Employee Spotlight: Joe Bartos

I’m pleased to announce Joe Bartos as our 
December Employee of the Month! 

We asked Joe a few questions about himself so you could get to know him better.

What are your roles and responsibilities for clients of Wessler Engineering?

As a Project Engineer in the Wastewater Department here at Wessler, I am responsible for collection system design, sewer rehab project management and construction administration, preparation of studies and reports, and field investigations. Generally, anything to keep our clients happy and projects on schedule and within budget. I also occasionally still make copies to keep myself grounded.

Being a graduate of Purdue University, tell us about your favorite experience while on campus?  

I would have to say my favorite experience happened as a freshman in January 2008 at Mackey Arena. The unranked men's basketball team, then known as the "Baby Boilers" for freshman stars Robbie Hummel, JaJuan Johnson, and E'Twaun Moore, beat #11-ranked Wisconsin 60-56 in true upset fashion. I was part of the group that rushed the court to celebrate and actually had the game ball in my hands at one point. That one is tough to beat.

You grew up in New York and openly admit to being a Knicks fan. Tell us how you feel about the Pacers-Knicks rivalry? Any comments on Reggie Miller vs. Spike Lee?  

I grew up watching the Knicks during the days of Ewing, Houston, Oakley, and Starks. The Pacer-Knicks rivalry is definitely a fun and passionate one. Reggie's 8 points in 9 seconds will probably never be topped. There is surely no love lost between Spike and Reggie. Spike is a passionate superfan who occasionally goes a bit too far. But, he does love his team and you can't fault him for that.

What is the most important lesson you have learned over the last year?

An important lesson I've learned in the past few months of this year is not to sweat the small stuff. Life's too short to worry about things that won't matter tomorrow. Also, as a wise man once said, "don't take any wooden nickels."

You got married this year, congratulations! Tell us about how you proposed?

Thank you! I'm happy to say that I married my best friend in the world, and I think the proposal exemplifies that. I surprised my wife by proposing next to the Bell Tower at Purdue while walking to Grand Prix Breakfast Club. She said yes, then we went to Harry's Chocolate Shop. Pretty successful day.

The holidays are all about traditions. Do you and your wife have any traditions or traditions you hope to start?

My wife Lauren and I, and her family, have attended opening night of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Yuletide Celebration for the past 8 years. It's a great Indianapolis tradition and gets the holiday season started off right with family, great music, and good times.

Tell us one thing you would like each of your clients to know about you?

I am pretty dangerous in the kitchen. I love to cook and entertain guests for dinner or whip up some apps for a football game. I've been told I make a mean guacamole.

What does the "Wessler Way" mean to you?

To me, the "Wessler Way" stands for a distinct hierarchy of three basic priorities. Employee first, then client, and finally the bottom line.