No two days are ever alike. One of the greatest perks of my position is that I get to see, touch, and be involved in almost every aspect that our company is involved in daily. The variety is endless, and monotony is never present. I can be requesting quotes on a Monday, loading and delivering tools and materials on a Tuesday, completing paperwork on a Wednesday, snowplowing on a Thursday, and setting up a fence and a job trailer on a Friday.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I started at Triangle with no experience. By working hard, absorbing any and all knowledge that I could, I achieved my greatest goal by securing the position that I currently work in as the Shop Manager. It suits my skillset in every aspect and is a job that I can say makes me proud to go to every day.
Why Triangle?
Triangle is family and second home to me. The logo I wear, the people I work with, the buildings that we construct. It is a sense of who I am and what I am proud of.
Favorite project you’ve worked on?
When I reach into my memory bank, this question is easy to answer. It was my first day at my first job site where I cut my teeth at Triangle. I remember showing up extra early when it was still dark outside. All I knew was that I was going to be a concrete laborer on a site they called C-Station. As the sun started rising I can only describe the site itself as looking like a large hole in the ground with tens of thousands of large sticks of rebar protruding from the hole which looked like a giant Medusa crawling out from a hole in the earth. That job turned me from a boy into a young man, where I learned much more than just concrete. I established friends, mentors, and memories. The only regret that I have is that I do not have any photos from that job. I will never forget the crew that we had, the comradery that we shared, and the experiences that I had taken away from that job that helped mold me to be who I am today.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I could write a novel on things I enjoy doing in my free time. Unfortunately, there is not enough free time to do all the things that I love! I enjoy operating anything that has a motor on it, the faster the better, but one that I can’t do without is riding my dirt bike. From racetracks to trails, and dunes, they all pluck an adrenaline cord that I guess I need in my life. I am also an outdoor enthusiast from golfing, to fishing, camping, and hunting. Every season has its own chapter with different possibilities to explore.
How did you end up in construction?
I have always been good at working with my hands and at a young age found myself attracted to creating things by using common sense and skills. I always wanted to be an inventor like many dreamers, but I landed on a much more realistic path in construction which I feel suits me well. Maybe someday I will invent something related to construction and have a well-rounded story.
What’s the last book you read?
I wish I could recall. I do not read books, but rather find myself reading magazine articles. Usually, it relates to fishing or hunting where I am always looking to grow my knowledge and make myself more successful in those areas.
What motivates you?
I am driven to prove to myself that I can always be better. My children Scarlett and Finn are the ones in this world that I want to leave the brightest impression on and to show that they too can be and do amazing things with their lives.
What are you working on right now?
We just finalized the initial job set up, including mobilizing a securing on-site, an office field trailer, and fencing, for both Schoolcraft Community Schools and Mona Shore Campbell Elementary. Our WMU housing project is coming to an end and we are hauling all of our tools and assets back to our shop from that site. Next, we are to button up everything that is outdoors and prepare for cold and snowy winter.
Nickname?
At work people call me Opie. At home, friends and family call me Bert.
Hidden talents?
I am more of a “jack of all trades, master of none” type of person. If I were to pick one, I would have to say that I can tear it up on a dirt bike. Full throttle junkie!