About Michael
Michael has been with Barton for over 28 years as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at our York office. He attended The Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
When asked what being part of an ESOP means to him, Michael states, “It means security. If it was not employee-owned, the owner or ownership could decide to sell which could cause major changes or be detrimental to the company or the employees.”
Tell us a little bit about your life at home.
I have been married to my wife Stacey for 26 years. We have two children, Lauren and Logan. Lauren works in a doctor’s office as a Medical Assistant. Logan is going to college at Loyola, Maryland. We have a beagle named Piper and live in Landisville, PA in Lancaster County.
What’s your hometown?
Denver, PA.
What was your first job in engineering like?
I was a Machinist for 2 years before I was able to get a position at Barton.
What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?
Grounds Keeper/Storeroom Clerk at Ephrata Hospital.
What do you like the most about the ESOP?
The additional retirement savings that it provides.
How does the ESOP impact you the most?
Security, no changeover in ownership.
What do you love most about your job?
Collaborating with co-workers and mentoring newer staff.
If I wasn’t a Mechanical Engineer, I’d be?
A Machinist.
What is your favorite sport?
College football.
I’m seldom without?
My cellphone but wish I didn’t need it for everything.
When I’m not at work I’m doing……
Watching my kid’s sporting events. Which used to be high school sports, now it’s club lacrosse.
Favorite pizza topping?
Meatballs.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
Metallica – “Wherever I May Roam”
What’s your hidden talent?
Keeping my hidden talents secret.
What’s one movie you can watch over and over again?
Thor Ragnarok.
What’s on your bucket list?
Go to Iceland.
When I go to a cookout I hope there’s ________ to eat.
Tomahawk Steaks.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas, because I always take a week off for this holiday.
Best book you’ve ever read?
All three volumes of the Lord of the Rings.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
“Control the controllable, let the rest go.”