Leading Strategies in the Field of Project Management

Tom Bartosik, Project Manager, Atwell

Tom Bartosik is a distinguished Project Manager who has established a prominent presence within his respective field. Bartosik has attained recognition by excelling in the realm of employee management, specifically through his extensive experience as a survey crew chief in esteemed organizations. Moreover, Bartosik has contributed his expertise as a project surveyor at Atwell, LLC in 2018, subsequently advancing to the position of project coordinator, and ultimately achieving a well-deserved promotion to the role of project manager.

As a Project Manager, what are your key roles and responsibilities here at the organization?

Due to my father’s profession as a drafter, I was introduced to the field at a young age, and I have embraced it ever since. After diligently accumulating the necessary experience, I ascended the career ladder, accepting the positions of crew chief and subsequently senior crew chief.

After dedicating 16 years to honing my expertise in the realm of crew management, I advanced to the role of a project surveyor, which presented itself as a formidable learning opportunity. 

I further elevated my career as a project coordinator, and ultimately, as a project manager, marking significant milestones in my professional journey.

What are some of the challenges that you see in the construction coating space today? Furthermore, how do you see the industry evolving today?

One of the major challenges I have encountered in the industry is the recruitment of young talents who possess a genuine interest in the job. Ensuring their satisfaction and engagement once they join the team is a vital aspect I prioritize in order to maintain a balanced workload.

Furthermore, the task of procuring new talent while simultaneously ensuring the contentment of our current valuable staff has proven to be challenging. Our organization is currently experiencing a shortage of personnel, making the process of finding suitable candidates a struggle in the current scenario.

What specific roles and responsibilities does a professional land surveyor play in your project?

A professional land surveyor supervises the drafting of plans and boundary solving, whether it involves conducting a boundary survey or a topographic survey. Furthermore, they possess the expertise necessary to provide their signature on certified documents when required.

Do you specifically have a strategy that you follow to retain the employees in this space?

One of the most critical tasks is to establish and maintain a safe, enduring, and fun work environment. However, it is equally important to ensure that we provide work that offers sufficient challenges for individuals who thrive on being challenged.

 At Atwell, we foster a close-knit work family, where employees get the space to improve as an individual. 

We also developed a culture where we do a golf league on Wednesdays that ensures a tight-knit office community. We take pride in maintaining such an inclusive environment that focuses on keeping people happy and interested.

“One of the most critical tasks is to establish and maintain a safe, enduring, and fun work environment. However, it is equally important to ensure that we provide work that offers sufficient challenges for individuals who thrive on being challenged”

Are there any recent projects that you have been working on lately?

We have successfully launched numerous community-based solar and wind projects which have greatly captivated our employees and led to enhanced outcomes. In addition, we have undertaken projects in collaboration with Commonwealth Edison, a prominent electric company, offering surveying services for both small and large-scale endeavors. Our portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, including renewable energy initiatives as well as conventional surveys such as American Land Title Association (ALTA).

What advice would you offer to your fellow peers and colleagues in the industry?

My key advice would be to prioritize maintaining a sense of interest. It is also crucial to maintain professionalism and relish life. By delivering high-quality service, it is important to acknowledge and embrace the fact that both clients and employees are human beings, who have their own aspirations and limitations.