I’ve been at ms for 23 years and am a Structural Engineer in the transportation group. While working towards my degree at Youngstown State University, I worked as a draftsman and member of a survey crew. After graduation, I worked with several engineering firms in the Mahoning Valley in design, planning, and development. I began working as a bridge designer in 1986. I've lived in Youngstown all my life, and am married with two children. My son attends the University of Cincinnati and my daughter is in her final year of high school.

What was your first job?

When I was 16, I worked as a stock boy at Bargain Port on Midlothian on the south side of Youngstown.

What was your first car?

1968 Pontiac Lemans

What is one item on your bucket list?

To drive across the Golden Gate Bridge

If you could have a cup of coffee with anyone, who would it be?

Steve Vai, a virtuoso guitarist

Best concert you’ve been to?

Led Zeppelin, April 1977, Cleveland Coliseum

Salty or sweet?

Both

What household chore do you hate the most?

Folding socks

Favorite TV show?

Old reruns of Gilligan’s Island

What was your favorite class in school?

Mechanical Drawing

What is the best dish you can cook?

Stuffed artichoke

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned while working at ms?

How many engineers, architects, and planners I’ve worked with over the years have also worked at ms, Mosure and Associates, or Mosure and Syrakis. ms was, and still is, the most desirable firm to work for in the Mahoning Valley. I think it would be cool to start an “ms Tree of Life” to see how many people have been part of the firm.

What sets ms apart from other engineering & architecture firms?

Besides our longevity, growth, and innovation, I think one of our leading resources is the quality of our deliverables. It’s great to work with such talented people.

What project are you most proud to have been a part of, and why?

The design of two bridges at the on and off-ramps at Little Turtle Way from S.R. 161 just east of Columbus. There were a total of 4 straddle pier caps, weighing 400 tons each. A very challenging and fulfilling project that included a lot of research, communication, meetings at ODOT central office, and vendor contact.

What would you go back and tell your 22-year old self?

Be ready for change. Adapt to it and have a backup plan.

You’ve got one day in Youngstown. What do you do?

Whatever I would do, I would make sure I ended the day with a Brier Hill pizza from Bruno Brothers.

Any final words?

Don’t skip. Solve.