Employee Spotlight

Jennifer Trotman, LEED AP

Why did you choose engineering as a career path?
The honest answer is that I wanted very much to become an artist, but I decided at an early age that I did not want to be a ‘starving artist’. Working at my parents Hardware & Lumber Co. through my teenage years peaked my interest in how things are put together. Along with my talents for math and drawing, that led me straight to engineering.

Where and when did you get your degree and in what discipline?
I received an Associates degree in Architectural Engineering Technology from ITT Technical Institute in 1982 at the top of my class. Since then I have worked in the engineering/design and construction industries for almost 30 years and consider that I have earned my degree from the School of Hard Knocks.

How long have you worked at Applied?
For 8+ years; I started working at Applied on March 3, 2003.

What is your specialty? Field of expertise?
My specialty is HVAC system engineering/design. In recent years I have been doing a lot of commissioning and project management both of which I would consider additional specialties. Really I am a Jill of all trades.

What type of projects do you find to be the most challenging? What types are the most rewarding?
All projects have challenges and all projects have rewards. For me, overcoming those challenges is the reward.

What do you enjoy most about your job and working at Applied?
I enjoy the people the most. Because of the people I work with at the office, vendors, contractors, etc. I learn something new – every day.

Do you have any hobbies or outside interests?
My favorite things to do with my time are gardening, cooking new recipes or old family favorites, and designing things and then building them – wood and metal have been favorite mediums for a long time. Another favorite thing of mine is my photography. I was lucky enough to be chosen to display my photos at Penrod, a judged art festival on the Indiana Museum of Art grounds, from 2001-2006. Most of my work is nature and abstract images.

Is there anything else about yourself that most co-workers and client contacts don’t know?
My nephew, Zachary Trotman, was a freshman at LSSU (Lake Superior State University) in 2010 and was drafted by the Boston Bruins – winners of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup!!

Zach knew at age 6 that hockey was what he wanted to do and he has worked very hard to get where he is. We are all very proud of him and hope he will be able to finish his education and continue to grow as a hockey player before they bump him up to the big league.