Employee Spotlight – Mario Najera

Getting to Know Mario Najera, Civil Engineering Tech

How long have you been at PE Services and what does your role entail?  
I have been with PE Services since June of 2024 as a civil engineer technician.

What made you decide to work at PE Services over other firms? 
Hearing from an employee year after year about this company and seeing the his excitement as he described his daily work and how well employees are treated really got my attention.  After researching the company, it was easy to see why employees love working for PE Services.

What is your favorite aspect of your job? 
My favorite aspect of the job is being able to be outside every day and getting to meet new people. Most of the contractors on the job site are very helpful and willing to teach you things about construction.

What has been your favorite project and why?
Since starting with PE Services, I have been on three different projects around MSP airport. All have been different in their own way, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Being able to watch a project from start to finish has been a great experience and has taught me a lot about what goes on during a project.

I am happiest when…. 
I am happiest when I can go ice fish in the winter or ride my motorcycle on the weekends during the summer.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance in a demanding professional environment? 
Over the years, regardless of the job, during work, I make sure that I focus on work and nothing else. Once the job is completed, I make sure to give all my attention to my family whether it’s simply having dinner together or going out and spending quality time. No matter if I had a good or bad day at work, I leave it all at work and worry about it the following day.

What’s the best advice you have ever gotten? 
Be comfortable being uncomfortable. This advice has helped me so much in the past with being able to try new things without hesitation. It’s helped me meet new people and most importantly, to ask questions when I don’t know something.

Describe your perfect vacation.
Spending several days in the Florida Keys and being outside. Whether it’s deep-sea fishing or simply sitting on the beach and relaxing in the sun.