10 Questions with Brian Janowiak
What do you do for your job?
I’m part of MBK’s Delta group, providing project management and construction management services to our clients. Projects range from minor levee maintenance to large-scale levee rehabilitation and environmental restoration.
How did you get into engineering?
Despite having an early desire to be a fighter pilot (thanks Top Gun), I felt I was better suited to be an engineer. I’ve always liked solving problems and helping people. A career in engineering has a broad spectrum of opportunities to do both.
What is the best part of your job?
I thoroughly enjoy getting to spend time at various job sites, overseeing the implementation of our projects. It’s good to get outside, breathe the air, and get my boots dirty. I’m also fortunate to have excellent colleagues that I enjoy working with.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would definitely spend some time exploring MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). Being able to delve into any subject at any level would be a great use of time.
What job would you be terrible at?
Considering my unfamiliarity with organized crime, lack of connections, and my general desire to be a law-abiding citizen, I would make a terrible mob boss. Also, anything in sales would be awful.
What skill would you like to master?
Mastery of the English language. The ability to regularly be eloquently concise is underrated.
What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?
Not sure I’d say I LIKE it, but yardwork. Manual shears over hedge trimmer, hand saw over chainsaw, and broom over blower. Is it stubbornness? Or is it being old school?
What’s worth spending more on to get the best?
Coffee beans, shoes, and a mattress.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to try, but just haven’t gotten around to yet?
Learning how to hit a golf ball straight.
What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?
Play improvisational jazz on the saxophone.
