Skybox Unboxed featuring Jason Valudos

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2021

The basis for Skybox’s success lies in the hard work and achievement of our employees. We are highlighting each of our team members from various departments to share their impact on Skybox and what makes them the heartbeat of our organization.

"Jason Valudos has been pushing the envelope for perfection in development for Skybox and its data centers for years now. As our newly appointed Vice President of Construction, he can take these standards even higher to the direct benefit of our customers. Jason is a true man of his word and someone I am proud to work alongside as we grow the Skybox portfolio nationally.” – Rob Morris, CEO

How did you get into the datacenter industry?

After high school I went into the military service for six years as an Information Security Analyst. We essentially monitored US military abroad to estimate their next movements and give warning if we thought our enemies would be able to do the same. After serving in the military, I earned a degree in Information Technology Management to manage computer programmers. During that time, some colleagues suggested that I spend some time researching data center construction. The idea of being part of a team to bring something from initial concept to a fully commissioned facility was exciting and quickly became more of an enjoyable hobby than a job. I accepted a position with ConceptCSI, completing a series of data halls as a project manager while also receiving my master’s degree. In 2018, I transitioned to Critical Project Services (CPS) and was able to take on projects across several different asset classes including industrial, office and retail. Mission critical development really sparked my interest more than other real estate assets largely due to the technological and structural complexities associated with running the country’s infrastructure. My main project from the start at CPS was working with the Skybox Datacenters team on Skybox Houston I. I enjoyed working with the Skybox team because of their clear, respectful and transparent communication with myself and their client DUG, a leading cloud computing company out of Australia. When the opportunity arose to join the Skybox team, we had developed a lot of trust over the years, and I felt like it could be a good fit. Futhermore, Skybox was the best client I had ever had, so I knew they would be a great employer as well.

What is one thing we don’t know about you?

  • I think I’m funny. My sense of humor is dry, and with my poker face, most people don’t know if I’m joking or not. Thankfully I’m typically making fun of myself, and others will get a good laugh out of it too.
  • Another fact about me is that I got the opportunity during my time in the military to support the Kosovo effort in the late 90s. Our team helped in the effort to both capture Milosevich and put a stop to the genocide of multiple ethnic groups during that time. I have many fond memories of my military team and am thankful for our military community that continues to serve.
  • In college, I was selected for the Texas Rugby Union Collegiate All-Star Squad for a few years which was really fun. There are not many (or any) rugby networking opportunities in our space, but it was an enjoyable season during school.


What makes working for Skybox different?

I know I’m not the first to say it, but the team dynamic is exceptional. These guys are all so incredible at what they do: it’s a blast learning from each of them and getting opportunities to teach one another. We’re the definition of a team, all moving in the same direction. It’s hard to beat an atmosphere like this.

What is an important lesson you’ve learned?

The importance of attention to detail within my role. It is necessary and exemplified from the top down at Skybox. The level at which I can provide detail is the level of product that I can provide our customers. My aim is to exceed expectations while creating a smooth construction process. Whether fielding client questions, navigating specs and plans with architects or ensuring budgets are reconciled to the penny, each detail matters to keep construction on schedule. I’ve continued to learn how to anticipate questions and requests to make sure our team (and our projects) are running ahead of time.

What is your favorite way to spend your time off?

Family time is my personal favorite. Any time I get with my fiancé Jill and daughter Abby (11 years old) is time well spent. On any given Saturday this fall you will probably find us watching LSU football and making the typical Louisiana fare: jambalaya, gumbo and boudin balls.