About Chris
Chris has been with Barton for over 4 years serving as a Senior Mechanical Designer at our Pittsburgh Office! He attended the University of Pittsburgh earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Science.
“Everyone in the company is striving to achieve the same goal of making the company as successful as it can be,” stated Chris when asked what he likes the most about the ESOP.
Tell us a little about your family/home life.
One fun fact about my wife and I is that I only knew her for four days before I asked her to marry me and she said yes. It truly was love at first sight on May 25th we will celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary. We live in New Eagle, PA and have 4 children (2 boys & 2 girls), that are 34, 31, 26 & 25 years old. My oldest son lives in Malaysia and is an Economics teacher. My next oldest son is a Mechanical Engineer and lives in State College where he works for ARL. My oldest daughter lives at home and works as a Supply Chain Analyst for Hi-Crust Inc. in Canonsburg, PA and my youngest daughter is interviewing for a position as a Middle school math teacher.
What’s your hometown?
I am originally from Winston-Salem, NC but have lived in PA since 1984, when I was discharged from the Navy.
Where did you go to college?
I am a University of Pittsburgh graduate with a BS in Computer & Information Science.
What was your first job in engineering like?
I actually started out as a draftsman back when everything was designed and drawn by hand. So my first week with Meucci Engineering was doing nothing more than hand lettering my ABCs & 0-9 numbers. From that point, I worked my way up through the ranks to Senior Mechanical Designer.
What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?
My first physical paycheck was when I worked a user/concessions stand for the Parkway Movies Theater.
What does being part of an ESOP mean to you?
It not only makes me want to strive harder to ensure the company is profitable, but it makes me proud to be part owner of a successful company.
How does the ESOP impact you the most?
It makes me want to be as successful as I can be.
What do you love most about your job?
It is not just one thing that I love the most, but several things that are lumped together that form my job.
If I wasn’t a Mechanical Designer, I’d be?
Probably a computer programmer.
What’s your favorite sport (professional, college, or other)?
Fishing, Hunting, and Ice Hockey.
I’m seldom without?
The picture of my “Pride” & “Joy”.
When I’m not at work I’m doing…..
Mostly my Honey-do List, which includes fishing, hunting, bowling, playing cornhole, building cornhole sets, or fixing something.
Favorite pizza topping?
Sausage and pepperoni.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
Anything from the 70’s and early 80’s.
What’s your hidden talent?
Disco dancing, woodworking, and playing the guitar.
What’s the one movie you can watch over and over again?
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
What’s on your bucket list?
At my age, to live long enough to enjoy several years of my retirement with my wife.
When I go to a cookout I hope there’s ____________ to eat.
Southern pulled pork or fried chicken.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Any holiday that I can enjoy with all of my kids and wife.
Have you ever met your idol or someone famous? If so, who?
The Queen of England, Margret Thatcher, and Robert Redford.
Best book you’ve ever read?
101 Best Dad Jokes.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
From my father who told me – That there are only three types of people in this world: Those who make it happen, Those who watch it happen, and Those who stand around asking “What Happened?” Always be the one who makes it happen.