Installation Roles to Career Growth: Employee Interviews
At Envocore, career paths are built on hard work, opportunity, and a team that values growth. Many employees who started in installation roles have advanced to leadership positions. Their journeys showcase how dedication, curiosity, and adaptability can lead to exciting career opportunities.
We spoke with three employees who began at Envocore in installation-level roles. They share their career growth stories, professional development experiences, and advice for the next generation of Envocore employees.
Please tell us when you started at Envocore as an installation-level employee and walk us through your career path.
Matt Niedzwiecki – Senior Operations Manager
“I began my career at Envocore nearly two decades ago in an installation-level role, gaining hands-on experience in diverse specialty contracting projects, including energy-efficient lighting retrofits, domestic water upgrades, and building envelope improvements.”
Matt’s early years involved extensive travel, overseeing installations in schools, federal facilities, universities, and municipalities. Over time, he transitioned to operations manager, coordinating multiple job sites and teams, and eventually became senior operations manager, overseeing operations across multiple regions and trades.
Mike Christie – Senior Construction Manager
Michael began his career in 2000 after transitioning from the insurance industry.
“I started out as an installer and after a somewhat lengthy apprenticeship, I was running small projects. RTS, [which became Envocore], was very busy at this time and needed competent people that could work with tools as well as manage employees and basically do payroll (which was faxed back then). I was then promoted to project manager, running large-scale projects for the government, hospitals, school districts and universities. I had to resign in 2011 after becoming a single parent of two children. I came back to RTS…in 2016, and I am currently employed as a senior construction manager.”
Gabe Hensley – Director of Operations
Gabe emphasizes that every step at Envocore contributed to his professional development, turning his early work experience into a long-term career.
“I started in August of 2003 as a Tech 1. I began in the lighting field retrofitting light fixtures. Then moved to installing domestic water. It really didn’t take long to start working my way up through the ranks. From T1 to T2 and so on. I’ve worked at every level we offer on the operations side.”
How has Envocore helped you in your professional development?
Matt Niedzwiecki
“My career at Envocore has been a pivotal driver of my professional development, fueled by the company’s emphasis on hands-on experience and exposure to diverse projects. Envocore offers ample opportunities to engage in varied project trades, including lighting, water efficiency, building envelope, utility metering, and solar fields. These projects provide practical learning experiences that significantly enhance technical expertise and industry knowledge. The company fosters continuous learning through on-the-job training, adoption of new technologies, and mentorship from seasoned professionals, which has accelerated my career progression and deepened my expertise in the energy and water efficiency sector.”
Mike Christie
“In many ways. Aside from the obvious computer/technical training, probably the ability to work daily with all kinds of people. Facilitating sound relationships with our partners and end users is the first step to a successful project. Knowing clear expectations on the front end of a project will ensure your ability to produce results on the back end.”
Gabe Hensley
“…everything I’ve learned regarding this business and working in the real world was developed by Envocore.”
What is your advice for current and aspiring professionals in the role?
Matt Niedzwiecki
- Stay curious and adaptable.
- Build strong relationships through communication and trust.
- Enhance technical and leadership skills proactively.
Mike Christie
- Listen and take things one day at a time.
- Understand your team’s strengths and plan accordingly.
- Always have a backup plan.
Gabe Hensley
- Show up on time and work hard.
- Step in to help whenever possible.
- Take initiative; your career growth is in your hands.
Why is Envocore a great place to have a career?
Matt Niedzwiecki
“Envocore distinguishes itself through a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and respect. It fosters an environment where ideas are valued, and individual contributions drive meaningful outcomes. Blending the stability of an established organization with the agility of a forward-thinking enterprise, Envocore empowers its team to make a tangible impact on sustainability. This shared commitment cultivates a dynamic, supportive workplace. At Envocore, you’re not only advancing your career but also contributing to a sustainable future.”
Mike Christie
“The people and opportunity. I came back to Envocore because I missed the people I worked with and their ability to work together as a team. Everyone has the ability to write their own ticket if they’re willing to make the sacrifice and effort. As a company, we have succeeded because of our employees and our company’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our customers. Our vast resume over the years [shows] why we are the industry’s best.”
Gabe Hensley
“It let a guy with a high school diploma and no idea what he was going to do with his life turn it into an actual, professional career. When I started here, I never imagined I’d still be here 22 years later. I’ve gotten to see a lot of great parts of this country and meet a lot of great people because of working at Envocore. I’ve made friends from other states that I would have never met without working here. It’s like a community.”
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