This blog series will introduce our audience to some of the brightest and most dedicated young professionals in the PCI Mid-Atlantic chapter. These individuals contribute to the exciting future of our dynamic industry every day. Get a behind-the-scenes look into their lives and innovative career path.
I have a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Chemistry from Duke University. I am currently the Vice President of Business Development for Ernest Maier; a family-owned company. I’m responsible for a lot of things from marketing and our website to permeable pavement and fiberglass rebar. I usually joke that if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s job, then it’s probably mine.
Prior to joining Ernest Maier, I served as a technical contractor to several programmatic offices within the U.S. Department of Energy- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office. I have also led the innovation program at Water Research Foundation on behalf of wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water utilities across the United States. Aside from this, I’ve worked for GlaxoSmithKline and the U.S. Navy. I’ve also been a sailing counselor, fondue-cooking waiter, and moon bounce operator.
Professionally, I have gotten a lot of certifications including Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile certification, NRMCA Concrete Technologist Level 3, PCI QA/QC Level 2, to name a few.
Outside of work, I have a lovely wife Ashley and 3 kids (6,4, 6 months). We are big fans of travel, with some of our big recent trips (pre-COVID) to South Africa, South Korea, and Viet Nam. When I can find the time, I enjoy skiing, sailing, and golf. I’m a good cook, although I do a fair bit of improvising. I also am a big fan of board games and have nearly run out of shelf space.
PCI-MA: How do you have fun at work?
Aaron: I have fun doing things that have never been done. I pride myself in being wired differently and seeing connections and relationships that aren’t always obvious. The challenge of setting a goal, planning to that goal, and then executing keep me going—particularly when no one has done it before.
It also doesn’t hurt to sprinkle in the occasional golf round or whiskey tasting.
PCI-MA: Tell us about one of your proudest work accomplishments.
Aaron: Working with Genifuel to turn wastewater sludge into jet fuel (aka poop-to-fuel). A simple explanation is that under near critical temperatures and pressures the molecules rearrange to make liquid fuels (like how crude oil forms). Taking what was a near limitless waste, looking for a home, and turning it into something truly valuable is the definition of sustainability. And to someone who’s personal motto is to leave things better than I found them, this really is something I’m quite proud of.
PCI-MA: What is one thing you like most about your role at Ernest Maier?
Aaron: I have the freedom to make decisions to act, and to react.
Brendan Quinn (CEO of Ernest Maier) joked with me the other day, that “did you think 2 years in you’d be selling fiberglass rebar?” My answer was “no,” and I couldn’t be happier.
PCI-MA: What advice would you give someone just entering the workforce and choosing the right company fit?
Aaron: Company culture matters a lot more than what you do. People leave bad bosses/companies. I’ve worked at several companies that align much better to my educational background. However, the culture clashed with my personal ethos. I’d come home and have to spend time each day decompressing—losing time to socialize and relax. Now I come home and I’m ready to jump right into coaching my kid’s soccer team or cook dinner.
To that end, don’t be afraid to ask probing questions during your interview process. An interview is a two-way street.
On being a manager: Be true to yourself. People gravitate and are willing to follow people who are authentic.
Since 1926, Ernest Maier has been all about construction. Starting as Washington DC’s best and most trusted masonry block manufacturer, the Ernest Maier family has grown to provide an array of concrete and building solutions to Mid-Atlantic contractors, architects, engineers, designers, and homeowners.
From ready-mix concrete to steel, the Ernest Maier family of companies goes well beyond our roots making concrete masonry blocks. We manufacture and/or distribute aggregates, bricks, drainage, hardscapes, insulation, lintels, natural stone, pavers, sand, stone, stormwater solutions, tools, and even precast/prestressed concrete. Our goal is to be the single source for your construction supply needs.
Want to learn more about a career in precast? Check out our workforce Career Center for job descriptions, career paths, job listings, and other helpful resources.