Forever On the Rise: Celebrating Conor Aarset’s Journey at T5 

At T5 Data Centers, we believe in growing leaders from within—and celebrating the individuals who make us stronger. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Conor Aarset, whose recent promotion to Vice President of Operations reflects a career built on discipline, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. 

A Career Anchored in Service and Strength 

Conor’s journey began deep beneath the surface. As a nuclear mechanic aboard two fast-attack submarines in the U.S. Navy, he learned early what it meant to work under pressure, think critically, and lead with integrity. 

“We were constantly understaffed,” he recalled. “Each of us had to do the job of four people. You didn’t get to choose your team—but you always had each other’s back. That experience taught me trust, resilience, and the value of true teamwork.” 

Those lessons stayed with him long after his time in the Navy. 

Building a Future at T5 

After his military service, Conor transitioned into the private sector, gaining experience in the data center space. In 2014, he joined T5—starting as an Assistant Critical Facilities Manager at a high-rise site unlike anything he’d worked on before. 

“I took a step down to get in the door,” he shared. “But I saw the bigger picture. I knew it was the right place for me to grow.” 

Early in his T5 journey, Conor worked closely with John Ducic, Senior Vice President of Operations at T5, who became a trusted mentor and role model. “John is one of the calmest, most steady leaders I’ve ever worked with,” Conor shared. “He taught me how to stay grounded in high-pressure situations and lead with purpose.” 

Conor quickly advanced into leadership roles, supporting critical deployments and major customer accounts across multiple markets. His career has included everything from site stand-ups and operational transitions to customer program management and technical operations strategy. 

Stepping Into Leadership at T5 

In 2024, Conor completed the T5 Rising Star Leadership Program, a transformative moment in his professional journey. 

“The T5 Rising Star Leadership Program gave me space to reflect—to connect the dots across all my experiences,” he said. “It helped me realize I already had the tools, and it gave me the confidence to lead with clarity and purpose.” 

The program helped him refine his leadership philosophy: focus on what matters, support your team, and always keep learning. 

Leading With People First 

What drives Conor’s leadership is simple—his people. 

“Hands down, the most important part of my role is building and supporting strong teams,” he said. “Whether it’s providing resources, creating structure, or simply listening, leadership is about making sure your team can succeed.” 

His years in technical operations gave him a unique perspective across all areas of the business—from HR and finance to training and customer experience. “Seeing how everything connects helped me become a more thoughtful, well-rounded leader,” he added. 

Away from the Office 

When he’s not leading teams at T5, Conor can be found at the ice rink—coaching his son’s hockey team. 

“It’s one of the most rewarding (and chaotic) things I do,” he laughed. “They’re teenagers, so there’s a lot of trash talk. But it’s a great way to stay grounded and connect outside of work.” 

It’s also a reminder of the importance of teamwork, discipline, and mentorship—values that echo throughout his career. 

Forever On the Rise 

In his new role as Vice President of Operations, Conor is focused on scaling operational excellence and preparing the next generation of T5 leaders. 

To him, “Forever On” means more than just progress—it means commitment. 

“It’s about never getting complacent. Keep growing. Keep showing up for your team. Keep pushing the standard higher. That’s what Forever On means to me.” 

At T5 Data Centers, we’re proud to have leaders like Conor Aarset—leaders who bring integrity, humility, and heart to everything they do. His journey is a testament to the power of service, the value of mentorship, and the belief that with the right support, anything is possible. 

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