Month: February 2020

In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Lead Estimator John Costalas), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: Act as a Preconstruction Manager and lead the Greater Philadelphia PreConstruction team. This includes leading the estimating functions, investigating options to streamline the phasing/schedule/constructability/etc., and ultimately working with the team to set the project up for success.

Degree: Civil Engineering with a Construction Option

Why did you choose that course of study/degree? It was a 4-year degree for construction.

How long have you worked at Warfel? Since 2008 (Great time to start a new career in construction!)

What did you do before you came to Warfel? Penn State and working for my Dad’s remodeling company (as well as other odd jobs)

What is your favorite part of your job? Working with the team.

What is the least favorite job you ever had? In high school I worked for a ceiling company, sometimes we were installing new ACT ceilings, other times we would go into commercial kitchens and clean their ceilings. Installing new ACT was great, cleaning kitchen ceilings & FRP not so much.

What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Enjoy everything college has to offer, but remember why you’re there and prioritize that from day one.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Put in the hard work, and it will pay off. It may take time, but it’s well worth it.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? It’s about communication and creating relationships; having the background and education really helps, but ultimately, we need to communicate what we know or have learned with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and owners on a daily basis.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? Be a cowboy; just need to learn how to ride a horse.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Spending time outside with my wife and the dogs.

In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Project Manager Dustyn Ritchey), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: As a Project Manager, I am a part of the team responsible for carrying out our Clients for Life mission to manage scope, schedule, and project financials, accompanied by a high degree of quality and safety our Clients and partners deserve. It is important in the role to be sure the team has the resources needed to promote project success and to be a conduit for information between all the stakeholders of the project, internally and externally.

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management with a focus in Mechanical Engineering

Why did you choose that course of study/degree?  With not going to college immediately after high school, I wanted to capitalize on both the career in construction I had already started and the academic strengths I was fortunate to uncover from a young age – math and science.  Engineering was the right fit.  The management component of the degree came from my appreciation for leadership and a passion to hopefully one day make a difference.

How long have you worked at Warfel?  One year in April

What did you do before you came to Warfel?  Project management for an architectural, engineering, and construction company.

What is your favorite part of your job?  The single most satisfying attribute of the job is watching a project come to life from what is originally just an idea in the mind(s) of our Clients.  Solving complex problems, meeting new people, and achieving overall “project success” with the project team is just a glimpse into a great day in construction.

What is the least favorite job you ever had?  I am fortunate to say that I cannot think of a “least favorite” job.

What is your most exciting accomplishment?  Graduating from college and getting the “yes” from my now wife to marry me.

What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree?  Never. Stop. Learning.  Put in the work, be humble, and find passion in what you do.  The opportunities are truly limitless.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? You are surrounded by incredible people – ask questions, seize opportunities, and always set the bar higher!  Prepare yourself to be part of something bigger than construction.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Never underestimate what you are capable of.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do?  Country music artist.  I’ll pretend it has nothing to do with lacking talent and more with the fact the “right” ears have just not yet heard my voice.

What do you wish people knew about engineering? Engineering is a lot less of coming quickly to an answer and a lot more about using simpler tools, principles, and formulas in the right methodology to solve bigger problems or goals.  Breaking complex things into simpler parts is the key to resolving otherwise complex questions or challenges.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Logging miles on the bike, reading a book, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Project Executive Guy Kingree), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: As a Project Executive, I am responsible for helping my team succeed by assisting in maintaining quality, schedule, and budget surety for our Clients for Life. I am also responsible for overall portfolio planning and working with my team to ensure our success metrics are hit.

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Penn State University

Why did you choose that course of study/degree? I was interested in construction, mainly design, at an early age. Throughout middle and high school, I gravitated toward architectural design classes as well as courses at CTC where I was able to learn CAD Design. I also learned I wanted something different every day in my career and didn’t want to be stuck in an office. That led me to construction management instead of structural design.

How long have you worked at Warfel? Almost 11 years – since June 2009

What did you do before you came to Warfel? I started working at Warfel straight out of college.

What is your favorite part of your job? I love helping and encouraging others to succeed. Working in a team dynamic allows for that opportunity every day.

What is the least favorite job you ever had? Packing eggs for a local egg supplier.

What is your most exciting accomplishment? In my work life, my most exciting accomplishment was taking the next step in my career and helping to develop the Project Executive (PX) position at Warfel. It was very rewarding to see the executive team have faith in me to help create a new position at Warfel to push our growth into the future. In my personal life – marrying my wife!

What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Make sure you follow what you are passionate about. The engineering field can lead to an infinite number of roles and responsibilities. It will be a lot of hard work; however, if you stick with it, it will be worth it!

