Latest / AccessCo Leaders Career Conversations / Freire Charter + Frank Gallagher
Transcript
- speaker-0: Welcome Frank Gallagher. Thanks so much for being on AccessCo Leaders to speak into our students from Freerich Charter High School. So let's get into it. In one to two sentences, can you tell us what the FGX group is doing and what your role is as president? speaker-2: Sure, so what we do is we focus on helping our clients manage commercial real estate project more you know, taking on the task of hiring all the project team members, which are architects and here's general contractors ⁓ and various vendors, such as environmental firms, ⁓ furniture dealers, related firms, anybody that would be involved. speaker-3: engineer. speaker-4: Thanks speaker-2: In a commercial real estate project, and we do a lot of different things, um, commercial office space, hospitals, industrial, you know, big box warehouses storage, and then a lot of institutional work K through 12 higher end. And our focus really is consultants owners reps is to really, you know, focus on helping our clients manage the difficult process from conceptual through move in and deal with all the daily issues that come up during the project life cycle. speaker-4: ... speaker-2: and then work close with the project team members. speaker-0: Okay, so what I hear is largely coalescing teams, a variety of different people, teams, as well as working with a variety of industries. Okay, and so you're kind of the coalescer, is that correct, as president? Is that your main job? speaker-2: Absolutely. That's about it. Our job really is, in addition to everything I mentioned, is really to kind of coordinate everybody, making sure everybody is clear on the roles and make the transition ⁓ as as possible for both the project team members and our clients. speaker-0: Okay, yeah, from start to finish too. And so you're in Philly, right? Is that where you grew up as well? speaker-2: So I grew up in the Philadelphia area, mainly in the suburbs, but parents, originally from the Philadelphia area, overbrook to be exact. But pretty much been ⁓ in area my whole life, with the exception of moving around a little bit when I was a kid. ⁓ But I got to high school, moved back to ⁓ the area and ⁓ been ever since. speaker-0: Okay, giving back to the community that raised you. speaker-2: That's right. speaker-0: Alright, and so let's go back a little bit in middle school and high school. What was keeping you busy? Were you big academic? Were you already coalescing people around you or what was keeping you busy? speaker-2: Yeah, I mean, I think the number one thing that comes to mind when I get asked that question is really sports. I mean, I've kind of been a sports night sports geek, whatever you want to call it for pretty much my whole life. I've played sports my whole life. I still play a little bit soccer now whenever I can. Nothing serious, just pick up. But I grew up pretty much playing soccer, baseball and basketball. So certainly in my middle elementary, middle school and high school years. ⁓ I was always busy playing sports. And if I wasn't doing that, of course I was at school studying and then hanging out with friends here and there. speaker-0: Okay, and I saw you coach your daughter's soccer team now. speaker-1: So. speaker-2: I did so sadly she has kind of you know not lost interest but she gained more interest in field hockey so for the last few years she's been exclusively playing field hockey. She's a junior now in high school so she's nearing the end of her field hockey career at least in high school so probably play club field hockey in college but but yeah those were great days when I was coaching her you know her soccer. speaker-4: to him, speaker-0: what do you think you learn from soccer or what do hope your daughter is learning from these team sports that's kind of helping you succeed as president or will help her succeed in her future presidency? speaker-2: Yeah, that's a great question. And it's funny you say that because I use this analogy a lot in what I do and the importance of, you know, whatever you're doing as a career, whether it's commercial real estate base or anything else, but ⁓ team sports really translates well into real life ⁓ more specifically, and I've really didn't kind of, you know, match the two together at all in terms of sports and, and business until after I started working. But Yeah, the point is growing up and playing various team sports, you really learn the importance of team approach, right? the name team sports and you know what that means really is that it's not about you. It's not about I it's about working together as a team ⁓ achieve one goal and try to win as much as possible, right? ⁓ when you ⁓ out into the into the real world, whether it's commercial real estate or any industry in the same thing kind of applies. It's really. working well with your coworkers to get to a common goal, whether it's doing a project for a client or internally ⁓ doing ⁓ for company, it's not just about you, it's about working together as a team. And I find that me personally, I more towards people that have played sports in the past because they kind of... You know the importance that and that's not just about one person. It's about the collective ⁓ So yeah, it's great question and you know, I like to always ⁓ mention every every chance I get. speaker-0: thank you for speaking to that so eloquently and I love that you know that you're already thinking about that. You're constantly thinking about that how much you gain from those experiences ⁓ they're still serving you some decades later. So let's from our students. Let's hear what they they have for you. Samantha, what's your first question for Mr. Gallagher? My first question is I saw you went to Villanova University. Do you feel as though this education was worthwhile? speaker-2: It was so Villanova, you know, this is a pretty well known school in the Philadelphia area. And, you know, I guess mainly due to the basketball program in the last decade