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Joseph Picoraro

Education

BS Civil Engineering

Engineering Career

When I first went to the University of Vermont in the fall of 1974, I found myself immersed in a program entitled "Engineering - Undecided". Not understanding any of the disciplines of engineering at that time, I began a process of determining what different engineers did. I always excelled at math and money, and felt engineering was the logical career choice, which it has been. I chose Civil Engineering due to its hands-on practical and physical attributes - and found myself selecting construction as the career stage for it. The most rewarding thing of all is that I have been able to experience and work with engineers of almost all disciplines over my forty four year career. The human side has always been the cornerstone as I thrive in working with and fostering high performing teams. I began as an engineer-in-training and transitioned to project engineer, project manager, Construction executive, and vice president - finally arriving at a senior director of business development.

Major and memorable projects/clients have included the Trapp Family Lodge, Waterville Valley Ski Resort, several large waster and wastewater treatment facilities, class 1 cleanroom for National Semi-conductor, LL Bean, IDEXX Laboratories, numerous healthcare clients including Martins Point Health Care, Bath Iron Works, multiple projects at the Universities of Maine & NH, numerous K-12 schools, and Pineland.

Professional Activities

LEED AP; ASHE; AGC; BSA

Funny Stories

1. Meeting Ben & Jerry in 1975 and attempting to get both of them interested in Civil Engineering (as opposed to ice cream)
2. Meeting Maria Vonn Trapp in the 1970's and discussing what an Alpine Lodge in Stowe, VT might look like
3. Working diligently to prepare for my PE exam in Virginia in 1982-1983 only to find I would be relocated to NH and would have to travel back to VA to take the exam there

Most Rewarding Career Moment

There are three:
1. The day the founder of IDEXX Laboratories believed my presentation on how to successfully design and build their first 140,000 sf facility.
2. The night the twenty eight member South Portland High School building committee unanimously approved our $4M value engineering efforts to build and renovate South Portland High School
3. The day my youngest son became a Professional Engineer

Awards

Founding Principles Award (PC Construction); Four Build Maine Awards

Hobbies

Outdoor activities (Fishing, canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing); Investing; Collectibles; Landscaping