Dressed for Success

Dresssed
for Success

Armon Burnett

Quality of Life Ambassador, NDD

In his daily walks around Newark, Armon surveys the streets of the Newark Downtown District, reporting on repairs that may be needed, inspecting to see if anything is out of place, and engaging with business owners to monitor their concerns or needs.

In addition to being the eyes and ears of the NDD, he and his colleagues also set up the many events the NDD holds such as the Holiday Tree Lighting, NDD Street Markets, and the Annual Fall Festival. He loves interacting with the shop owners and the public, guiding lost pedestrians, or assisting the residents without addresses in finding services. He likes that he can be so helpful to his city and his fellow Newarkers.

That positivity makes him good at his job: he won Employee of the Month (January) and Employee of the Quarter (first quarter) in 2024.

The most challenging aspect of his job is being outdoors in all kinds of weather. Heat, cold, rain or snow … he will be out and about in Newark—“Just like the post office,” he jokes.

In addition to his job at the NDD, Armon is an artist, designing and creating clothing for himself and others. The shirt, tie, and pants he is wearing in the photo are all his own creations. “Being an artist gives you the desire to always create,” he says. His artistry found expression early through beautiful clothing. His mother taught him to sew and he is so proficient now that he even makes his own patterns. Armon’s creativity shines through in the unique clothing he designs for his friends, adding a personal touch that makes special occasions like weddings and holiday celebrations even more memorable. He also brings his creative flair to the NDD, where he takes the lead in designing monthly themed decorations for the office Birthday Board.

“Enjoy as much as you can, see as much as you can, and do your best to keep a good attitude.”

Armon finds the NDD a very rewarding place to work. “I admire the idea of the company itself and doing what it does for the city of Newark. I remember when the company began—it’s been over 25 years—and the noticeable difference that it’s made in downtown Newark. It’s inspiring to be a part of the team that does that.”

Favorite place to shop:

Halsey Fabrics. He has been going there since he was 12 years old.