It was an exciting first half of 2018 at HUNT, and with a wonderful array of client projects demanding expertise and shoulders-to-the-wheel, our employee ranks have climbed dramatically in the last several months. With national unemployment rates at historically low levels, it isn’t a surprise that many companies are finding attracting talent increasingly difficult. Consequently, beyond our recent creation of a Talent & Culture position, HUNT has also improved our New Employee OnBoarding Program. Formalizing what is often a dizzying first few weeks of employment, HUNT’s entire team is charged with helping new employees assimilate professionally and socially. Cross-discipline introductions and group activities are scheduled hour-by-hour, and, at the same time, opportunities for the new employees to make constructive and rewarding project contributions are encouraged.
Take a look at these snapshots of our recent hires:
James Burns, Architectural Designer James joined HUNT as a UB and RIT-trained Architectural Designer. At an April 2018 ceremony celebrating RIT’s architecture program having gained accreditation, Jim captured his own awards – both RIT acknowledgments and “tongue-in-cheek” praise from his fellow students. Now working on his M/Arch at RIT, James’ experience includes over 18 years of design/build residential and commercial projects. He enjoys a wide variety of personal interests including water and snow skiing, dogs, sailing, and music. Jim lives in Cohocton, NY with his partner, Kristy, and their 6-year-old daughter, Parker.
Barbara Casale, Interior Designer Barbara is a recent bachelor’s graduate whose award-winning academic work HUNT’s team had been admiring over the years at RIT design contests. Carrying capacity with state-of-the-art design concepts and software tools, Barbara has focused on space planning and retail, hospitality, and office design. A busy community and educational volunteer, Barbara nevertheless finds time for music, scrapbooking, photography, and weight lifting. She lives in West Henrietta with her husband Marco & their two children, Katherine and Christopher.
Harini Kadambi, EIT, Civil Engineering Harini joins HUNT with degrees from Purdue (Biochemical Engineering) & SUNY ESF (Water Resource Engr.). Her previous work experience includes stints at both Nestle-Edy’s Ice Cream, where her tasks focused on production support for quality assurance and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products in Research & Development. On the personal side, Harini and Ohley, a Great Dane and Lab mix recently moved to Horseheads where she hopes to continue to pursue her interests in music, volunteerism, and hiking.
Michael Keith, PE, Civil Manager A Clarkson University Civil and Environmental Engineering graduate, Michael is an experienced designer with over 18 years of Site/Civil project management experience in the northern Virginia and Chicago areas. Michael is skilled at “penciling out” creative site documents, efficient in realistic schedules & budgets, as well as interacting with private developers. Michael lives with his wife, Shari, and two children, Joshua and Alexa, along with their yellow Lab, Belle, in Webster, NY. Michael also enjoys rooting on his beloved “Stanley Cup Champions” Washington Capitals.
Bradley Marshall, EIT, Mechanical Engineering Bradley joined the MEP department working on mechanical engineering and just passed his Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, the first step to becoming a Professional Engineer. Before working at HUNT, he worked as buyer and assistant project manager in the pipeline industry. Bradley grew up in Binghamton and is now living in Corning NY. Bradley has a goldfish named Daisy and a Samoyed named Kojack. In his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding, golfing, volleyball, softball, camping and hiking. Bradley and several other HUNT employees recently enjoyed a trip to Bergen, Norway!
Jeffrey Naylor, PE, Construction Inspector A Construction Inspector (CI) who joined HUNT in March 2018, Jeff Naylor, PE attended Corning Community College and has been a Professional Engineer since 2005. He nicely fits a gap in HUNT’s Structural Department. CI is a little publicized, but much-valued, component in HUNT’s project toolbox, with Jeff and his colleagues tying together the practical application of what may have been months or years in the planning. Jeff lives in Watkins Glen with his wife, Susan, and in his spare time he enjoys woodworking and gardening.
Shawn O’Hara, IIDA, Interior Designer Shawn brings ten years of experience to HUNT’s Interior team. His knowledge stems from interior design, architecture, advertising, as well as his own design business. Shawn uses his skills to provide finish selections, furniture layouts, casework, and lighting design to K-12 projects. Shawn grew up in Mt. Upton between Binghamton and Syracuse, where his mother still lives. Two cats, Natasha and Boris, keep him busy at his apartment when he isn’t practicing photography, painting, or mt. biking. A ‘foodie’ he is often at the center of office food contests and has elevated the “java” conversations too.
James Peckham, PE, Civil Engineering In May, James, a 2010 Clarkson University graduate, was welcomed in the Towanda Office in the Civil Department. Prior to coming to HUNT, James worked at Borton-Lawson Engineering & Architecture for six years as a Civil/Structural Engineering in the Oil and Gas Department. James relocated from central PA, and now resides in the Elmira area with his wife Pamela, son Dominic, and white Husky puppy Albus and black Dachshund, Griffin. James’s hobbies include HeroClix, reading, and soccer. In his spare time, he travels to various states to compete in HeroClix Events.