or so, it's really more well known nationally now. But as it relates to academics, it really gave me the motivation and the challenge to get to where I am today. More specifically, I was a civil engineering degree. And, you know, when I graduated, I kind of knew what I wanted to do. which is what i'm doing now in construction management but villanova and with a lot of classes i took really gave me the challenge in the push to give me the drive that i have now my career work hard do the right thing and you know work well with others as well but you know Villanova gave me the push to where i am today for sure. speaker-0: Okay, so the university really solidified some habits that are serving you really well every day. speaker-2: It's it. mean, you know, I think I can speak for just about everybody out there that, you know, you don't want to be complacent. You don't want to, you know, whether you're in elementary school, high school or college, you don't want to be in position where you and you are not being pushed. You know, I think, you know, as you grow up in life, you know, whether you're a student or a professional, you always want to challenge yourself. And, you know, certainly if you can, get to the right college university that does that for you, it can only benefit you down the road. speaker-3: You know, you're speaker-0: Right, yeah, so early on you have somebody pushing you, but later you have to be the one self-driving, pushing yourself. those habits, getting them instilled, ⁓ repeating that to success. ⁓ let's hear from you. What did you have? speaker-2: Absolutely. speaker-1: saw a lot of your completed projects ⁓ your website. I just wanted to know like the significance around them and like what part did you play in all those projects? speaker-2: Yeah, so, you what we do for our business is a little bit of everything as it relates to commercial project type. you know, These healthcare related schools, what have you, you know, we like to do a little bit of everything. So, you my role really is to put together project team members, ⁓ design firms, contractors, and all the other vendors involved ⁓ really, really work with everybody to make sure that. You know, their tasks are. ⁓ speaker-4: it's all the space, corporate space. speaker-2: you crystal clear so they can carry them out. And, you know, as we go through the entire project, which is planning, construction, and then all the stuff that happens after construction, it's, ⁓ you installing furniture and all the IT related tasks, whether it's phone and internet or audio visual and so forth. So it's you know, about, you know, me communicating clearly to. speaker-4: process. services. speaker-2: all the people involved with the project team to ⁓ kind of get to the finish line. So my goal really for the most part is to communicate effectively and make sure everybody is crystal clear on what they speaker-4: to do. speaker-0: Is there one of those commercial sectors that's more difficult that you've noticed for your team or for yourself to manage? speaker-2: Yeah, good question. I think overall, you know, they all definitely have their challenges, but probably number one, I guess, in general challenging market, vertical, so to speak, in the commercial sector is healthcare, ⁓ you mainly hospitals. you know, if you've been in a hospital, you know, either you can, there's a lot going on and there's a lot of, you know, high tech equipment, ⁓ machinery, etc. there's a lot that goes on. speaker-4: You see it. speaker-2: ⁓ Behind the wall, so to speak, you know, when you're renovating or building a new hospital. So, depending on what type of hospital it is, and what kind of rooms you're designing and building, there's certainly challenges, but some ⁓ be more challenging than most. ⁓ the healthcare hospital market project type ⁓ is really a little bit more challenging than the rest. speaker-4: should say. speaker-0: Okay, yeah, thanks for speaking to kind of the micro that leads to the macro. ⁓ The details are so important, obviously, in your work and in anything that you're building that's going to be big and deliverable. So, Mekhi, let's come to you. What did you have next? speaker-1: achieving or attaining your civil engineering degree, what was the ⁓ to your presidency at the FGX group? speaker-2: Yeah, great question. So I was in college in the early 90s. And a of folks don't realize this, but in the early ⁓ 90s, was a little bit of a recession going on. I graduated 1994. And ⁓ unbeknownst to me, you know, market wasn't that favorable to get a job right away. So it took me, you know, about six months after graduation ⁓ to land my first, you ⁓ professional, you know, a and it was with a construction management company. And that being said, even though I was an engineer by degree, I kind of had started thinking about not necessarily doing design work because I personally enjoy, you know, more being out on a job site and, you know, looking at what's going on and learning from, the construction workers and, you know, kind of observing things that get translated from, a set of design drawings to the actual field in place. So I was fortunate that during my time at Villanova, I wasn't exactly sure that I wanted to do design work. And I was kind of thinking I want to do construction management, but certainly not 100 % sure neither. But because of the recession and because of it took me some time to find a job, I was lucky that I found the right job. I'm going to six months after I graduated and I was very fortunate very blessed very lucky that that that first job is still doing today. You know a lot of people can say that they're doing the same thing because you things change interest change and things like that but but I was fortunate that my first my first job was exactly what I wanted. speaker-4: to. speaker-0: Okay, so yeah, a lot of forces beyond your control were kind of, you know, mitigating factors at that time. But so ⁓ in time, did you see this as like a great opportunity, something that you were going to build