Sadie graduated from Ferris State University’s School of Built Environment before starting her career as a LEAPS Intern at Barton Malow. After starting full-time as a Project Engineer in 2021, she has worked in a variety of markets, including Energy, Automotive, and Industrial.
Q+A with Sadie
What is your role at Barton Malow and what does your day-to-day look like?
I am a Project Manager in the thermal energy group, working on a Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) project for the Lansing Board of Water and Light (LBWL) in Michigan. We are working on wrapping up major stages of construction and commissioning efforts.
A normal day starts with stretch and flex at 7am and then there could be any sort of task that needs attention after that. Coordination meetings, schedule updates, site walkdowns with the Owner, and typical project controls activities make up most of my workload these days.
How did you end up choosing a career in construction?
Most of my life, I planned on becoming an elementary school teacher and pivoted right before college, starting my first semester majoring in “undecided.” Ferris had a career exploration course at that time, and after a few weeks, I found myself in the School of Built Environment. At the time, I did not know what construction management was or what a career in it could look like, but after meeting with the program lead, I enrolled in classes for the next semester and never looked back. Thinking about it now, it makes sense. My grandfather built custom homes after he retired from the sheriff’s office, and I spent my summers out of school studying the plans in his truck and hanging out at the houses they were working on. Ten-year-old me just didn’t know what the construction industry had to offer.
Just For Fun
Salty, Sweet, or Sour?
Sweet
Favorite board/card game?
My family alternates between Peanut and Euchre
First concert you ever went to?
Toby Keith
Would you rather be able to read minds or be invisible?
Be invisible
Is your desk messy or clean?
It’s usually clean
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Mani Osteria in Ann Arbor
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Sure (just not on my pizza)
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on and why?
As a Lansing-area native, the combined cycle power plant for LBWL has been the most interesting. I was a LEAPS Intern just starting out in the industry, and I was part of a great team making a huge impact in my hometown. There were unique challenges, and the team powered through them to successfully deliver what the customer was looking for.
What stood out to you the most about Barton Malow compared to other available opportunities?
The people. Everyone I talked to loved Barton Malow, said the corporate culture was unmatched, and raved about how well people treated each other. It makes it easy to go to work every day when you know you have a great team full of people who will always have your back.
What is the most interesting part of your job as a Construction Project Manager at Barton Malow?
Every day is different, and you can’t always predict what it might bring. Most days are fast-paced with new challenges popping up that need to be worked through.
If you could pick any other team/project/department to be on at Barton Malow outside of your current team, what would you pick and why?
I think I’d want to be in Colorado working on the NWSL Performance Center. As a former athlete, the large sports-related projects are interesting, and who could complain about working in CO?
How would you describe your career path at Barton Malow?
I’ve worked across a handful of markets (energy, automotive, and industrial) and have been part of great teams that have allowed me to experience and learn a lot. All these experiences have helped me to grow into the Project Manager I am today, and I am thankful for each of them.
Prior to getting into construction, what experience do you feel prepared you the most for your current role at Barton Malow?
I grew up playing team sports, and I think spending so much time working on teams has helped me in my current role. The project isn’t going to get done well if everyone isn’t working together toward the shared goal, and managing the dynamics is important.
Are you involved with any professional or community organizations?
I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with Junior Achievement Mid-Michigan, working with students in the area to introduce them to construction management and the potential opportunities this industry could provide them. I love being able to provide exposure to careers I did not know existed when I was their age.
Construction Project Manager Mecah Mochoge
Mecah’s construction journey started in the Army, running heavy equipment on the civil side for the Army Corps of Engineers. Since starting at Barton Malow, she has managed fast-paced renovations, supported data center work, and currently supports the K-12 market.
Sports + Entertainment PM: Zach Beiler
Zach Beiler brings his passion for sports and Florida’s vibrant culture to Barton Malow’s Sports + Entertainment market. As a UCF alumnus and Project Manager, Zach leads high-profile stadium and athletics projects in Orlando, building iconic venues that energize communities and inspire fans.
Construction Management Intern:
Joe Holland
One of the many interns Barton Malow welcomes each summer, Joe Holland was placed on the Football Operations Center project at the University of Virginia. As a student-athlete playing as an outside linebacker on UVA’s football team, Joe will use the end product bringing his internship full circle.
Construction Superintendent: Octavous Crosby
Octavous has been with Barton Malow for over 20 years, starting his career as a Carpenter Journeyman before transitioning into a role as Construction Superintendent. Octavous is passionate about making an impact on the communities served by the projects he has worked on.