Happy 2024, everyone! As our team grows, so does our Team Bio series of blogs. Here to add another story to our collection is our newest full-time employee (who has worked with us for almost a year—but we’ll get to that in a moment). First, let me introduce you to Jenny Axelrod.

Hi Jenny, can you tell us what your job title is?

Senior Geospatial Lead

So, what do you do in this position?

A lot of things... except development. I'm not a developer. I scope and manage projects and contribute to projects as a GIS and Business Analyst. I'm also helping to refine and enhance GIS service delivery, internal processes, and operational procedures.

As I alluded to in the introduction, you are the newest Gartrell Group employee ~ as of January 1st ~ but you’ve been working with us for some time before that, right?

Late in February 2023, I started contracting with Gartrell part-time. I’ve known Bryce and Molly for over a decade since we partnered on a project in Seattle together. I was making a career change and wasn’t sure if I would stay in the GIS realm or pivot to something else. When Bryce and Molly reached out, I figured it was a nice way to give myself time to contemplate, learn more about geospatial development, and make a little money while contributing to their growing business. Fast forward to almost a year later, and we have decided to make it official! My sense of interest and passion for GIS has been reignited, and the fantastic team (also ultra cool, super smart, and quirky-nerdy) is great to work with. I’m back into GIS 100%, and the fact that we are a woman-owned GIS consultancy is a bonus! I’m excited to see where we go in the future.

That’s awesome. I’m glad you decided to stay in GIS. My next question was going to be about your favorite part of the job, but I feel like you kind of answered that with your comment on the ultra-cool, super-smart, and quirky-nerdy team we have.

Yeah. It's a great team, and I appreciate the folks working here.

Where did you grow up?

Minnesota, until I was 20. So also Oregon.

Where in Minnesota? What is childhood in Minnesota like? Is there anything from Minnesota you hold on to (traditions, recipes, ways to be)? Sorry. That’s three questions in one!

I’ll start with where. Cottage Grove. A suburb of St.Paul.

I grew up doing all of the traditional Minnesota things – ice skating and ice fishing on the lakes in the winter, canoeing in the summer, camping in the boundary waters, and going to see ice sculptures at the winter carnival. When I would cross-country ski, I always wanted to go down hills, so I switched to downhill skiing for a little bit. I tried my hand at snowboarding in Minnesota, but it was way too cold, and the snow (ice) was too packed. I picked up snowboarding once I was in Oregon and worked at a Ski Area (Willamette Pass) – the vertical and conditions are WAY better here.

My husband also grew up in the same town (we didn’t start dating until we connected in Oregon as adults), so we have a shared history and “home,” which is nice.

I always have some wild rice in my pantry.

What brought you to Oregon?

I always wanted to live near the ocean and study marine biology when I was little. I also just wanted to move to someplace new, so I moved to Oregon 3 days after I turned 20 with a friend and without a job or place to live waiting for me. It was a great adventure, and a few years later, I ended up studying biology and emphasizing in marine biology at the University of Oregon. GIS came to me later on after I spent five or so years working as a biologist.

Wow. I guess you’re comfortable with traveling!

I’m a big fan of the Mediterranean region and I really want to go sailing in Greece (I’m learning to sail).

I like spending time in a location– 7-9 days in one place or three weeks if you want to hop around to a few locations is perfect. You get into a rhythm of a place and get to know it a bit; I like that. I like to plan some things and leave the in-between times up for whatever comes our way.

My next question was about things you do when not traveling or working. It sounds like sailing is on the list!

Yes. I’m learning to sail. I also like snowboarding, gardening, cooking, playing pinball, doing DIY projects, and playing video games. Oh, and I’m trying my hand at abstract painting.

You mentioned your husband; who else shares your home?
We have an old man dog, Gus, who is very big and is a big baby. And lots of plants.

Well, thanks for taking the time to share, Jenny!