on or were you kind of frustrated with all those circumstances? speaker-2: No, I mean, I honestly didn't know what to expect when I, landed my first job, even though I knew that, things in the economy weren't great. fortunately, despite the recession, 1994 was kind of the first year that we were coming out of it. So, even though it took me a few months to land my first job, the timing was good because the economy was starting to get better. So, the the company I worked for at the time was getting busier and busier. time went on, I was fortunate to be able to grow with that company and ⁓ get promoted with ⁓ different within the company. But yeah, the timing, despite ⁓ what mentioned about the recession, the timing of which when I ⁓ laid first job in 1994 was actually pretty good timing in retrospect. speaker-0: Awesome. Yeah, it sounds like it was great that you were open to whatever may come, willing to jump in there. So Skyler, what do you have next? speaker-1: My question was what do you think clients value most about working with you? speaker-4: question. ⁓ question. speaker-2: I would think first and foremost is trust, integrity and honesty. I was fortunate to be brought up in a great household with some great parents and they tried to tell me how to do the right thing from the time that I was very young. And as I was growing up, try to surround myself with the right people, the right friends. And certainly high school and college days, I did. did all of that. And certainly it's all about life and whatever industry you're in, you're going to be kind of ⁓ with ⁓ challenges, moral decisions here and there. I ⁓ that ⁓ to my ⁓ upbringing that once started my company, for me, the only way to do it. ⁓ You do the right You always tell the truth. You always work with people and ⁓ have integrity and character. And people remember that. not here to say every construction project is great. ⁓ Issues don't happen. I mean, a part of my job of what I do is to minimize risk and minimize situations. But the reality is every construction project has its challenges. job is to identify issues that come up and present solutions to clients. And the same lines is making sure that you do the right thing. And when you do that, people remember that. And whether they're clients whether they're architects, engineers, contractors. ⁓ and people remember, Hey, that was a challenging project, but Frank is good guy and did the right thing. I remember him for next time. So for me, it's paramount to be, trustworthy, tell the truth, have integrity, have good character and things will fall in, fall into place. speaker-4: as long as you do those things. speaker-0: Yeah, great question, Skylar. And I'm guessing those precepts are the same for your leadership, for being president and everybody in-house. The trust integrity are kind of the forefronts of that leadership. speaker-2: Absolutely. you when you show that and people get to get to know you and know how you work, ⁓ the right people gravitate you. mean, I'm not going to say that everybody, ⁓ abides by that all time, but you kind of ⁓ weed out the bad apples, so to speak. I found in time, you know, as long you align yourself with the right people, you ⁓ know, good things. speaker-4: happen. speaker-0: All right, Samantha, we're coming back to you. What did you have next? speaker-1: I noticed you spent some time in Puerto Rico for high school. Do you think that this experience shaped who you are today? speaker-2: Great question. I do. So I'm actually half Latino, so I'm half Irish, half Latino, which is kind of a unique combination. And, you know, I say that because, you know, moving to Puerto Rico, when I was in sixth grade, I was there from sixth grade to my freshman year in high school. It definitely was somewhat of a culture shock, but because of my Latino heritage, it really wasn't for me. kind of, getting ingrained in the culture. ⁓ and with the Spanish language wasn't a huge deal for me, but, I really enjoyed it. And I, mentioned, me living in Puerto Rico to a lot of people. and I always recommend, Hey, if you ever, you know, want to want a nice little vacation, Puerto Rico is not that far away. beautiful Island, ⁓ beautiful people. ⁓ but certainly, you know, Puerto Rico was, was definitely a very cool place live. ⁓ And when I moved back here, when I a sophomore in high school, I kind of brought with me the advantage of being able to say that, I lived outside the continental United States. I lived in an area where the native language is Spanish. And you kind of set yourself apart from people when you kind of can say that. And you can bring different ideas and whatnot to people when you kind of have that background. So I was. I always recommend people, if you get the opportunity to travel and go abroad, definitely do it because there's a lot to see. speaker-0: Okay, yeah, that multi multicultural aspect is serving you every day, opening up opportunities, doors, in your vision and approach to different groups and markets that you have to deal with, I'm guessing. speaker-2: Agreed. Agreed. speaker-0: All right, Tatiana, we're coming back to you. speaker-1: What led you to where you are in your career now? Like what were some key things that placed you where you are now in your life? speaker-2: Yeah, I would say, kind of ⁓ what we talking about before about, you know, the path I took from ⁓ being an and, things being a little slow when I graduated and, work for a few different general contractors and commercial construction for the first 16 years of my career. And then the last 16 is, what been doing for my company. Yeah, I think just being exposed to different things, different project types has allowed me to certainly keep interested. I always tell people that I don't necessarily like just doing the same type of projects. If I was doing all office renovation work or all hospital work or only warehouse work, I quite frankly would get bored. I enjoy the experiences and the challenges of doing different types of projects. Um, I also like doing