Michael S. Rader, PE, CEM

About Mike

Mike joined Barton in 1997 as a mechanical engineer and now serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer for the firm. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola College

Mike helped Barton become an ESOP company in 2019 and when asked what he likes most about the ESOP he states, “I like that it makes “ownership culture” real. Many companies talk about acting like owners, but at Barton, we are.”

Tell us a little bit about your life at home.

My wife and I have three children and our nephew lives with us as well, we also have two dogs and a cat, so it is a full house when everyone is home. We will have three in college this fall, two at Penn State and one at Pitt. All of our kids have played lacrosse and I was a coach for a number of years. This spring is the last lacrosse season for us. My wife and I enjoy the outdoors and RV’ing. Our family recently traveled across the United States in our RV visiting multiple national parks.

What’s your hometown?

I grew up outside of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

What was the first job you got paid to do?

I worked for a mechanical contractor during the summers through high school.

What do you love most about your job?

I like the fact that I am in control of my own destiny. What I do on a daily basis makes a difference.

How does the ESOP impact you the most?

The ESOP has affected everything I do at Barton. It is hard to point out one thing.

If I wasn’t an Engineer, I’d be?

A mechanical contractor.

When I’m not at work I’m doing……

Projects around the house. I enjoy home improvement projects, plus it is an excuse to buy a new tool with each project.

I’m seldom without?

My notebook/journal.

What’s your favorite sport?

College football….closely followed by lacrosse.

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

Metallica, Black Crowes, Janes Addiction, Kix, Elton John, James Taylor, and Darius Rucker.

Favorite Pizza Topping?

Mushrooms.

What’s the one movie you can watch over and over again?

Star Wars (the first three movies).

What’s your hidden talent?

Although right handed, I play lacrosse left handed.

What’s on your bucket list?

Travel to all of the national parks.

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