About Michael
Michael joined Barton in 2024 and has been serving as a Mechanical Designer at our York office since then. Michael attended The Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering.
When asked how the ESOP impacts him the most, Mike shared, “It impacts me the most by building up our individual and company wealth, and that all of our hard work is paying off.”
Tell us a little about your family/home life.
My wife and I have 10 pets; 4 dogs, 5 guinea pigs, 1 horse. It sounds a lot, but it is actually pretty chill most. My dogs love to hang out with us and be lazy but are active when we want to. My wife and I lately have been spending a lot of our free time working with our horse for riding and growing our bond. Our horse, Misty has come a long way.
What’s your hometown?
Bethlehem, PA.
What was your first job in engineering like?
My first engineering job was my internship at Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant (OPP). I worked in the construction Reno department, and I got to drive around campus (in a smart car) and visit ongoing construction.
What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?
Turkey Hill.
What does being part of an ESOP mean to you?
It means that putting in good and efficient engineer, building relationships with clients will help the success for everyone in Barton.
What do you like most about the ESOP?
I like how all of our individual efforts correlate to our success as a company.
What do you love most about your job?
The people I work with. All jobs can become stressful but great coworkers makes it easier to go in the office.
If I wasn’t an Engineer, I’d be?
If it was achievable, it would’ve been a dream to have a career in sports. I love studying the X &. Os in football at the professional or college level. Or I’d love to work in motorsports (but then I’d be an engineer in a different field).
What’s your favorite sport?
Football.
I’m seldom without?
My phone.
When I’m not at work I’m doing……
Recently… at the ranch with my horse. Feeding, groundwork, no riding since my pinky fracture.
Favorite pizza topping?
Pepperoni.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
This is tough, I love a lot of genre’s and can never pick just one. Maybe I’d pick early 2010s pop.
What’s your hidden talent?
I love motorsports, the closest and affordable thing would be karting. I’m pretty decent at it I think.
What’s the one movie you can watch over and over again?
Billy Madison.
What’s on your bucket list?
Have the opportunity to drive a race spec car on a track.
When I go to a cookout I hope there’s __ to eat.
BBQ ribs.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas because of the time off and food.
Have you ever met your idol or someone famous? If so, who?
Probably the most famous person I ran into very randomly was Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy long time ago (2014 I think) at LAX.
Best book you’ve ever read?
No judgement, I have not read a book in quite a while.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
Early in my career, I spoke very uncertain and casual in my technical skill set. I was given advice by my PM to be confident in my knowledge and skills, especially when speaking with architects/clients. “We are the experts, our clients come to us as consultants in MEP.” That is an advice I took with me and really shaped my ability to become a good engineer.