fun things, you know, you know, certainly kind of going back to where I mentioned before about, and it's always good to be challenged. I always liked to challenge myself on, okay, I haven't done this type of project in a while, or I've never done this type of project. why don't I try to explore the possibility of doing something like that? for me in the commercial real estate world, there's so many opportunities to do different types of projects. Um, so for me is kind of like keeping an eye on other kind of. different project types or going back to working on the projects I haven't worked in a while because there's commercial real estate definitely has ⁓ wide range of opportunities and whatever you want to do. speaker-0: Okay. And when you were just starting out, did you have those same luxuries of, you know, finding new things all the time or choosing which projects you wanted to be involved in? speaker-2: So certainly not. I so when I started my company, you know, I started my company during the recession in 2010. You know, were say 12, 18 months into the recession, or take. ⁓ I kind of knew ⁓ that then what I want to you what I'm doing now, 16 years ⁓ later. it was challenge because ⁓ I wasn't alone. There were a lot of other folks that were unemployed. or just starting out their businesses like I was. I lost touch with people. I social media, LinkedIn really wasn't a huge thing back in 2010. So just trying to reconnect with people that I hadn't spoken with in a few years was certainly challenging. But I would say from 2010 to 2013, 2014, first three or four years of me starting out my business, it was a lot of work. It was knocking on doors, so to speak. you reconnecting with people meeting people for the first time. what i do a lot now didn't really exist back then which is a lot of networking. There's certainly a lot of groups that cater towards the commercial real estate space where you can go and meet up with people and you know some of these events are a couple hundred people some of them are a little bit smaller but the bottom line is that's an opportunity to really kind of show up. and either meet people for the first time or reconnect ⁓ kind of have like a laid back conversation. And that's really where relationships are based. getting know people is really, the kind of the crust of, success and especially in the commercial real estate world, but certainly in other industries. three or four years ⁓ into starting my business, took me that long to figure out, okay, I need to get out and these groups, find these networking events and necessarily just always talk about work. One thing did learn is that when you're doing, ⁓ you're at networking and particularly meeting people for the first time, talking about work all time ⁓ when you're in a that you're not ⁓ stuck in an office, to speak, people want to talk about things, whether it's the upcoming Eagle season or, know, Phillies home openers on Thursday, right? Kind of talk about different things. And it's a way to get to know people and kind of going back to, you know, relationships and whatnot. That's how relationships start is to get to know people. a that I met years ago told me once, Frank, you want to do business with people you like. And to get to that point, you to get to know them. So ⁓ when you're out and about and you're networking or meeting people for coffee or having lunch with somebody. That's a good way to get to know them a little bit on the personal level. And certainly the first few years was challenging. ⁓ once I figured out that, this is what you have to do to get to know people ⁓ develop relationships, ⁓ business as a result ⁓ certainly a lot easier. speaker-4: was speaker-0: Thanks for speaking to and showing ⁓ our on the importance of networking and how much ⁓ of foundation that can build for you for your growth over time. ⁓ And speaking to when you're starting out kind of that need to be open all the opportunities or maybe not all, but most of the opportunities that present themselves and just learn enjoy those and see what you can ⁓ gain from those growth, grow from those opportunities versus This is exactly what I'm set to do and thinking it's going to be snap poof there. speaker-2: Great. speaker-0: All right, Mekhi, we're back to you. speaker-1: almost four months into ⁓ new year. So what are some trends, some global trends ⁓ have affected your business and what's a unique one that some people maybe wouldn't think would affect your business, but it has. speaker-2: Yeah, good question. Yeah, so, you know, the last the last 12 to 18 months, although, we've definitely seen a little bit more growth in the overall commercial real estate market, namely corporate office, despite, what happened in 2020 companies, going to working at home the last few years, companies have kind of realized through. you know, data and analysis and whatnot in terms of productivity with their employees that, you know what, maybe working from home five days a week isn't really the way to go. So more often than not, you know, now that we're in 2026, you know, you have a hybrid approach, you have companies dictating to employees, you got to come in two or three days a week, and then you work from home the remainder of the week. So the last 12 to 18 months certainly have seen more of that. And then in other ⁓ verticals, whether it's healthcare related or industrial, institutional, have been picking as well. Although, ⁓ not get politics, we're certainly ⁓ challenged in the year or so in terms of things happening around the world ⁓ that have certainly commercial real estate. Case in point, what's happening in Iran right now, unfortunately, is affecting oil prices. And when you talk about Commercial construction, oil prices affects everything, know, materials, making materials, transportation, getting materials from one place to a construction site, that's going to rise costs. And when costs go up, then clients tend to be a little hesitant to release construction projects. there's certainly some challenges ⁓ far