In 1998, Joseph Bertino traveled from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to watch the NASCAR race at the Daytona International Speedway. Bertino, who was already looking for change of scenery, liked the area and sent his resume to a few companies in the Jacksonville, Florida, area, including a recruiting firm working for Haskell.

A few interviews later, Bertino accepted a position as Haskell’s newest plumbing designer.

“Coming from a much smaller town in Western Pennsylvania, I was instantly attracted to the Haskell building, its location, and the city itself,” he said.

More than two decades later, Bertino is a Group Lead Engineer -- Plumbing in Haskell’s Infrastructure & Transportation Facilities Architecture and Engineering (A&T AE) team, and recently, he was chosen as one of this quarter’s Living the Values Award recipients.

In nominating him, Tom Tidwell, I&T AE Lead Mechanical Engineer, praised Bertino for being willing to answer questions and look at solutions even when he is pressed with deadlines and commitments from other projects. Bertino, Tidwell said, is thorough in how he engages with fellow team members and provides explanations so that people understand why something is done a certain way.

“I was genuinely touched that Thomas thought enough to nominate me for the award,” Bertino said. “I pride myself on being trustworthy and providing excellent service. I am nothing if not someone you can trust to do what it is I say I will do.”

Bertino strives to incorporate the values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust on every project.

“Design is a true passion of mine,” he said. “Taking something from nothing, and then watching it be built is a great feeling of accomplishment for me. The talent of the entire Haskell staff is on true display, project after project. It is beautiful to watch.”

Bertino said he made a particular effort to live out the values while interacting with his team.

“All of us are important pieces of the Haskell puzzle,” he said. “Everyone is unique, and that uniqueness is attractive to me. I love getting to know people and listening to their stories. Personal connections with those we come in contact with are essential to the growth and development of all of us.”

Bertino serves as the chapter president for the North Florida American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). He has been involved with ASPE as an officer for 11 years. In this position, Bertino coordinates speakers for monthly meetings, recruits new members and arranges annual social events.

“I am a firm believer in that if this is your profession, you should strive to learn as much as possible — and share as much as possible,” he said. “ASPE is a great way to network with others in the field of Plumbing Engineering and to share ideas. I became the ASPE North Florida Chapter President to help build the chapter and grow its revenue levels.”

In the spirit of continued learning, Bertino obtained his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama this year. He did this, according to Tidwell, “while working full-time and continuing to receive “excellent reviews from his supervisor and fellow employees.”

Haskell is hiring! Investigate the many opportunities to be part of an organization where Team, Excellence, Service and Trust are at the heart of what we do every day.