Madison S. Gilliland, EIT, CPDT

About Madison

Madison has been with Barton for over 4 years serving as a Plumbing Designer at our York office. She attended The Pennsylvania State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science, Biological Engineering with a specialty in Agricultural Engineering.

When asking Madison what being part of an ESOP meant to her, she states, “An ESOP means collective accountability. Every employee has the same motivator to put their best foot forward, for the sake of the individual and the whole company. Engineering is a collaborative industry already, but being an ESOP is like the team-building icing on top.”

Tell us a little bit about your life at home.

My husband Jacob and I recently got married and live in an apartment in Dover, PA with our elderly guinea pig, Latte. Jacob and I are both heavily involved in our local church and are frequently lending a helping hand to the ministries and people there. Jacob’s passions include fly fishing and hiking; he’s the outdoorsman between the two of us. I enjoy horseback riding and playing video games, when time permits.

What was your first job in engineering like?

Barton is my first job in engineering.

What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?

I used to do back of house catering for local weddings in the summers.

How long have you been at Barton?

This June will be 5 years.

What do you like most about the ESOP?

I’ve personally appreciated the extra steps that the ESOP subcommittees have taken to make Barton feel more personal. For instance, we’ve included rotating company photos, birthdays, and anniversaries on the TVs in our lounges. The subcommittees work hard to think outside of the box to foster that community mindset at Barton.

How does the ESOP impact you the most?

The additional retirement benefit is key for me. I believe everyone should be giving their best effort at work, ESOP or not, but to have those efforts rewarded in retirement is extra special.

If I wasn’t a Plumbing Designer, I’d be?

A personal assistant, freelance writer, or in ministry work.

What’s your favorite sport (professional, college, or other)?

Marching Band.

What do you love most about your job?

The people. Barton is filled with hardworking and joyful people. The attitude and comradery is what builds such a strong culture here.

I’m seldom without…

Chapstick. I don’t go anywhere without that stuff.

When I’m not at work I’m doing……

Riding my horse Emma, reading, or helping with a church project.

What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?

My taste is largely contemporary Christian and indie pop, like The Gray Havens, Phil Wickham, NEEDTOBREATHE, Bleachers, The Band Camino, Citizens, and original scores from video games. If I had to pick one album in particular right now though, I’d choose Billy Joel’s 1976 Turnstiles.

What’s your hidden talent?

It’s not hidden but I can play the tuba/sousaphone. I played sousaphone in the Blue Band at Penn State and have continued playing occasionally in community bands.

When I go to a cookout, I hope there’s __ to eat.

Vegetables. Not everything has to be hamburgers and hot dogs!

Best book you’ve ever read?

Besides the Bible itself, my latest favorite was Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose. I learned so much from that book about stewarding my time wisely and effectively.

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