In 2019, PHCPPros launched the “Millennials On The Move” honorary listing in Plumbing Engineer, PHC News and The Wholesaler magazines. The listing was created to shed light on what is now the largest generation in the workforce, while also launching bigger conversations on topics such as industry recruiting, talent retention, leadership development and more.

This year, PHCPPros is expanding that conversation outside of what will become the annual print listing. The “Millennials On The Move” effort will now include a newsletter, ongoing print features on selected young professionals, special events, and more.

In this first print feature, we introduce you to Corey Bierer of Lovorn Engineering!

PE: How did you get into the PHCP industry?

CB: I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University. I chose that major because I had a teacher in high school that really explained to me what the program entailed. And that enabled me to at least see what was of interest and gave me a variety of options. She told me it was a very versatile degree. And it transitioned to my career in this particular industry when I interned with the same firm I’m at, Lovorn Engineering, during the summer of my junior year of college. I actually ended up enjoying it. This was after I had done an internship more so on the manufacturing side things and it wasn’t what I had expected. So, I went the complete opposite direction to the design side. I got invited back to intern the summer of my senior year of college. And once I graduated, I gave them a call and they offered me a position. 

PE: What is it like working at Lovorn Engineering?

CB: My title has shifted from plumbing designer to plumbing engineer. I also now have an associate title. I have an Engineer In Training (EIT). It’s the precursor to the professional engineer (P.E.) license. I take my P.E. in April. The type of work that we do a lot of is healthcare. We do a lot of hospitals. And, especially as of late, we’ve done a good bit of restaurant work. 

PE: What have been some of your career highlights so far?

CB: I have three highlights. The first one was working on a new neurological institute where we installed the very first MRI of its kind where they combine MRI and ultrasound technology to penetrate the blood-brain barrier in a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s treatment. That’s been a cool one to talk about. Secondly, I’ve worked on two brand new hospitals in my hometown in West Virginia. We’ve previously done a tower there and now we’re working on a children’s hospital. The third was becoming an associate at the firm. 

PE: What groups and organizations are you affiliated with in the PHCP industry?

CB: As far as professional associations go, I’m only affiliated with ASPE. I started with ASPE in 2016 attending meetings. And, I joined as a full-fledged member in 2017. I’m looking to get into ASHRAE. 

PE: Did you have any professional highlights in 2019? 

CB: Hosting the ASPE Tech Symposium with the rest of the Pittsburgh chapter. It was my first exposure to ASPE as an entire community and getting to see everyone come. Just being able to work with the guys and help contribute. 

PE: Do you have any mentors in the PHCP industry or otherwise?

CB: I consider my first supervisor here, John Mattey, one of the bigger mentors I’ve had in both realms personally and professionally. And, the Pittsburgh ASPE board has kind of taken me under their wings and taught me a lot in a very short period of time. They brought me in and showed me the ropes. Specifically, another mentor is one of the founders of the Pittsburgh ASPE chapter, Dave Crossey. 

PE: Do you consider yourself a mentor?

CB: We don’t see a whole ton of folks our age in this industry. But as one of the younger guys in the office myself I try to give others someone to relate to when they come in either as an intern or as a new hire. I definitely encourage them to ask questions. 

PE: Tell us a little about your personal background.

CB: I'm originally from Morgantown, West Virginia. I moved up to Pittsburgh when I graduated back in 2015. I got married this past May to my girlfriend of eight years. My go-to getaways are fishing, specifically fly fishing, and I like to golf. I think I’d be described as easy-going and ambitious. 

PE: Do you have anything in your personal life that you are looking forward to in 2020?

CB: So personally, my wife and I are looking to move into our first home. And professionally, I’m looking to expand my role with the company. Also, hopefully, attend the ASPE Convention in September. And, getting my P.E. 

PE: What does it mean for you to be featured as a PHCP Millenial On The Move?

CB: I think this is great. This spotlight gives us, as a new generation that is generally underrepresented in this field, a chance to share our experiences of coming into it and having different experiences coming up through it. Coming up through the education system and getting into it. The hope is that with this spotlight we can entice more people to join the field and get involved. I’d just tell people to get involved. The earlier you get involved the more chances you will have that your career progresses.