in 2026 with clients as comfortable maybe they were. prior years, but ⁓ overall, think the commercial real estate market is still doing well. But it's kind of like, certainly not as busy as it was say two years ago, but I would say that it's still busy enough that anybody you talk to, whether they're design firms or contractors, what have you, ⁓ firms that certainly been for a while and have good reputations, ⁓ everyone is busy. ⁓ a lot of people are still, looking, to grow their businesses, looking to hire employees. But I would say for the most part, everybody ⁓ is kind of cautiously optimistic in of, setting expectations as it relates to, serious growth, at least right now. But I would say looking ahead in 2026, I think things are a little bit more positive than they were certainly in the last 12 months. We'll certainly see but what I'm seeing right speaker-0: Okay. And as a leader, is that kind of your job to make everybody feel good, even though there's a lot of circumstances going on that cause a lot of fear? And how do you do that? speaker-2: Yeah, another great question. mean, it's, you know, there's only so much I can do, right? You know, so my job is to try to keep current, you know, on what's happening in the commercial real estate world as a whole. But, you know, for me, it's all about transparency, right? You know, if I have an active project going on and there's things happening that, you know, may be an issue, whether it's budget issues or schedule, whatnot, you know, just to communicate and be transparent with everybody, hey, this what's going on. This is what we think is going to happen in the near future. We're going to do this, that, or the other thing a precaution and just to make sure everybody's on the same page. So it's all about communication and ⁓ sure that everybody is kind of on the same page with everything. But I think it kind of goes back to the integrity and the character thing, just doing the right things. everything kind of ⁓ shakes out. speaker-4: for that. speaker-0: Definitely Skylar, what you have next? speaker-1: ⁓ So when I received the email, you know, that we're going to be doing this interview, I realized your name kind of like reminded me of a character from a show called Shameless. So I wanted to know what character from a show or a movie best reflects you as a person. speaker-2: is by far the best question so far. So yeah, if everybody's familiar with the show Shameless, the main character's name is Frank Gallagher and he's got like eight kids or something like that. And it's obviously fictitious, but it's extremely entertaining. once that show became more more popular, I would get this question all the time, ⁓ especially when check into restaurants at one on, give them my name, I usually get this question. I would I would like to say that I'm the complete opposite of the character Frank Allagher in Shameless. You know, he certainly has his challenges in life. Let me see. ⁓ I used to get, I don't know if you guys ever watch Friends, I used to get Chandler all the time. And not that I necessarily look like him or as funny as him, but some of my mannerisms apparently mimic him. So certainly when that show was popular in the 90s and early 2000s, I used to get Chandler a speaker-0: rest in peace. yeah, ⁓ and I were giggling about Frank Gallagher in the green room. ⁓ happy you brought it up, Skyler. I was like, I wanted to, but I think I'll avoid that. happy went there. speaker-2: That was awesome. ⁓ speaker-1: Thanks. speaker-0: right, so we're going to switch gears a little bit and get to know the students. Samantha, just so you know, Frank, they're all seniors, so they're going to be ⁓ stepping their future pathways, their careers, ⁓ university. we'll guide them a little bit with any of your experience as they step into these new pursuits. Samantha is interested business and thinks she wants open a bookstore. But Samantha, you want to speak to that a little bit more? speaker-1: ⁓ I do want to my business and I chose a bookstore because I had a passion for reading since I was really young. So I just wanted to incorporate that into my future career. speaker-0: and Samantha, you're already taking some courses and preparing for that, right? speaker-1: Yes, I'm taking a course at CCU currently. speaker-0: Okay, so Frank, what advice do you have for her as she kind of steps into these decisions about where she'll do her schooling, as well as any advice on owning and running a business? speaker-2: Yeah, that's great. Congratulations on that goal, first of all. Yeah, mean, listen, starting your own business probably sounds ⁓ when you first ⁓ think doing it and doing some research on what it takes. But ⁓ once get into a little bit, it's ⁓ really not difficult. ⁓ There's certainly lot of steps involved. research you have to do to make sure you're in the right location and the size of the bookstore you're looking to have, making sure that you ⁓ that out too. ⁓ as far owning your business, mean, first and foremost, it's so rewarding. You don't mind the long hours because ⁓ it's your baby. love what you do ⁓ and you put the time and it doesn't seem like you're working ⁓ because If you're starting your own business more than more often not you're doing it because you truly enjoy doing it and it's not really work if that makes sense. but yeah ⁓ I love hearing you know folks looking to start their businesses whatever you know that may be ⁓ you know my advice to you is. speaker-4: definitely go for it. speaker-0: Right. is that kind of speaking to your vision of ⁓ it would all go? speaker-1: Yeah, I kind of knew that starting a business is not the easiest thing in the world, but it's also just something I'm really passionate about, so I'm not afraid to take on the challenge. speaker-0: We love that fearlessness. thanks so much for sharing. Tatiana, hear from you. She is interested in psychology and what motivates people. So I'm sure you have to think about that a lot in your work. Tatiana, if you to speak to that a little bit more speaker-1: