Real Estate Journal — 30 Under 30 — February 9 - 22, 2018 — 15D
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M id A tlantic
30 U nder 30
Anthony Russo, PE, AKF “Stay focused, work hard and set your goals high”
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curriculum. There was a time where I wasn’t sure if I could make it, but my mother always pushed me to work hard and be the best version of myself. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? I love to golf. I’ll take any nice Sunday morning to get out to the course. I also play in a competitive men’s soccer league during the summer which we’ve actually won twice. Last but not least, cars are a big hobby of mine. I spend a fair amount of time at
a racetrack or autoshow and you can always find me in the garage wrenching away. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduat- ing from college? Stay focused, work hard and set your goals high. I think the most important thing that’s helped me be as success/ful as I am today is the ability to set goals. Give yourself something to work towards and once you achieve it, move on to the next one. Never stop grinding and never give up on yourself. n
hat is your great- est professional accomplishment
Anthony Russo, PE Mechanical Engineer Years with company/firm: 5 Years in field: 5
At this point in my career, my greatest achievement has been obtaining my Profes- sional Engineering license. I spent many hours after work and on the weekends studying for the exam and passing it was definitely a proud moment for me. I feel that it represents determination and a strong commitment to our industry. What is your most no- table project, deal or trans- action? I was involved in the design of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s new 600,000 s/f office complex in New Jersey. It was an excit- ing project which involved the design of some unique mechanical systems. After design, I spent the better part of two years on site helping coordinate construction and was fortunate enough to see it through completion. It was a great learning experience that not only helped me grow as an engineer, but taught me valuable skills such as com- munication, problem solving, and leadership. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current posi- tion and why you choose the field/profession you are in today? I went to Manhattan College for Mechanical Engineering and started at a small MEP consulting firm right after graduation. Shortly after, I moved to AKF and have been here since. I chose this pro- fession because of what I felt engineering could offer me. I saw a career that would push me to work hard and give me the opportunity to help cre- ate something beneficial to society. Needless to say, I’ve always been interested in engineering/construction and working at AKF has helped me growmy passion into a career. What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to be- come as success/ful as you are today? I’d have to say age was one of the biggest obstacles. Be- ginning your career at 22 in an industry molded around experience is difficult. Your peers and clients desire the highest quality and expect
expertise. Earning their trust and respect can be a daunting task. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this
profession? Without a doubt it would have to be my mother. I had always been interested in Engineering and knew that it would be a difficult college
Photo: © Tom Crane
ENGINE ER ING LEADERSHI P
MEP/FP Engineering Analysis & Testing, Architectural Code Consulting, BIM Management, Building Controls, Central Utilities, Cogeneration, Commissioning, Critical Systems, Energy & Sustainability, Fire & Life Safety, IT/AV/Security, Lighting Design, Special Inspections
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