With a year full of milestones and exciting additions, it seems fitting to dedicate our final post of the year to our people. Specifically, the 22 faces that have joined the Wise family in 2022.
Some started at the beginning of the year, some only a week ago, but their experience thus far is the same: Wise isn’t like other construction companies because of our people. We recruit only the best—not only the best at what they do for the industry, but for who they are as people.
Meet the newest members of the Wise family who have expanded every single one of our departments—accounting, engineering, estimating, field operations, marketing, project management, project planning and corporate safety.
Brendan Cary: Assistant Superintendent
Joining us from: The Richmond Group
Years in the industry: 3
Area of expertise: Tenant fit-outs, and life sciences construction
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “There is an authentic culture of teamwork here at Wise that makes coming to work each day, and tackling complex projects, so rewarding. Everyone is extremely passionate about the work we do, and every day you have the opportunity to learn something new from a coworker.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “Since starting at Wise I am most proud of helping to complete the 35 & 40 Lansdowne Street Lobby projects for a top biotech client. I was very fortunate to be part of a great team on my first project at Wise. I was able to learn so much from the entire project team, including Chris Luongo, Andrew Cacciola, and Chris Schena.”
Bryan Clark: Estimator
Joining us from: JM Coull, Inc.
Years in the industry: 11
Area of expertise: Preconstruction experience in mainly the life science and education markets.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “It’s people. Looking back on past articles and already being on the receiving end of several ‘welcome new team member’ emails, I am enjoying being part of a growing company. I am thankful to be surrounded by a talented group and excited to see what we will accomplish together in 2023.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “Gaining experience in occupied healthcare spaces. It has been fulfilling work to be involved on estimates spanning five separate Massachusetts hospitals.”
Ina Hajro: Assistant Project Manager
Joining us from: G. Greene Construction
Years in the industry: 2
Area of expertise: Working in occupied spaces: healthcare, labs, offices, exam rooms, MRI rooms, etc.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “My team—we have a great flow between Jigar providing the background on some projects as he transitioned into his new role, to the day-to-day contact with Brenden and Keara helping me advance my skills.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “Ability to fit in with the culture from people decorating in the hallways to attending client events. Also being entrusted with assisting in the financial aspect of jobs. Usually it takes a while to be entrusted with this aspect, but Brenden and Keara have allowed me to work alongside them on this journey.”
Jack Frieden: Project Engineer
Joining us from: Wentworth Institute of Technology Graduate
Years in the industry: 6
Area of expertise: Residential Construction.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “The energy that Wise gives off is infectious. There is a family-like atmosphere embedded in this company, which makes going to work a rejuvenating experience every day. Also, the leadership is fantastic and it is clear that everyone wants to see each other grow and succeed further as professionals. The work hard, play hard culture is invigorating and creates balance in what is known to be a highly stressful industry. Wise’s reputation stands tall in the Greater Boston Area, making me proud to consider myself part of the Wise Family.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “I am proud to represent Wise on all of my projects.”
James Murnane: Assistant Superintendent
Joining us from: BW Kennedy Co.
Years in the industry: 4
Area of expertise: Interior fit-up projects and working in occupied spaces.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “My favorite part of Wise is the team atmosphere and the inclusivity exercised at all levels. It felt as if it took no time at all to fit right into this superb team! I enjoy feeling supported by colleagues in the field as well as office staff and upper management.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “Working at the Innovation and Design Building in the Seaport has presented a myriad of challenges. I’d say I’m proud to be a part of the team actively taking on those challenges and coming up with productive and creative solutions.”
Jen Hatchett-Leon: Project Planner
Joining us from: Erland Construction, Inc.
Years in the industry: 16
Area of expertise: Commercial, hospitality, and retail construction
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “I love my role, and that it’s new to the company (Project Planner) because it’s allowed me to get involved with many different projects and teams here at Wise, as well as be flexible and work on many different aspects of preconstruction. I really like the people and culture – we get the job done well and have fun doing it!”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “I’m so proud of the fact that I’ve been able to hit the ground running here and be of help to the Operations team. Being able to take some work load off of these people so they can focus on active projects is a very rewarding feeling! I’m also very happy for the opportunity to get involved in different company initiatives, such as the Market Brief, and helping manage Bridgit. Someday I’ll learn where everyone’s offices are….”
John Niro: Assistant Project Manager
Joining us from: Consigli Construction
Years in the industry: 2
Area of expertise: Historical restoration and ground-up construction, but since joining Wise, has transitioned to working in occupied healthcare environments.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “There are so many great benefits of being a Wise team member that it’s hard to capture in a few sentences. Firstly, having my own office has been so beneficial to complete critical tasks in my own environment. The Wise team welcomes anyone and everyone with open arms and is willing to spend the time to problem-solve and collaborate on project roadblocks. Obviously, the golf simulator is pretty sweet, but the Wednesday afternoon golf outings in the summer are even sweeter.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “My most proud accomplishment since starting with Wise would have to be closing out the new BWFH Breast Imaging Suite in time for their ribbon cutting ceremony. Second to that is the opportunity to provide assistance on the IDB project at Black Falcon Terminal.”
Jon Atwood: Superintendent
Joining us from: BW Kennedy & Co
Years in the industry: 18
Area of expertise: Strong background in biotech construction.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “I’m enjoying the teamwork approach at Wise.”