Amanda Rathford, EIT, Civil Engineering Amanda enjoys two bachelor’s degrees – Construction Management & Civil Engineering from Alfred State and the University of Buffalo, respectively. Prior to HUNT, Amanda worked most recently in Pittsburgh, PA; consequently, she brings a familiarity with both Pittsburgh’s vertical and burgeoning technology environment, as well as HUNT’s community building capacity. A Southern Tier native Amanda, her husband, Ryan, and son Rhett live in Corning. A crocheter, Amanda and her family also enjoy watching movies and exploring the Finger Lakes region.
Mark Ross, PE, Structural Engineer Mark is a Structural Design Engineer with 13 years in the bridge design/build industry. He enjoys being part of a team, as well as working independently. His excellent interpersonal and communication skills have been honed through various project management opportunities. He brings a Cedarville University Mechanical Engineering degree to HUNT’s structural group. Mark is an East Smithfield, PA resident who also enjoys carpentry, hunting, woodworking, and a variety of athletic activities.
Brian Schwingel, Specification Writer Brian Schwingel started at HUNT in the spring of 2018 to aid the architecture department as the newest HUNT Specification Writer. With 20 years of experience in management of building supplies and a retired NY State Trooper, he has become a great asset to the team. Growing up in Wayland, NY, he now lives in Horseheads, NY with his wife Marlene. Together with their Labrador Retriever, Wilson, they enjoy hobby farming. They care for dairy goats, chickens, and honeybees.
Luke Thomas, Civil Engineering Luke Thomas, a recent graduate at Penn State, Harrisburg started in the Towanda Office adding to the Site/Civil department. Before joining the HUNT team, Luke interned at PennDOT for two years as a construction inspector. Luke grew up and currently resides in Forksville, PA, & he greatly enjoys weekly trivia night, hunting, and fishing. In addition, Luke participates in regular bass fishing tournaments on the beautiful Susquehanna River.
Michael Trapanovski, AIA, Architect A fifteen-year Project Architect, Michael Trapanovski, AIA offers HUNT partners and clients an uncommon versatility. His ability to organize and execute design projects from pre-design through project completion is exemplified by efforts the following areas: residential, municipal, and commercial/industrial. An avid golfer, car buff, and architectural modeler, Michael lives in Penfield with his recently turned 40-year-old wife Wendy, their three-year-old daughter Charlotte, and Casper the cat.
Sam Vergason, Landscape Designer Sam Vergason joined the HUNT staff as a Landscape Designer in January. Sam obtained his BS in Landscape Contracting at Penn State University which accompanies his CCC Degree. Sam grew up in Spencer, NY and now resides in Athens, PA. Hobbies he enjoys include writing music, playing the acoustic guitar, creating pottery, and working on his Harley. Sam is also interested in real estate development -- having recently investigated parcels in suburban Ithaca, with the hope he can utilize the skills of his HUNT coworkers. Sam has one older brother, Aaron Vergason, and a young niece and nephew, Honor and Jesse.
Shih-Jung Wu, Architectural Designer Shih-Jung Wu offers HUNT’s clients a sophisticated ability to bring state-of-the-art software tools to bear on projects. He holds degrees at Taiwan, Pratt Institute at NYC, and Rochester Institute of Technology (where he won five individual awards). His design experience includes retail outlets in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China. Shih-Jung grew up in Taiwan and now lives in Henrietta, NY. A fan of golden retrievers, he is currently training for a triathlon and enjoys spending time cooking and making architectural models. Somehow, he also finds time for his girlfriend Dan.
Daniel Yanosh, PE, Civil Engineer Daniel brings over 15 years of project management and project design experience built on a Clarkson University BS and Orange County CC Associates in Engineering. His portfolio is highlighted by industrial, retail, and residential experiences, and his water expertise is equally varied. Currently an Irondequoit resident, Dan grew up in Orange County, NY. Gus, a chocolate Lab, keeps Dan and his wife Meredith and two children, Alyssa and Joey, busy when they are not playing soccer or golf. Dan is an active leader in the Irondequoit Soccer Club, a member of the Irondequoit Conservation Board, and he also enjoys refereeing.
Suhua Zhao, RA, Architect With degrees from Shanghai, China (BA) and Miami University of Ohio (M/Arch), as well as nine years of project design and management experience in Texas, Suhua Zhao is a registered architect who adds international & national depth to HUNT’s architecture department. These worldwide design efforts are balanced by K-12 educational designs, highlighted by auditorium and elementary school projects. Suhua lives in Painted Post with her husband, Hector DePedro, and their three children, Shawn, Sharon, & Sheldon.