BTS Behind the Scenes is a chance to showcase the people who are making things happen at BTS and give you a “behind the scenes” look into their worlds. In this month’s feature we’ll talk with Contracts Manager Jaime Arthur about life overseas, workout routines, and comfort zones.

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What was your transition like out of active duty? 

Well, to be completely honest, it was a major decision and it was a trying time for my family and I. It was filled with a lot of uncertainties, and like most who have served, the military was all that I knew. It did require a lot of preparation. I started making preparations 24 months in advance of my retirement date. 

What was the most challenging part? 

There were various challenges that my family and I faced during our transition mainly because we transitioned overseas right before the pandemic. For so many others, job opportunities became very scarce. Relocating my family from Germany to the States also presented a new set of challenges as the cultural adjustment was very difficult for our children who had lived overseas all their lives. Additionally, the housing market was very competitive during our search, especially when trying to find a suitable home in a good school district that met our family’s housing needs.

What’s a place you’ve lived that most of your peers haven’t? 

I’ve been fortunate enough to live and travel the world due to the military. I’ve lived in Germany, Africa, Romania, Poland, and Bulgari and I was able to immerse myself in various cultures, learning to appreciate their traditions and cuisines.

How do you think these experiences helped shape your perspective on people? 

Not only have these cultural diversity experiences helped shape my global perspectives, but they also helped me better relate to people with different  ideas, values, and backgrounds- although some of these experiences came with their own set of challenges such as cultural perception issues and communication barriers.

Fitness is a big part of your life, tell us about your workout routine (and let’s see your gym!). 

My routine normally begins with stretching, then followed by intense warm up for about 15 – 20 minutes on the treadmill. Depending on what season of life I’m in, I’ll either use Jim Stoppani’s Shortcut to Size or Shortcut to Shred. The Shortcut to Size is a 12-week three-phase bodybuilding program, it aims to help you gain mass and strength. This program requires four days a week to train. To maximize results, I begin with light weights for high repetitions and then increase the weights gradually with lower repetitions. Shortcut to Shred, on the other hand, is a 6-week fat loss and bodybuild routine. This combines cardio exercises in between lifting sets to help maximize calories burnt during a training session.  

What are people surprised to find out about you? 

People are surprised to find out that I am an excellent cook and also my faith in God, which is the core value of who I am. 

We heard you’re big into cooking. Are you a “follow the recipe” or “just feel it” kind of chef? 

Let’s just say I cook without measurement. 

What’s one significant way you’ve seen yourself change as a result of a challenge in your career? 

One significant way I’ve seen myself change as a result of a career challenge is by developing resilience. Challenges often push us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to adapt, learn, and find creative solutions. When faced with obstacles, I’ve learned to bounce back, stay focused, and persevere. Each challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, and over time, this resilience has become a valuable asset in my professional journey throughout my career in the military and post-military.

What’s your focus at BTS? 

My focus is first of all to be an invaluable member and contribute to the growth of BTS. I believe in maintaining a positive attitude, displaying discipline and commitment in my role, and being a team player to support my colleagues in accomplishing the mission at hand. 

Tell us about your family! 

By God’s grace I can say that I have been married to the love of my life for almost nineteen years. We have been blessed with three beautiful intelligent children (Daughter: Shana 23, Sons Nigel 16, and Javian 13). 

Lightning Round! 

• Favorite post-workout recovery meal: Avocado toast with boiled eggs
• What do you always have to have in your car? Music
• When you were a kid you thought your future job would be: Pharmacist
• Favorite place you’ve lived: Germany

 

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Tags: features, Jaime Arthur, spotlight