SDI Employee Spotlight – Dan Buchman

Celebrating 17 incredible years with SDI, Dan Buchman, Delivery Executive on our aviation team, reflects on the various opportunities, technologies, and clients that have kept him motivated and excited to grow with the firm. Join us as we explore his journey and the impactful insights he has gained along the way. 

Congratulations on 17 years with SDI! What has kept you motivated and excited to stay with the firm for so long? 

SDI has provided me with various opportunities, spanning several technologies and involving many types of clients. The variety of work and the employee-focused atmosphere have kept me motivated and excited. 

Can you share one of your proudest accomplishments during your time at SDI? 

In 2016, I was tasked with upgrading a large Midwestern airport’s Public Address System (PAS) from very outdated analog technology to a modern digital platform—a project that positively impacts millions of passengers a year. While I lacked experience with PAS at that time, I had a strong presence at the airport. Beyond having the opportunity to learn the new technologies, I was also deeply involved in the construction. 

What do you enjoy most about working at SDI? 

SDI truly cares about its employees. It’s been a great experience to be part of a growing company and see how my contributions have made a difference to our clients and the communities we work in. 

How has the aviation industry evolved since you started? 

I believe technological advancements have had a direct impact on the operational and functional aspects of the industry. Moving away from older analog systems to digital systems and the shorter timeframes for implementation have allowed the aviation industry to advance very quickly. It’s very exciting and rewarding to be a part of that.

What advice would you give someone starting their IT, consulting, or project management career, especially in aviation? 

There are many career paths that one can take. Keep learning and growing—you’ll never get bored. 

Outside of work, what are your favorite hobbies or activities? 

I love enhancing my skills as a pitmaster by smoking various foods, including meat, fish, vegetables, and cheese. The art of smoking offers limitless opportunities for creativity. Additionally, I’m a passionate reader of fiction. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

Europe—I would really like to visit Italy and Greece. 

What’s a fun fact about you that most of your colleagues might not know? 

I’ve experienced two hurricanes during my younger years, and I must admit, I have quite a fear of snakes. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, personally or professionally? 

I’ve received two great pieces of advice: one is to treat others as you wish to be treated, and the other is that if you want to get something out of life, you need to put something into life. 

Dan’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in SDI’s success in delivering complex security systems in live airport environments. If your organization needs support for physical security or aviation solutions, contact SDI—we’re here to help!

We celebrate diversity; the views expressed above are those of the interviewed individual, not SDI