Whether he’s camping under the stars, biking up mountains, or traveling to state parks, Brad Foote LUVs being outdoors. It comes as no surprise that he has felt at home on an airport tarmac since the first day he set foot on one.
"Working on the ramp is the ideal job for me. Even in bad weather, it beats working an office job," Brad says. "My dad worked in aviation, and I listened to him talk about the business while I was growing up. I knew I would someday work for an airline."
Brad joined the Southwest Family at the Portland International Airport (PDX) in August 1997. As a Ramp Agent, he ensures that Customers’ bags are loaded onto the correct aircraft and enjoys sharing his kindhearted spirit with Customers as he collects strollers and wheelchairs to be loaded into the plane’s belly. "Not only do I get to talk to Customers and Employees, but I get to assist those who need a little extra help getting on and off the aircraft," Brad says.
From the beginning, Brad’s friendly disposition and dedicated work ethic quickly earned him the reputation of a top Employee at PDX. Several times, he’s been honored as Agent of the Quarter—a distinction that’s well-deserved. "Brad has had perfect attendance during his nearly 16-year career at Southwest Airlines," says PDX Station Manager Brendan Korsgren. "He helps his Peers in all Departments while still taking care of his regular duties. Brad’s energy and passion have made him a great asset to Team PDX and Southwest."
Brad’s Warrior Spirit and Servant’s Heart shine outside of work, too. He and his wife, Shannon, have been married for 14 years, and they are the proud parents of two dogs they adopted from an animal shelter. Whether he’s hiking around Portland with his four-legged friends or sharing a laugh in a Southwest Breakroom, Brad is always surrounded by those he LUVs.
"I’m very proud to work for Southwest because they have always treated me like Family," Brad says. "And that means a lot to me."