I really did want to go to college to study psychology to become a therapist. That's kind of like all I'm looking forward to. ⁓ do want to be able to like ⁓ have my own ⁓ office to be able to like have people come to me directly, but that's just not something that is in my fronts right now. just want to start off with just flat out just becoming a therapist or just being a help to people with the degree I'm working on to get. speaker-2: Yeah, mean, listen, I definitely don't profess to, to know everything about, you know, schools and the, and, you know, therapists and, know, what they do, you know, on a daily basis, but I know a little bit about it because my daughter who was 17 is just a junior in high school now is very interested in studying psychology as well. So mother and I are in the process of looking colleges and identifying colleges, universities that, you are good for ⁓ psychology psychiatry programs. right now we're certainly at a time where, ⁓ psychiatrists and psychologists and therapists and what have you. are probably more in demand now than they have been in a long time. And a lot of it has to do with the pandemic and what the pandemic has done to all of us, right? I mean, you know, for us being kind of cooped up in our homes for most of, if not 2020 and then 2021, we started, you know, being able to sneak out of the house once in a while safely. You know, that was hard on all of us. And I don't think most of us realized it at the time. And I certainly did not. ⁓ but therapy is so important for that reason, well as multitude of other reasons. I would say, as I get older in life and. you kind of start to think about, well-being and the importance of ⁓ having a clear head. it's important kind of, take care of yourself ⁓ and, to that point, ⁓ therapists will always be I say I would put. speaker-4: Thanks speaker-2: psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists in a bucket, ⁓ along you ⁓ know, ⁓ and where ⁓ those are type of industries to be in that will probably never slow down whatever happens in the world. If we have another pandemic, ⁓ if we another recession, you know, those are the type of things that will always be busy. There's always going to be a need for those type of things. speaker-0: What do you think of that advice Tatiana? speaker-1: really do like the advice that he gave because he identified that the that I want to follow is something that's really never going to decrease. So I always have an opportunity, ⁓ always be to slip in somewhere. like I understand it's not going to be super easy for me to like, ⁓ just like pop in, but it's something that I'll have an opportunity anywhere I am in life ⁓ or any part you know, the area I am. So knowing that I do have these opportunities because it's such a high demand thing ⁓ definitely motivating to keep me ⁓ so I'll be able to keep the cycle rolling. speaker-0: That's beautiful. speaker-3: And it's just rewarding. speaker-2: you're be able to help people too. that's great. speaker-0: Frank, you speak a little bit to staying motivated through the ups and downs as I'm sure she'll experience in this career path? speaker-2: Yeah, great question. Yeah, I mean, especially if you're an entrepreneur like myself or you and your business or both, important to kind of stay positive because there's definitely going to be peaks and valleys, ups and downs. ⁓ there's certainly times throughout each year where I'm going nuts and almost working too much. And ⁓ try to slow down and ⁓ ⁓ of look at the importance of work-life balance. ⁓ there's times where I'm not as busy as I should be. ⁓ And, you know, but those are so many times you have to stay positive. ⁓ think overall, if you have a ⁓ head and you just stay positive, whether you're ⁓ busy or not busy enough is the way to go. Because, you know, as long as you're doing the right things, going back to integrity and trust, things will come back to help you ⁓ even ⁓ times things might be slow. ⁓ I know some days hard to do this, but as long as you stay positive as ⁓ as you can, things to fall into place for speaker-0: All right, love that. that. All right, Mekhi, we're coming to you. is interested in engineering, ⁓ mechanical engineering specifically, and has of being helping the DOD someday. So, Mekhi, you can in and speak to your pathway pursuits a little bit more. speaker-1: My main reason for going into mechanical engineering is that I want to make something tangible and I also want to make something that has an impact on the world, hopefully, positively. But I really want to go out there and make something that's tangible. I can see it. I can see it work. I can see how successful it is. And I can get that warm feeling of confidence. speaker-0: is that his feeling about his ⁓ career path? ⁓ Do you think that'll carry far? speaker-2: Absolutely. I listen, I took a handful of mechanical engineering courses, as I mentioned before, I was a civil engineer, but I could definitely say that the mechanical engineering curriculum was definitely a little bit more difficult than the civil. But I found some of the mechanical classes I took were quite frankly, a little bit more interesting. I civil engineering, you know, I loved, you know, taking the classes and I'm proud to have the degree. But for the most part, know, civil tends to be a little bit more boring than maybe some of the other engineering disciplines, but mechanical, you know, as I mentioned, certainly, you know, had as the classes I took at least, you know, were certainly a little bit more exciting than some of the civil classes. And as you mentioned, you know, have in engineering, you have things, you know, moving around dynamic. You parts and pieces put together, seeing how things work together. You know, whereas civil, it's a little bit more, you know, kind of static, so to speak. But, you know, there's certainly so many opportunities, you know, from mechanical engineers, whether, you know, you want to do design work or project management work. you want to design, you know, mechanical