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P R O F I L E
HEA was the commissioning authority for the 9/11 Memorial in New York, providing comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, vertical transport, closed circuit TV, and fire protection commissioning services for the facility. / HEA
High energy Founder of New York building commissioning firm has found niche, and with a focus on staff and profitability, always has a watchful eye on the next new thing.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
What do you feel the key strengths are for an ef- fective leader? Mike English: Being a visionary, a focus on rela- tionship building and analytical skills. To be a good leader, it’s very important to be a good listener. “Effective leaders need to have leadership agility – a big picture understanding combined with the ability to hone in on smaller details with a quick turnaround time when needed.” TZL: How would you describe your leadership style? ME: It has evolved over the years. When HEA was smaller, I was more of a hands-on leader. As we have grown, I’ve become more of a leader who See Q&A, page 4
A t the beginning of Michael C. English’s career, he was involved with an HVAC start-up com- pany where, over time, more and more contrac- tors and owners asked him to test other pieces of equipment to make sure they were functioning cor- rectly. That’s when he decided it was time to ven- ture out on his own. In 1995, he founded Horizon Engineering Associates, LLP (New York, NY), an 85-person building commissioning firm, where he is currently a senior partner. HEA’s mission is to ensure buildings operate correctly at optimum en- ergy performance. The firm’s expansive portfolio includes signature projects like the New York Tappan Zee bridge re- placement, the New York State Supreme Court building, the Mississippi Civil Rights and Histo- ry Museum, and the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. A CONVERSATION WITH ENGLISH. The Zweig Letter: What are your key strengths?
Michael C. English, Founder and Senior Partner, HEA
THE ZWEIG LETTER June 20, 2016, ISSUE 1157
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