POSTED 09-25-2024 Meet Wendel’s Project Manager and Ecologist, John Grabowski. John grew up in Middleport, NY waking up with cows outside his bedroom window. Now, he wakes up to a different view, residing in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village. What does a day in your work life look like? I like to get to the gym or go for a run before work so that I’m starting the day off on a good note. I spend most days at the Williamsville office, but I also like to get to the Buffalo office at least one day a week. With some of our new ecological projects that have been coming in, I get to be out in the field occasionally as well to collect data or check in on construction progress. What do you like most about working here? I work on a variety of different projects like ecological restoration projects, athletic fields, transit facilities, and school projects. I like working on such a broad range of projects. The people at Wendel and the trust that they have in you to do a good job are great too. When you’re not making people at work smile, what types of things will we find you doing in your free time? I like to stay active and busy as much as possible. In the summers, I play a lot of soccer and golf and snowboard in the winters. I also go to a lot of Bills and Sabres games and like to take at least one trip each year. Last year, I went to San Diego and lived on the beach for a week, which was awesome. Project Highlight: I’ve been a part of many fun projects, but my favorite so far would probably be the Pickerel Creek Riparian Restoration Project, which is located on the shoreline of Lake Erie in Ohio. We joined the project during construction, helping the contractor with field changes and documenting changed conditions. I was able to combine my technical expertise with project management and be outside in the water in waders for most of the day.