Erica Fish, Marketing Communications Specialist
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At Barron Collier Companies (BCC), one of its core strengths is its diverse and multi-generational workforce, which ranges from the Silent Generation to Generation Z. This expansive tapestry of experience and perspectives not only drives our company forward but also fosters a dynamic workplace.
“Having a vast difference in ages and variety of talents allows contrasting perspectives and great ideas to formulate,” said Peninsula Engineering’s Jessica Harrelson, AICP planning manager.
Three of our 194 employees come from the Silent Generation. Their extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge have provided invaluable guidance to our newest additions to the company. By mentoring younger generations through sharing their insights and expertise, they’ve reflected how the “American Dream Legacy” was built for families and how this transcended in core professional values.
Agreeing that his generation are known for their stability during times of challenge, courier Ray Lao adds, “Hard work and dedication, we [Silent Generation] value this. We’re steady and reliable.”
Baby Boomers, who have witnessed significant industry shifts, make up 19% of our employees and have been instrumental in integrating traditional methods with contemporary practices. Their leadership experiences have guided company mentees to manage projects and leading team members.
Summer intern Nick Erhardt shared, “One of the highlights of my internship was the mentorship from senior executives like Nick Casalanguida and Jeff Sonalia… From one-on-one meetings to their feedback on project presentations, their support helped grow my understanding of what leadership means.”
Introducing young minds to the roles in which projects are managed and led provided applicable experience and exposure for students – like Erhardt – to the innerworkings of a successful company.
Drew Meulenberg, Director of Taxation has dedicated 43 years to Barron Collier Companies and is set to retire this August. Having started in 1981 as a Staff Accountant, his interest in tax led to his real passion for ensuring organizations not pay more than what is required. His professional endurance landed him the director position.
“As we mature in both age and our work experience, it is true that our life experiences afford us perspectives that our less seasoned coworkers have yet to experience. However, those coworkers bring with them tools, techniques and skillsets that often are both more efficient and more effective, which challenges us [Baby Boomers] to adapt, sometimes reluctantly, and incorporate them into the workplace. This results in a symbiotic relationship where the less experienced and the experienced are both teaching and learning from each other,” he said.
BCC’s 64 team members of Generation X, often known as the “middle child” of the current generations, provides our organization a blend of independence and problem solving. HR Director Jamie Thompson shared they excel at managing change and implementing new tactics for operations to remain efficient. Balancing demands for both the traditional and modernized workspaces, have demonstrated their adaptability to the corporate world’s everchanging office and in-field environments.
“I find myself, personally, a perfect combination of new and old school technology, and I utilize both my older knowledge and my newly learned skills to navigate the workplace and life in general. We’re the ‘middle child’ for a reason, and that’s because Gen X adapts to whatever is streamlined,” said Amy Grey, Accounting Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper.
Firmly rooted in the workforce are the Millennials who have a non-stop drive for purpose and creativity. Making up the most in Barron Collier’s generational population at 69 (35%); they’ve experienced the mega-boom of technological advancements and digital tools. And have stayed ahead of the game within their industries, particularly aligning their company missions and values with their project focuses.
Josh Calhoun, Accountant II, has implemented several procedures to increase proficiency in his department. Introducing a new process for company credit card purchases recognized him as ‘Employee of the Quarter.’ And recently collaborating with Information Technology’s James Clubley, the duo has built an internal payment tracking system for Peninsula Engineering.
“What I am most proud of is reconstructing our end of boards review process. In the past, all accountants would work collectively to evaluate one report which consolidated all entities against the individual report. This was a long process which took multiple attempts to complete. Now, it is as simple as clicking two buttons in an Excel workbook to update our review,” said Calhoun.
Using out of box thinking, his use of building new formulas has eliminated days of work for all members of his team. “It’s rewarding to introduce new strategies which are gladly accepted and can be used by coworkers. Saving time where we all can efficiently handle other tasks is a definite positive.”
Generation Z continues to grow in employee population for Barron Collier Companies, clocking in at 21 individuals. As the newest goers to the professional world, they bring fresh perspectives and a tech-savvy edge; especially when managing the socials.
“As a Gen Z employee, we’re used to quickly learning since everything connects to adaptability. A lot of world events have happened in our youth, and our reaction time to these moments has impacted how we choose to react and what we can do to assist. The real world and corporate environment are fast-paced, and to survive it, you must be quick to learn and strategize your own forward thinking,” said Nate Mullins, Peninsula Engineering CAD Technician.
Known for bending the status quo to problem solving, their creative solution tactics breathe new trends into their work environments, making it tempting for more seasoned professionals to embrace new methods.
“Our many age groups contribute to a unique company culture that possesses the goal for innovation but with a respect for the past,” Thompson said. “Blending years of expertise with fresh ideas ensures BCC will remain in-sync with organizational growth and a corporate legacy which demonstrates diversity.”
