About Shawn
Shawn joined Barton in 2026 as Director of Architectural Lighting. He holds the Lighting Certified (LC) credential, is a LEED Accredited Professional, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. A graduate of the Architectural Engineering program at Penn State University, Shawn now serves as a Practitioner Instructor in the same program and leads Nittany Lights, a biannual interactive landscape lighting workshop that connects students with industry practitioners and emerging designers.
“Being part of an ESOP reinforces that what we do everyday matters beyond our individual roles. It creates shared responsibility and reward, fostering a culture where everyone is working toward the same goals—not just showing up, but taking pride in the company’s success,” Shawn shared when asked what being part of an ESOP means to him.
Tell us a little about your family/home life.
My wife Heather and I have four kids, which means life is never quiet and calendars are purely aspirational. Makenna is a zookeeper in Richmond, VA (yes, she works with animals that could absolutely eat her); Trent is deep into the physical therapy program at Slippery Rock; Haylee is a high school senior touring colleges with plans to study elementary education; and Gillian is in 7th grade and currently committed to soccer and very little else.
When we can get away, we enjoy going to the Delaware beaches or escaping to our family cabin near Tuscarora State Forest. I spend a good amount of time volunteering at our church, LCBC, working on cars, and working on home renovation / landscaping projects. I loosely follow most Philadelphia sports teams and passionately follow Penn State wrestling and football.
What’s your hometown?
I grew up on a farm in Lancaster County, but I have called Lebanon home for the past 30 years.
What was the first job you got a physical paycheck?
Growing up on a farm, I was pretty motivated to find a job somewhere other than at home. At 13, I got my first real paycheck working at the horse farm across the field. The owner took a chance on three boys between 13 and 16 to handle all the work. We got everything done, but we also had a little more fun than we probably should have.
What do you like most about the ESOP?
I’ve always been a highly motivated person, and what stands out most to me about the ESOP is the shared sense of ownership. There’s a genuine feeling that everyone is in this together. People here are not just showing up to punch the clock—they take a real, vested interest in the success of the company.
What do you love most about your job?
The opportunity to have a meaningful impact on people and communities. As architectural engineers, our work directly shapes the environments people experience every day. Thoughtful design can influence mood (psychology), health (physiology), and extend to broader social, economic, and environmental impacts. Even after nearly 30 years in the industry, I’m still humbled by that level of responsibility and opportunity. And just as importantly, I truly value the people I get to work with every day—they’re a big part of what makes the work so rewarding.
If I wasn’t an Architectural Lighting Designer, I’d be?
My dream job would have been a stunt car driver or rally racer, but the reality of life is that I would have likely ended up in the construction field somewhere as a general contractor or electrician.
What’s your favorite sport (professional, college, or other)?
Penn State football (for better or worse) and Penn State wrestling.
Favorite pizza topping?
Ham & Pineapple or Pepperoni & Hot Honey.
What’s on your bucket list?
Catching the Northern Lights in a Nordic country, then heading south on a slow trip through Europe, finishing along the coast of Italy.
When I go to a cookout I hope there’s __ to eat.
Anything – I love all food!
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving—partly because I love food, but it’s really about the tradition. My family uses it as a time to look back on the year and appreciate what we’re grateful for. We also host a big Thanksgiving at our house for 60 to 65 family members and friends, which is equal parts chaos and one of the best days of the year.
Best book you’ve ever read?
I enjoy reading leadership and business books. My two favorites are:
1) Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead to Win by Jocko Willink, who led U.S. special forces to secure Ramadi in Iraq and now operates a leadership firm.
2) Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek, who explores why some firms and people are so successful and reframes how we should look at business and leadership.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
I can’t pick one. I have been lucky enough to have so many good mentors:
1) Don’t chase money or ego, find what you love to do. You will do it patiently, which will lead to success.
2) Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks out his neck.
3) Live long and die young (always stay young at heart).
4) Be the person you want them to remember.