About John
John joined our Philadelphia office in 2024 as a Senior Mechanical Designer. John has over 25 years of design experience working for several engineering firms.
“Understanding that the traditional “chain of command” is still in play, yet we are all valued assets to the common goal; the success of the company,” said John when asked what being part of an ESOP means to him.
Tell us a little about your family/home life.
My wife Jen and I have 2 children, Bridget (20) and Jack (17) as well as our dogs Maddie and Brodie and our cats Freya, Atlas and Winnie. When I am not cheering on Bridget at Track Meets (Arcadia University) and Jack at his Rugby matches (St Joe’s Prep) I can be found in the kitchen or behind the grill cooking for my family. I am also an active member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians which keeps me busy. When I get a chance for some downtime, I enjoy watching movies, mostly comedy and based on true events, but have recently gotten more into action/martial arts movies.
What’s your hometown?
Langhorne, PA.
What was your first job in engineering like?
My first Engineering job was interesting. Coming off a crash course in AutoCAD from friends that wanted to help kickstart my new career after being laid off from the print room, I was met with new terms like “diffuser”, “VAV Box” and the difference between negative and positive pressure as well as drafting standards. It was a great learning experience and was the start of a career I never imagined I could do.
What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?
Rollin’s Exxon, Langhorne PA – Petroleum Transfer Engineer (I pumped gas).
What do you like most about the ESOP?
The overall accountability. If I am efficient and reliable, I too will benefit from it more than just maintaining employment.
How does the ESOP impact you the most?
That I can say “I am apart of Barton”, not just “I am employed at Barton”.
What do you love most about your job?
We have an incredible team here in Philly. Coming to the office is actually something to look forward to. I also have many friends and family in healthcare, so to know that I could possibly work on a project that could impact them in some way is pretty cool. Also being a bit of a local history nerd, having the chance to work on some of Philadelphia’s storied institutions of learning (like Penn) is pretty exciting.
If I wasn’t an Engineer, I’d be?
A Private Chef/Nutritionist.
What’s your favorite sport (professional, college, or other)?
Track and Field at any level and Soccer. I also always have an interest in all teams Philadelphia.
I’m seldom without?
My phone, keys and wallet.
Favorite Pizza Topping?
ricotta and broccoli.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
The Hooters, The Cure and 90’s Hip Hop.
What’s the one movie you can watch over and over again?
Animal House.
What’s on your bucket list?
To learn to play the bagpipes.
Have you ever met your idol or someone famous? If so, who?
I have had the pleasure of meeting two Olympic Shot Putters. Ryan Whiting (Central Dauphin HS) and Joe Kovacs (Bethlehem Catholic HS). Ryan stopped by a CYO track meet I was officiating and was great with the kids. I asked Joe to meet one of my athletes that had the same childhood experience as him of losing his father at a young age. He had just won his first of 3 silver medals and was so gracious and generous with gifts for both of us.
Best book you’ve ever read?
A Separate Peace and Marley and Me.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
Learn from Failure. No one is perfect. Don’t be afraid of getting yelled at. I did not become good at engineering by being perfect, I got yelled at a lot. ~The salty old school Engineer that everyone should work with at some point.