systems within buildings or, you know, any other type of structure. You know, there's certainly a lot of. Options out there with with the mechanical mechanical engineering degree and if you're talking about working for the Department of Defense, that would be a place you'll probably ⁓ get bored ⁓ ⁓ be They certainly ⁓ need like you to kind of keep ⁓ keep going. So definitely would recommend the DOD. speaker-4: for sure. speaker-0: So, Mekhi, what do you think of that advice? speaker-1: very motivational, very, very ⁓ in a way. But I had a follow up question. Tying mechanical engineering and civil engineering, it's very similar, as you said, in a way, curriculum wise. you ⁓ a project you do construction work. So how does seeing your tangible projects, it, touching it, seeing it rise up from the foundation, how does that make you feel? speaker-2: Yeah, I mean, so, you know, one of the things that, you know, my clients like about my background is kind of what you just alluded to is, you know, not only my civil engineering degree, but, you know, working for ⁓ general contractor and really ⁓ of getting the weeds, so to speak, when it comes to managing subcontractors, whether it's ⁓ contractors, electrical, know, carpenters and ⁓ forth. But the one advantage I do have in having an engineering degree, even though I don't practice it, ⁓ I don't work for an engineering firm is that, you know, when I am ⁓ with project team members, namely the engineering team, and, know, their talk in the engineering language, ⁓ I it right now. ⁓ I don't understand everything. And, you know, obviously the engineering teams that I work for know much more about design work than I do. But because of my background, I'm able to kind of follow it, you know, for the most part and understand where they're coming from. You know, when we're on conference calls or, you know, I'm looking at drawings or what have you. And obviously if I don't know, you know, the answer to some things, I certainly ask the question, but, you know, kind of having the engineering degree certainly translates well into construction management because, you know, when you're doing construction management, you're, you have no choice, but at some point to be exposed to engineers. whether it's during the design process or if you're on the construction side, understanding the drawings and understanding how the engineer kind of came up with their design. So having that background as an engineer is certainly advantageous. speaker-4: for sure. speaker-0: All right, thank you for that incredible, well-tailored advice for you, Mekhi. I'll ask you one more thing for Mekhi. Can you empower him a little bit as he steps into these really mechanical engineering classes? Like, how did you get through it, or how do you recommend some, ⁓ where he lean to successfully get through those courses? speaker-2: Yeah, I listen, would definitely say that the mechanical courses I find the ones I took at least and I have some friends that ⁓ through the mechanical engineering curriculum. It certainly sounds like they were a lot more interesting than civil. ⁓ Like said, mean, civil in general tends to be a little bit more boring as terms of what exactly you're designing and whatnot. ⁓ Although personally found a little bit more interesting just because. You growing up, you know, when I was a kid, I played with Legos and Tinker toys and things like that. So I was like building things. So for me, with the civil curriculum, you know, whether for the most part, the structural engineering ⁓ really appeal to me for sure. ⁓ with the mechanical engineering stuff, I always found it just more fascinating and more fun and more interesting. ⁓ I think as you go through the curriculum, you're taking your classes. You know, you're certainly going to find some stuff that might be more challenging than most, but I think it's going to pique your interest. when you're interested and things become a little bit more fun, so to speak, on figuring out how things are put together and how the mechanics of certain things work, you're going to do well because it's going to keep your interest, if that makes sense. With the civil stuff, I don't find it as interesting. the mechanical and I'll put electrical and chemical in this bucket too. know, between mechanical, electrical and chemical, know, there's a lot of fascinating things when you're taking those courses and those engineering disciplines. So mechanical certainly is one of those three. So I think, you know, just taking those classes alone is going to pique your interest and keep you engaged. And as a result, I'm sure you're going to do very speaker-0: All right, so that intrigue will carry you through. Mekhi really enjoyed building paper planes in origami he shared with us previously. So of the same as you, but ⁓ think the intrigue will carry Tatiana through well in her psychology coursework and about learning more about the human mind and the people around her. So applicable all around there. Skylar, we're coming to you. Also a senior, as I mentioned, and she is interested in fashion. But Skylar, can you speak to that a little bit more? speaker-1: I'm interested in fashion and a lot of other things that require creativity, but I'm going to go to school for nursing. So I was thinking about whether I should commit to a school and just go there or do two years of CCP, then transfer to a school. And I was wondering how I could possibly incorporate fashion, interior designing into my interest later on in life. speaker-2: Yeah, I mean, I would probably suggest ⁓ you're ⁓ thinking about getting into a nursing program and then eventually transitioning ⁓ some of interior design or fashion, maybe look a college or university that obviously has both. There's certainly a of those type of institutions this area, whether it's within Philadelphia or outside the city ⁓ or even a few in either direction. Certainly, You in the greater mid Atlantic area, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, to Maryland and either even in the