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Go for it, it will be worth it and you will get to work with some of the best people you will ever meet.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? People are one of the most valuable resources you can find. Respect others, grow your network, and never stop learning.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? Andrew Zimmern from Bizarre Foods. I have a passion for both traveling to new locations and trying some weird foods so his job seems pretty ideal.

What do you wish people knew about engineering? Engineering is all numbers crunching and design. It can also be a skill applied in the field.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Spending time with my wife and our three dogs, traveling the world, being physically active, and enjoying the company of my friends and family.

 

In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Project Engineer Eric Kuklentz), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: As a project engineer, I work with the project manager and field staff to track and maintain schedule and cost while coordinating between all trades involved on the project.  I also work closely with our trade partners and clients to ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to a level of quality exceeding the client’s expectation.

Degree: Civil Engineering with a focus in structures

Why did you choose that course of study/degree? I’ve always been very analytical and curious, so I believe I was naturally drawn to engineering. And as a freshman in college, I contemplated many different majors, but ended up taking the advice of my dad when he said: “Get the technical degree, then figure out what you want to do.”

How long have you worked at Warfel? Around 2 years 

What did you do before you came to Warfel? I worked for a heavy civil contractor

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is learning! Working for a general contractor gives me the opportunity to learn about all trades involved in construction.  Apart from the technical side, I also learn how to communicate with many different personality types.

What is the least favorite job you ever had? I never really hated any job I had, but I disliked working for a general contractor doing road work as it was unnerving to be so close to traffic for hours a day.

What is your most exciting accomplishment? Buying a house!

What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Be curious and ask questions.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Be humble and willing to learn.  Graduating in civil engineering, there are going to be things related to HVAC that absolutely stump me.  But the people at Warfel and many of our trade partners are very willing to educate you if you ask!

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? You have to enjoy every day.  You cannot wish away your time, even when you’re doing something you dislike at work.  You cannot be counting down the days to your next vacation or watching the clock at work.  You have to find the positives in every day and make the most out of what is put in front of you.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? Chip or Joanna Gaines. I would love to flip houses!

What do you wish people knew about engineering? Engineering is not a one-size-fits-all field.  There are many different things you can do with an engineering degree, and engineering is required outside of autocad and mechanical plans.  Although general contractors don’t typically get involved with “engineering” per se, there are countless occasions where we are required to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions in the field, and that’s part of what makes the job fun.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy running, doing home improvement, and being outside!

In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Project Engineer Duane Troyer), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Degree: Mechanical Engineering at Messiah College

Why did you choose that course of study/degree? I knew I enjoyed engineering, but I didn’t know what field I wanted to work in. So I chose a degree that allowed me maximum flexibility following graduation.

How long have you worked at Warfel? 2 and a half years

What did you do before you came to Warfel? Residential Construction

What is your favorite part of your job? Meeting new people and building relationships. Successfully solving problems in the field

What is the least favorite job you ever had? I’ve been fortunate to enjoy all of my jobs.

What is your most exciting accomplishment? I convinced the best girl in the world to marry me.

What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Getting an engineering degree requires countless classes that require breaking down problems into solvable steps and completing these steps in a progression. Having great problem-solving skills is invaluable in all career fields.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? There is a steep learning curve, but you will be surrounded by people who have been there and will support you as you learn and grow in your career.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? You’re not alone. Someone else has probably experienced the same problem you are facing, so don’t be afraid to look to people with more experience for input.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? Airline pilot. I love to travel and would love to have the ability to travel so easily.

What do you wish people knew about engineering? You don’t need to be a nerd to enjoy engineering. Engineers have a lot of fun, so don’t let the numbers scare you.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Visit new breweries, go to the beach, explore new towns and places.

In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Project Engineer Kevin McGuire), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.

Describe what you do at Warfel: Operations (Project Management)

Degree: Civil Engineering

Why did you choose that course of study/degree?  I like to know how everything works and I have an analytical mindset but I enjoy taking a hands-on approach.

How long have you worked at Warfel? 4 years.

What did you do before you came to Warfel? Project Management.

What is your favorite part of your job? Interacting with so many different people.

What is the least favorite job you ever had? Summer Custodian.

What is your most exciting accomplishment? Competing at Nationals in Track Cycling.

What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Be sure to do your research on the different fields of engineering before you settle on one.

What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Understand our core values and think of it as more than a job

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? It’s not always possible to be passionate about every task but it’s important to give everything you do a “why” that you are passionate about.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? I would be a property developer.

What do you wish people knew about engineering? Regarding Civil Engineering specifically, how important it is to all aspects of our daily lives from the water we drink and flush to the streets we travel on every day.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Running, family walks at Longwood Gardens and traveling