What I love most about working at GFT is the people, our evolving culture, and our never-ending drive to be the best. We are so lucky to have such a talented and dedicated team, and that excellence shows in the happiness and success of our clients.

This year, I’ll be celebrating 20 years with GFT, and that milestone means so much to me. Over the years, the bonds and relationships I’ve built here have been deeply meaningful. It’s more than just a job; it’s a community where hard work is valued and where every effort goes toward providing outstanding service. That spirit of collaboration and excellence is exactly what keeps me inspired and excited to continue growing with GFT.

As rail infrastructure continues to evolve, owners can focus on reducing congestion and streamlining traffic flow by implementing smarter routing and advanced technology.

Construction plays a vital role in this transformation. We help keep trains on schedule even while major work is underway, whether it’s through building shoofly bridges, constructing adjacent tracks to divert traffic, or offering alternative routing solutions that minimize disruptions. These proactive strategies ensure continuity of service and demonstrate how construction can be as much about precision planning as it is about building itself.

By combining thoughtful construction practices with forward-thinking infrastructure planning, owners can create rail networks that are faster, safer, and scalable for the future. When done right, the impact extends well beyond the tracks; it fuels regional growth and resilience.

One of my favorite aspects of working on the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program is the shared vision that drives everyone involved. Efficiency, safety, and serving communities as we work to untangle North America’s busiest rail hub in the quickest and safest way possible. It’s energizing to be part of a team where public and private stakeholders, from agencies to railroads to contractors, collaborate seamlessly toward a common mission.

What sets CREATE apart is the level of coordination across so many disciplines: from construction and engineering to logistics and public engagement. The program’s success relies not only on technical innovation and smart infrastructure planning, but also on transparency, stakeholder communication, and relentless problem-solving. Every project is a puzzle, and we’re constantly balancing speed with long-term impact and community benefit.

I’m secretly an Android person, even though I own pretty much everything Apple. I know, it’s a contradiction! I have the iPhone, iPad, the Apple Watch, the whole setup… but deep down, there’s just something about Android’s customization, flexibility, and quirky charm that’s always called to me.

It’s like living undercover; I appreciate the sleek Apple designs, but I’ll always admire Android’s gritty innovation. Maybe it’s the tech equivalent of loving a team that’s still scrappy, still hungry, still willing to color outside the lines. It kind of reflects how I approach life and work, too: efficient when I need to be, but always open to tweaking the system and thinking outside the box.

My favorite hobby is the constant pursuit of learning something new. Whether it’s a fresh idea, a new skill, or simply exploring a different perspective, I’m always curious and eager to grow. That willingness to learn keeps life exciting and fuels my passion both on and off the job.

Just as important to me is spending meaningful time with my family. I cherish the moments that bring us together. There’s nothing better than a deep belly laugh shared with loved ones and the joy that comes from building lasting memories. So, while I might not have many traditional hobbies, I’ve got two that mean the world to me: lifelong learning and a deep love for the people who matter most to me.