In 1987, Bryan Flansburg never imagined he would be able to look back on a 28 year career with the University of Colorado where he progressed from washing cars, part time, to being the director of that division. Some might say, he was lucky. Creating luck has been Bryan鈥檚 trademark. He defines his luck as the intersection of experience and opportunity.
By saying, 鈥淵es I can,鈥� to opportune moments Bryan advanced from washing vehicles, to Equipment Mechanic in shop operations, to Shop Supervisor, promoted to Fleet Manager and eventually reaching his goal of Director of Transportation Services. Bryan鈥檚 positive replies to each opportunity has impacted millions of people visiting the University of Colorado at each of the four campuses every day. Bryan found creative means to move individuals from locations as far North as the Yukon to the Southern reaches of El Salvador and from Coast to Coast. If it was more efficient to utilize a bus, that鈥檚 what was used. If the independence of a professor could accomplish travels with a 15 passenger van, vehicles were provided and the operators were trained properly to make the journey.听
Bryan negotiated transportation solutions with vehicle manufactures to rebuild an aging fleet.听When passenger loads increased to the extent that a current bus fleet could not handle the capacities, Bryan researched and identified financial means to purchase replacement units. His understanding of the need to procure efficient and environmentally sustainable vehicles met the vision of the University of Colorado and the customer demands. His perseverance is a hallmark echoed amongst those who know Bryan.
Always one to inspire his staff to rise to the occasion and accomplish major events (weekly sporting events, presidential campaign visits and large campus-wide gatherings like Odyssey of the Mind) Bryan led by example, working with his team, sometimes requiring his 24 hour oversight to attain their promised deliverables. Transportation Services employees will remember him for his ability to say 鈥測es鈥� when the task seemed impossible, his听leadership, and guidance by offering suggestions to accomplish difficult tasks.
Winning national awards for his innovative thinking Bryan has risen to prominence in the fleet industry, holding executive positions within organizations such as NAFA Fleet Management Association. He is currently the Senior Vice President and destined to become the guiding force within this influential organization.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Bryan for 28 years of dedicated service to the University of Colorado. His vision, determination, leadership, and inspirational philosophy that with a great team greatness is achievable, will live on in his legacy with the Transportation Services division. We wish him well with his new endeavors as he continues to say, 鈥淵es I can.鈥� 听听