Structural engineer Matt Stoffel joined the Encorus team a year ago this week. We wanted to get to know him better.
How did you get started in your career?
I always like to build things (structures) and work with wood. I designed and constructed (with help and support) my house in Fowler, NY in 1991. When I was laid off from the zinc mines in 2001 and had the opportunity to go back to school, I went to SUNY Canton and talked to a counselor. I applied and was accepted and completed 3 years at SUNY Canton (culminating in an AAS degree in civil engineering technology, as well as engineering science for transfer to Clarkson) and 2 years at Clarkson University (earning a BS in civil engineering with a concentration in structural engineering).
What path led you to Encorus?
After nine years with Hohl Industrial, Inc. as a field project manager for heavy civil work (new bridges, bridge rehabilitations, lock and dam erection and rehabilitation, beam and column erection, etc.), I was looking for a company where my work would make a difference and would be appreciated, where there was support on projects and everyone worked together as a team, and where the team members held the same values I had. And I needed to work on more engineering calculations to get ready for the Professional Engineer exam, which I took (and passed!) in November of 2022.
What advice would you give someone hoping to enter your career field?
Never stop learning, stay on top of industry changes and trends, work on the family life balance with work and make sure work does not get ahead of family life. Work for a company where you can make a difference and are appreciated. Set your goals high and update them as you move forward.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
Hunting or hiking in the woods away from technology and any sounds of civilization or working on a wood or art project.
What are three words that describe your personality?
Hard-working, honest, low-key.
What is the first thing you do when you start your workday?
Work on organizing to determine what I need to accomplish for that day, and work on prioritizing / focusing on tasks.
