Approximately, when were you hired?
May 1979
Why did you come/apply to IA Construction?
While I was in the service, I did similar work to this and knew once I got out that this is what I wanted to do. I found the position through my friend’s dad who was the Regional Manager at IA Construction at the time.
Can you recall how you felt on your first day?
On my first day, I wasn’t overly excited about flagging at first, but I knew that I had to start at the bottom and work my way up.
What was your favorite project/position that you had the opportunity to work on?
My favorite project was working on the Seneca Water Reservoir. I had the opportunity to work on the reservoir twice. Once in 1985 when I ran the tail end of the paver and the second time in 2011 as a Paving Superintendent.
What changes, if any, did you notice when Barrett/HRI became a part of Colas?
The changes that I noticed were the [number] of resources that became available to us and the technology capabilities.
How has the company culture changed over the years?
The company culture has changed tremendously especially in productivity and safety.
How has our safety culture evolved over the course of your career?
Over the years, the safety culture has improved. In the past, it was talked about but no one followed thru with it. Now it is part of our everyday routine.
What does it mean/how has it affected you/your job to be a part of a culture that puts such a huge emphasis on safety?
Putting a huge emphasis on safety affects me because it carries over to our everyday operations and has allowed me to carry the safety culture attitude and behaviors into my home life.
Who have been your biggest influencers within Barrett/HRI?
My biggest influencers would be Dick Weidner and Andy Speck.
What advice would you give the past YOU on his/her first day?
The advice that I would give my past self would be “To always wear earplugs around the equipment.”
What has been your proudest/most memorable moment or milestone in your career?
One moment/milestone in my career were my promotions as I started out as a Flagger and worked my up to Construction Superintendent.
If you could describe in one word what Barrett/HRI means to you, what would it be?
In one word, I would describe IA Construction as Family.