Kevin Narey: Accounting Specialist
Joining us from: TUV SUD America
Years in the industry: 14
Area of expertise: AP, Billing, AR and Credit
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “I’ve been here six months next week and have loved everything. My Accounting team is great, I’ve gotten to know people throughout the company through Wise activities and the culture that is built here where people all hang out in the kitchen at the end of the week. I don’t think I could provide a negative if I tried.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “I believe the best is yet to come, but mastering the directory was definitely the first milestone.”
Makayla Larochelle: Marketing Database Coordinator
Joining us from: University of Massachusetts at Lowell Graduate
Years in the industry: 1st year
Area of expertise: Marketing and Management Coordination
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “Wise being my first job experience out of college, I had many thoughts of excitement and intimidation of the unknown. Right away I dove into my role and saw first handedly the culture, collaboration, and autonomy that flows through the office. I quickly saw the massive potential for learning opportunities and growth that I would have here. Now all I have is excitement for being a part of such a collective group of people I can call Wise Family.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “I am proud to have been a part of organizing Wise Witching Hour, a popular Biotech event Wise holds annually!”
Marty Leik: Corporate Safety Director
Joining us from: Suffolk Construction
Years in the industry: 18
Area of expertise: Marty has been a Superintendent and Project Manager in Commercial/Residential work, and has been working in Safety for all industries (Healthcare, Science and Tech, Commercial, Residential).
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “First and foremost, it’s the people. Every day I marvel at the energy and positive vibes around the company (jobsites and office). There seems to be a legitimate focus on treating people the right way and that is a great thing to be part of.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “Watching Andrew Dell’Olio drain a 40+ foot putt to win Wednesday night golf league for our team…one of the best golf celebrations in the history of the sport!”
Michael Stuart: Project Manager
Joining us from: C.E. Floyd Company
Years in the industry: 9
Area of expertise: Assisted living, private schools, and ground-up construction.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “Among many things, I’ve enjoyed being a part of group of people who are all working towards the same goals for clients and the company.”
Natasha Cacciola: Project Administrator
Joining us from: Retail Management
Years in the industry: 10
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “The culture here at Wise is unlike any other. It’s something everyone talks about, and for a good reason. From day one you are welcomed and supported by each and every employee. It makes working here such a joy and I’m truly thankful to be a part of the Wise family.”
Neil Slyva: Project Executive
Joining us from: CM&B
Years in the industry: 15
Area of expertise: Life science, med-tech and institutional construction
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “Third day, best day! :)”
Nick Gore: Project Engineer
Joining us from: Wentworth Institute of Technology Graduate
Years in the industry: 6
Area of expertise: Residential construction and commercial retail fit-outs
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “The Wise culture is very involved, motivated, and helpful to one another. All employees are committed and friendly to one another making it a great environment to be in. I’ve gained so much knowledge in my short time here and really love coming to work every day.”
Roberto Grasso: Assistant Project Manager
Joining us from: North Shore Steel Co.
Years in the industry: 3
Area of expertise: Public Projects
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “The work environment is second to none, and I work with the best PMs in the industry. I feel like we are one big family and everyone is ready to lend a hand when needed.”
Scott Guertin: Director of Engineering
Joining us from: Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates
Years in the industry: “The short answer is 26 years. I grew up working for my dad’s plumbing and heating company in Biddeford, Maine working as a journeyman plumber before college. After college I starting working as a Mechanical Engineer and have been doing that for approximately 26 years, until joining Wise Construction this year.”
Area of expertise: Healthcare market as a Mechanical Engineer working on everything from ground-up construction to renovation projects
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “I really enjoy the people and the culture here at Wise. There is a great sense of family, team building, and putting in the hard work while still having fun. The fact that Wise has a great reputation in the healthcare and life science markets is very important to me.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “I’m proud that I can support and assist so many different people within the company in a variety of ways. I really enjoy teaching and mentoring people who want to learn.”
Shane Seaman: Accounting Specialist
Joining us from: Unispace
Years in the industry: 16
Area of expertise: Accounting
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “The company culture which is driven by the incredible coworkers.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “I am proud to be a part of the SOP implementation. All the employees are accepting of the changes because they see the value associated with it. It is very encouraging to know that everyone at Wise wants to become more efficient and grow the company together.”
Tony Raei: Project Engineer
Joining us from: Wentworth Institute of Technology Graduate
Years in the industry: 3
Area of expertise: Construction Management experience in residential and institutional building.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “The work environment at Wise is spectacular; it allows for a more efficient and fun workplace.”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “My biggest accomplishments at Wise so far would be working my way up to a full-time job from a co-op position and helping complete our Hood Park Renovation project on schedule.”
Victoria Aldersley: Project Engineer
Joining us from: Wentworth Institute of Technology Senior
Years in the industry: 2
Area of expertise: Healthcare/pharmaceutical renovations projects.
What are you enjoying most about being a Wise employee so far? “For me the best part of being a Wise team member is the atmosphere. When I started a year ago everyone welcomed me with open arms and was kind. With the growth I’ve seen within the company over the last year, that has not changed. Everyone continues to be welcoming and inviting, making working at Wise all the more fun!”
What accomplishment are you most proud of since starting at Wise? “The proudest accomplishment I can note is the vast extent of knowledge I have been able to gather from everyone I have worked with, the knowledge I have been able to gain from everyone has helped me grow as a young professional in this career path and for that I am eternally grateful.”