About Jen
Jen has been with Barton for over 8 years as our Director of Lighting Design. She attended The Pennsylvania State University where she earned a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering with a Lighting/Electrical Emphasis.
“Ownership – in our work, our success, and our culture,” stated Jen when asked what being part of an ESOP means to her.
Tell us a little about your family/home life.
My husband, Tom, is a Web Developer for Schreyer Honors College at Penn State, and my daughter, Emily, just started middle school this year. We live in State College with our two cats, Hannah Rose and Lily Bean. Lily is only 6 months old and likes to keep us on our toes with her crazy aerial acrobatic antics.
What’s your hometown?
Emlenton, PA.
What was your first job in engineering like?
I worked as an Electrical/Lighting Designer for a large, full-service AE firm in Virginia Beach, VA, where I was handed my first project designing the new Virginia Beach Convention Center. It took almost 2 years to complete the design for the $203 million, 516,500 sq.ft. facility. It was an amazing opportunity that offered me the chance to work with an industry icon, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, who designed the architecture and interiors for the project. The building featured many state-of-the-art technologies including one of the nation’s first large-scale color-changing LED lighting installations that required the use of theatrical lighting controls to operate…something unusual for the architectural lighting world at that time.
What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?
I was a salesperson for a camping and boating supplies store.
What do you like most about the ESOP?
The sense of community it brings knowing that we are working towards a common goal that will benefit us all.
How does the ESOP impact you the most?
It is a constant reminder that the quality of my work matters.
What do you love most about your job?
Two things come to mind:
1. The People – I love working with our staff, colleagues, and clients. Many friendships have been forged over helping make someone’s dream a reality.
2. The Result – It is really satisfying to see the many hours of hard work pay off when a project comes to life!
If I wasn’t a Lighting Engineer, I’d be?
Raising miniature Highland Cattle (“Hairy Coos”) in Scotland.
What’s your favorite sport (professional, college, or other)?
Football.
I’m seldom without?
My Apple watch.
When I’m not at work I’m doing……
When I’m not working, I’m usually marching in/watching a parade or other event that my daughter is twirling in with her baton team.
Favorite pizza topping?
Mushrooms, onions, and black olives.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
The WICKED soundtrack.
What’s your hidden talent?
Baking.
What’s the one movie you can watch over and over again?
Pretty much any ‘Chic Flick’ from the 80’s and 90’s: The Goonies, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, Father of the Bride, You’ve Got Mail, etc.
What’s on your bucket list?
Visiting friends in Australia.
When I go to a cookout I hope there’s ____________ to eat.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Valentine’s Day – It’s a good excuse to slow down life and touch base with those who mean the most to me (both near and far) to say how much I miss, love, and appreciate them.
Have you ever met your idol or someone famous? If so, who?
Michael Jordan and Mario Lemieux.
Best book you’ve ever read?
The ‘Let Them’ Theory by Mel Robbins.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
“Hearing is deceiving, seeing is believing, but feeling is the naked truth” – My Dad.