What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
Safety is expensive, time consuming and a burden on the project process. This does not have to be true – you just need the right people to define a plan and implement it.
What keeps you up at night?
Crane accidents caused by neglectful planning and/or onsite supervision that could have been prevented.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Encouraging lift planning as a mandatory part of a comprehensive safety plan to all parties involved in the project - from general contractors to subcontractors and owners to insurance companies.
What project is your company most proud of?
Currently, we are excited about the opportunity to work with Lorton Stone at the National Cathedral. We are in the process of completing comprehensive ground condition analysis, lift planning documentation and lift directing services for the next major round of crane work for earthquake repairs. This is one of many projects that will be seen for generations.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Building relationships with a shared interest and passion for construction safety.
What do you look forward to each day?
Working with great people in the office and out in the field and learning something new.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
Good Stuff Eatery. Who doesn't love a good burger? And the boardwalk fries remind me of down the shore.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I remember answering “Architect” to this same question in first grade. I was drawn to the beauty of historical structures – especially bridges - and wanted to be a part of building them. After taking my first physics class in high school, I knew I needed to pursue a career in structural engineering.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
ASCE, Maryland chapter awarded me “Young Civil Engineer of the Year” in 2008.
What are you like to work for?
I strive to be flexible and available to co-workers and clients. Our work often requires a quick turn-around on most projects and people depend on us to get the job done.
What do you do for fun?
I genuinely love golf, but I don’t get out on the course as much as I’d like. A few months ago, I almost got a hole-in-one on a par 3 - like inches away from the pin. I’m looking forward to honing my skills this spring.
What was your first job?
My very first job was working at an Italian hoagie shop called “Frank’s Time Out” in New Jersey. Needless to say- I was not destined to work in the restaurant industry. My first job in engineering was working for PennDOT. I was accepted into their Civil Engineering Internship Program after my freshman year of college and had the opportunity to shadow staff engineers while they designed highways and evaluated bridges. I also worked alongside project engineers during the reconstruction of Route 30 through Lancaster. I especially loved performing the bi-annual bridge inspections on many of the bridges around Harrisburg.