared adventures, and creating lasting memories.
Mav's passion for mountain biking has become a family affair. He and his wife are coaches for their daughter's Westfield High School mountain biking team, helping the young riders build confidence and skills. This volunteer role reflects his dedication to nurturing growth and resilience in others, just like his life journey.
And then there's Bigfoot. Yes, you read that right. Mav has a thing for Bigfoot. Inspired by his dad's stories, he's turned this fascination into a fun tradition with his kids. Whether it's creating Bigfoot "evidence" on camping trips or working on his latest chainsaw art project – a Bigfoot sculpture for his home's "Bigfoot Oasis" – Mav's creativity knows no bounds.
In his community, Mav is committed to environmental conservation and has plans to launch a clothing line that supports trail maintenance and litter removal efforts in the Wasatch Front. This initiative reflects his broader goal of giving back and ensuring the natural beauty of Utah is preserved for future generations.
Patriotism is a big part of who Mav is. He's proud to contribute to the defense and well-being of the nation through his work. This patriotic spirit, combined with a strong work ethic, drives him every day.
Mav lives by a couple of mottos that guide his approach to life: "Believe in yourself, even if no one else does"—a nod to his personal journey of self-improvement and perseverance (and Bigfoot)—and "Nothing lasts forever"—a reminder that both good times and challenges are temporary, encouraging him to embrace change and keep pushing forward. He also likens his life philosophy to casting a stone in a lake: by creating new ripples and opportunities, he aims to lead his family and others to continually cast their own stones, creating an ever-expanding legacy of growth and improvement.
In a nutshell, Mav Solomon is a dedicated professional, a loving family man, and an adventurer with a playful spirit. His story is one of resilience, patriotism, and a strong work ethic, making him a standout member of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and a beloved figure in his community.