What have you accomplished in your professional life/career since your 40 Under 40 selection?
In the past 7 years, my accomplishments have involved expanding geographies and broadening both my professional and personal experiences. First, I was able to work on two amazing hospital projects for UW Health in Madison and Genesis Health in Davenport, Iowa. Second, my career path has moved me from Madison to Milwaukee where I now serve as director of project management. In this role I work with all the Findorff project managers and project engineers on a full spectrum of projects types, scopes, and sizes. It’s extremely fulfilling to see incoming college grads and experienced tradespeople grow in their careers to project leaders both in the field and office.
What accomplishments, milestones, or endeavors have you attained in your personal life since your 40 Under 40 selection?
Since being named one of the 40 Under 40, I’ve had several amazing changes in my personal life. I got married, and my wife and I brought our amazing daughter into this world. With these family changes also came a decision to move from Madison to the Milwaukee area, specifically Shorewood. My wife and I have come to love our new neighborhood and the Milwaukee area. We remain involved with our local community through the Village of Shorewood School District, friends of Atwater Beach, and Surfrider Milwaukee.
If you were to “do it all over again,” what (if anything) would you do differently throughout your career?
My early professional years after college were spent in San Diego and Los Angeles before moving back to Madison. If I could do it over again, I would have spent more time exploring California and other parts of the world. It’s much easier to explore new places and experiences earlier in life. While I love my current role at Findorff, the people I work with, and my community in Milwaukee, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I miss the lifestyle, experiences, opportunities, and connections I made while living and working in California.
How did your 40 Under 40 selection help your career?
Being named a 40 Under 40 certainly helped with my career recognition and helped bolster my professional life. It’s humbling to be included in such a talented group of young people doing amazing things for Madison and the state of Wisconsin.
What is something that you have a new passion for since the time of your induction — either professionally or personally?
Certainly, adding our daughter to the family brings a new passion into my personal life. It is very rewarding to see her grow up, see her personality come out, and continue to learn new things every day.
Based on your experience, do you have any advice for today’s young professionals (under 40)?
When you’re looking for a company or organization, seek out those that will support your ideas and personal goals, and that will provide mentorship as you develop in your career and personal life.
Also, never underestimate the importance of open and clear communication. We live in a fast, digital world where the norm is to email or text. There is still a very valuable role for verbal communication — a tried and true way to ensure that all parties are being heard and understood, and by far the best way to resolve conflicts.
Lastly, experience life and all it has to offer as much as you can. Life goes by fast and is full of surprises!
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