Many meteorologists will tell you they were drawn to their field after experiencing a dramatic weather event like a tornado or a hurricane. However, Dan Gallagher’s interest and inspiration originated from a different type of weather phenomenon.
“Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, it was the snow,” he recalls. “I was always fascinated when bands of lake effect snow would come in—we would go from white-out conditions to clear skies (and then back to white-out conditions again). It amazed me how suddenly the weather can change from one condition to the next.”
His fascination, coupled with a deep desire to help others, propelled him toward what has become a gratifying career. And he’s been a pivotal figure at Baron for most of it.
“The combination of my curiosity and my inclination to help people has definitely led me down my career path, he says. “As a meteorologist, I can accomplish both!
Baron Beginnings
Dan originally joined Baron as a Data Services Meteorologist and then moved into his current role as a Sales Engineer. In this position, he serves as a product expert on Baron’s data and digital delivery methods, including web-based Baron Threat Net, GIS, API, apps, and more. He also works closely with clients to understand their weather-related challenges and demonstrates solutions to address these issues. Dan also unearths industry needs and trends, communicating his findings to ensure Baron’s products are always on the cutting edge.
Dan’s role also helps enterprises whose operations are impacted by the elements use Baron’s weather data and technology to maximize operational efficiency, mitigate risk, and safeguard employees and assets.
Like others at Baron, Dan is dedicated to relentlessly advancing meteorological sciences – a win-win for millions of people who rely on Baron solutions in industries such as Aviation, Public Safety, Energy & Utilities, and Transportation.
"There is still so much that is unknown in the field of meteorology. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of innovation," he notes. "Yet, we’re also putting tools into the hands of decision-makers that will benefit entire communities. There is no greater reward than hearing that our technology helped save a life!”
Walking the Walk
Sometimes storms hit at just the wrong time. Dan was on vacation during the 4th of July, and he knew Hurricane Beryl was going to impact Texas.
“I had just spoken to a handful of communities in the path in the days and weeks prior, showcasing for them the address-specific hurricane storm surge and wind speed offering that we have,” he says. "As with most government contracts, these agreements take a while to play out, and it was gnawing at me that we had something available to help them, but they did not have it."
Dan paused his vacation and contacted all of the communities he had previously spoken to.
"I wanted them to have access through at least a trial period," he explained. “It gave them peace of mind and benefited their communities by having Baron Threat Net at their disposal.