Carolina's, there's so many opportunities with different colleges. And, as I mentioned before, you my daughter's in the process of, ⁓ you looking to apply to school. So I've kind of ⁓ learned, know, some of the schools out there that have the different types of programs. But it seems like we have a lot of opportunities, within the greater Philadelphia area for colleges, universities that have a little bit of both and listen in the grand scheme of things if you decide to go somewhere and you're going through the nursing program and you decide, know what, maybe I do want to transfer, there's nothing wrong with that either. But as a whole, should say, there's definitely a lot of institutions that have good for both nursing and interior design ⁓ and fashion you can ⁓ certainly target. speaker-3: and you know you're speaker-0: Yeah, Skylar, can you speak a little bit more to how you got to nursing or, you know, why you're kind of considering leaving the fashion piece behind or not having it be the predominant goal? speaker-1: it's never really like, you know, the goal. It's just something that I wanted to do on the side because, know, nursing, you know, ⁓ would me money. And, you know, ever since I was younger, I kind of wanted to be a nurse because, you know, I look up to my mom a lot and she's a nurse. So, but I wanted to know what I could, you know, how I could involve that later on in life with, you know, still focusing on nursing. speaker-0: Okay, I know you do a lot of like giving back and you kind of work a lot with the nonprofit on the side. Can you talk a little bit about that balance, balancing your passion with your profession? speaker-2: ⁓ not to get into other stuff I'm involved with, but, know, I certainly think that in general, as you grow professionally, it's important to kind of, you know, not lose focus on things you're passionate about. In your case, it's just the fashion stuff. So I have things ⁓ that ⁓ I kind of, you try you know, keep an eye on, whether it's giving back and doing volunteer work and things like that. But, you know, I would say, and this is kind of a statement for everybody on the call here. You know, as long as you're out there and you're talking to people and just put yourself out there as much as you can because, you know, the world is a small one and you just never know who you're going to run into. So as you're going through your nursing program on whichever college or university you're at, you know, just keep an open mind that, you know, put yourself out there, whether it's, you know, getting internships at different companies, just taking a walk outside, walking down Philadelphia and go into a coffee shop and overhearing conversations. You just never know where your next opportunity is going to come from. you know, meet as much, meet as many people as you can. And you know, it's, you'll be amazed where your next opportunity can come from for sure. speaker-0: Right, great advice and thanks for sharing Skylar. Looking forward to your line of scrubs or line of footwear. I know how important that is for nurses. So we'll be looking forward to seeing that come out to accompany your nursing career. So Samantha, we're coming back to you. What did you pick up from today's conversation or what most resonated with you? speaker-1: What most resonated with me was when he said, do business with people you like and the way to do that is by networking. And this resonated with me because it highlights the importance of networking for the success in your career and just life in general. speaker-0: Beautiful. All right, Tatiana, right? something that made you feel like the future is more possible today? speaker-2: you speaker-1: ⁓ When we were talking about my career and me wanting to be a psychologist, definitely a lot of opportunities and it's a part of the world would never fail. It's an ongoing wheel and there's so many things that I can do within that circle. that I'll be able to, like in this industry, I'll be able to find a place where I can stick and create a difference there. So I thought that that was very strong and a piece that I can carry on with myself. speaker-0: I love that. Love that Frank. I bet you're feeling good feeling how much your words have already had an impact on our students here today. speaker-2: Absolutely, it's great to hear. speaker-0: All right. Mekhi, what's one thing you're thinking about differently after today's session? speaker-1: I knew, I did some research, so I knew that the mechanical engineering curriculum would be a bit, would be a bit rigorous in a way. ⁓ I like Mr. Gallagher's description of it. It's very unique. It's very intriguing. It'll me focused. It'll keep me, it'll keep me on my toes. So that lowers the, I guess, I don't want to say the fear, ⁓ but ⁓ that the ⁓ of it being much. speaker-0: All right, help that subside a little bit and you feel stronger, a little bit more confident jumping into that next year here. Frank, we are in our minutes ⁓ with our students from Freire High School. ⁓ Do you have any final of wisdom you'd like to share with them? speaker-2: Yeah, I would just say, stay positive. There's so opportunity for everybody out there, whatever you want to do. And as I mentioned before, I mean, ⁓ I think the is just, branching out as much as it can, reaching out to people, asking questions, asking questions is so underrated, I think. You know, I think the people that You you're aligning yourself with if they see that you're interested in you ask questions they they know that you know you're maybe more genuine than others but you know just put yourself out there and as many people as you can and you'll you'll find the right people to line yourself. speaker-0: All right, so keep networking just like you're doing here today on AccessCo Leaders. Gallagher from the FGX Group thank you so much for being on with our students from Freire Charter High School. And thank you to my co-hosts, Samantha, Tatiana, Mekhi, and Skylar. You've been listening to AccessCo Leaders. We'll see you next time.