About Larry
Larry has over 26 years of experience in the industry and serves as the Director of Operations for the Pittsburgh office. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering.
“More motivation in achieving goals, whether short term or long term, knowing the benefit that my colleagues and I will realize,” Larry states when asked how does the ESOP impact you the most.
Tell us a little bit about your life at home.
My wonderful wife (of almost 25 years!) and I live about 25 minutes from where we grew up (Weirton, WV), and we are fortunate to have been blessed with 3 beautiful daughters so there is no shortage of estrogen in my house. With my oldest two being in high school and my youngest finishing up elementary school, downtime for us is a rarity with all the activities they’re involved in. College prospecting and driving lessons are also in the forefront so my gray hair continues to evolve. Exciting times ahead for us!
What was your first job in engineering like?
I worked for a consulting firm in northern Virginia just south of DC, and it was a great learning experience for me as I was kind of thrown into the fire. I loved the position, as well as the area, but my long-term goal was moving back to the Pittsburgh area to be near family.
What was the first job you got paid to do?
I worked maintenance/filtration at a community pool near my house during the summer before my senior year of high school. That stint lasted 4 summers and was the perfect job for a college kid.
Now that Barton is an ESOP what does being part of an ESOP mean to you?
I’ve always felt the work I completed was a reflection on the company I worked at, but now my work also has a direct impact on me as a company owner.
What do you like most about the ESOP?
With the engagement and buy-in of our staff, it brings another level of collaboration outside of our day-to-day business activities, promoting the culture we are trying to achieve.
What do you love most about your job?
Working with the people in our company, and the fact that I usually learn something new on a daily basis.
If I wasn’t an Engineer, I’d be?
A sports broadcaster.
When I’m not at work I’m doing……
Some type of sports activity with my girls. I’m lucky to be able to coach them in their softball endeavors, which is year round for my oldest, so being at an outdoor or indoor field is the norm.
What’s your favorite sport (professional, college, or other)?
Football (although I enjoy hockey and baseball as well). I love going to games as there’s nothing like a brisk Saturday morning in Happy Valley during the fall when I’m tailgating with 110,000 of my closest friends.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
I’m typically listening to 80s and 90s music, but I’ll also throw in old football, baseball, or hockey broadcasts being the sports junkie I am.
What’s your hidden talent?
Drawing…and bubble hockey.
What’s the one movie you can watch over and over again?
A Few Good Men.
What’s on your bucket list?
Attending a PSU football game in every B1G stadium (have hit 9 of 14 so far) and storm chasing.