About Joseph
Joseph joined Barton in 2010 as a Senior Electrical Designer at our State College Office. He attended SUNY Oswego earning a Bachelor of Science, Engineering Technology Industrial.
“I think as an employee of any company one must take on at least some responsibility for the company’s success – or lack of it – regardless of compensation. In a way, one is protecting one’s own job! Being part of an ESOP offers tangible reward for these efforts.” stated Joseph when asked what he likes most about the ESOP.
Tell us a little about your family/home life.
My wife, Shelly, and I live in Sunset Beach, North Carolina with three spoiled pups. We moved here from Bellefonte, PA in 2020, mid-Covid. Our house is in a golf course community and approximately 2.6 Nautical Miles from the ocean. I still find this ironic since I don’t play golf, have no plans to start, and never really liked the ocean! Yet, here we are, and it feels like where we’re supposed to be. And yes, I’ve actually grown to greatly appreciate the ocean!
What’s your hometown?
Elma, New York – a (very) small town southeast of Buffalo.
What was your first job in engineering like?
I began working in this business in 1981 as an electrical draftsman. In those days drawings were done by hand, on a drafting table, on frosted mylar sheets using special drafting leads in mechanical ‘pencils’. Backgrounds were typically traced by hand and ‘layers’ were literally multiple sheets laid on top of each other using a ‘pin bar’ to align them. Plotting was done using photo sensitive paper and a machine that used ultraviolet light and strong ammonia for developer. Between all this, and that smoking was still permitted in the office, it’s a wonder I’m still alive! Seriously though, the transition from hand drafting to Revit has been amazing to watch and actually participate in.
What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?
I started my ‘work life’ at Palmer’s TV in Oswego, NY doing audio, stereo, and radio equipment repairs and sales. It was a summer gig during college and turned full-time after I graduated.
What does being part of an ESOP mean to you?
With being an employee-owner one has ‘skin in the game’ and shares in the company’s successes and risks.
How does the ESOP impact you most?
At this stage in my career, the retirement benefit the ESOP offers is extremely beneficial.
What do you love most about your job?
That even though I’m doing essentially the same thing on each project, it’s different every time and the challenges that each project presents keep it all fresh and interesting.
If I wasn’t a Designer, I’d be?
Honestly, I can’t see doing anything else.
What’s your favorite sport (professional, college, or other)?
Drag racing is the first thing that comes to mind. NHRA/IHRA. Besides running on local tracks, I was fortunate to make several runs on the Englishtown Raceway Park (NJ) track before it was closed. Second to that, Buffalo Bills football. You have to be a Bills fan if you’re from that end of NY! (…and a hopeless optimist. C’mon guys, just one!)
I’m seldom without?
My glasses. One thing that gets sacrificed to this business is one’s eyesight. Staring at a flat surface or screen for hours, days, years, decades, will take care of that. And yes, I hate it.
When I’m not at work I’m doing…..
House maintenance, wife maintenance, dog maintenance, pool maintenance, property maintenance, vehicle maintenance, appliance maintenance, etc. ad nauseum. Sheese! No wonder I’m asleep as soon as I hit the couch!
Favorite pizza topping?
As long as it’s not anchovies, it doesn’t really matter to me.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
To answer the question, artists like Jeff Beck, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Robin Trower, Zappa, even Buckethead; I’ve always been a fan of progressive rock over pop. But to be perfectly honest, if I was stranded on an island, I think I’d prefer the silence and sounds of nature.
What’s your hidden talent?
I communicate in Morse Code.
What’s the one movie you can watch over and over again?
First thing that came to mind, Back to The Future, Part 1, but I know there are others that have left me speechless or enthralled.
When I go to a cookout I hope there’s __ to eat.
Cheeseburgers, ribs, and slaw.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
The lighting designer in me appreciates Christmas and a well-executed decorating job.
Have you ever met your idol or someone famous?
I have yet to meet someone on this earthly plane that I would idolize though there are some that I greatly respect. As for someone famous, I guess that would have to be my brother, James Pawelczyk who was a payload specialist on STS-90. He was a researcher on the Neurolab mission. https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/25-years-ago-the-sts-90-neurolab-mission-nasas-contribution-to-the-decade-of-the-brain/ His picture is on the mural wall on Hiester St. in State College. Nevertheless, he’s still my ‘little brother’.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
In this business, from my father: Get your P.E.