About Stephen
Stephen serves as Barton’s Director of Mechanical Engineering and has over 20 years of experience in the engineering profession. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Bachelor of Architectural Engineering
Stephen grew up in a family business and likes that Barton is an employee-owned company. He states, “There’s a stability in knowing that everyone has to act in the company’s best interests, or we won’t be successful. I’m not working to buy a CEO a second home, I’m working so we all do better, now and in retirement.”
Tell us a little bit about your life at home.
I have a wonderful wife, a fantastic son, the best dog ever (seriously, I almost put him first). I’ve also got two brothers, 7 nieces and nephews, and my mom (72) and grandmother (92) are still with us. Granny still works every day at the food bank, and drives to see us. Family weekends at the cabin see upwards of 25 people in our 170 year-old house, 10 dogs and lots of hiking, canoeing and swimming. God has blessed our family more than I could have imagined.
What’s your hometown?
Saxonburg, PA.
What was the first job you got paid to do?
I was caretaker for a rich guy’s hobby llama farm. I shoveled llama excrement into a cart, cleaned out stalls, mowed, baled hay, painted fences with creosote.
What was your first job in engineering like?
My first engineering job was an internship in Houston, Texas. I learned an incredible amount from excellent teachers, made life-long friends, had many experiences that opened my perspective as a country kid from western Pennsylvania.
What do you like most about the ESOP?
It makes the company feel more like a family business, it aligns with a servant leadership principle.
How does the ESOP impact you the most?
If all goes as planned, it will impact my lifestyle in retirement the most. Having another, independent investment that doesn’t take away from my current income may allow me and my family more flexibility.
What do you love most about your job?
Solving complex issues and learning from others. I don’t have to be the one with the best or right answer, as long as I help us get to the best solution. I love that process.
When I’m not at work I’m doing……
Working around the house, taking care of mom, hunting, fishing, golfing, or going to our family cabin. If I’m outside or in the garage, I’m pretty happy.
If I wasn’t an Engineer, I’d be?
A mechanic, a home builder, or hunting guide.
What’s on your “stranded on a desert island” playlist?
Cody Jinks, Dave Matthews Band, Chris Stapleton, Pink Floyd, Foo Fighters, Outkast, Whiskey Myers, Pink, Ed Sheeran, Buena Vista Social Club and Led Zepplin.
What’s your hidden talent?
I’ve been able to sew since I was in third grade.
What’s on your bucket list?
A pack mule hunt in Montana or Idaho with my son, brothers, and hunting buddies.