Some highlights as 2026 kicks into gear
Some say the writer’s life is a lonely life. I think there’s probably some truth to that. You get in your groove, headphones in, tapping away at the keyboard—or, in my case, sometimes scribbling feverishly with a Sharpie on a yellow legal pad. But over at Golden Egg Concepts, it’s a very different story. I get to meet interesting people on a regular basis, which makes my job feel a lot less solitary and a lot more like an ongoing coffee chat with friends I haven’t met yet.
Here’s a peek at some of the conversations I’ve had since the start of the year:
Dan Titus, CEO at HRP Associates
Dan and I dove into a range of topics—from AI helping shape work environments to the importance of appreciating the unsung heroes in offices everywhere: administrative professionals. Dan also shared some details about HRP’s ongoing restoration work at Wesleyan University. It’s one thing to talk about making work a little less work; it’s another to actually put it into practice, whether it’s through employee appreciation or environmental stewardship.
Making Work a Little Less Work: Employee Appreciation is a Tradition
Restoring Streams, Filling Ponds, Saving Some Turtles
Moving Your Environment Forward with AI
Michele Berard, Development & Campaign Manager for the Tomaquag Museum
One of our clients, KCM Group, has been providing OPM services for the design and construction of the new Tomaquag Museum, supporting preconstruction planning, collaboration with the design team, site and logistics integration, and guidance through the permitting process. With Tomaquag actively fundraising for the construction of their new home, I caught up with Michele Berard to talk fundraising, and the incredible stories museums carry forward. As Rhode Island’s only Indigenous-led cultural institution, Tomaquag shares the true history of this land and is working toward a permanent space to preserve and amplify Indigenous voices.
Dan Secone & Chris Cullion, KCM Group
Speaking of KCM Group, the team and I dove into their Mission, Vision, and Values. Sounds straightforward, right? But as I found out chatting with Dan and Chris, these are much more than statements to just hang on the wall. They’re the compass points for strategy, culture, and daily decisions. Their energy and thoughtfulness in shaping KCM’s messaging made me see how important the work they do really is, and how much they genuinely enjoy it.
McKenzie Brooks (EnCon Design), Shelley Hartnett (EnCon United), and Susan Tanenbaum (Stresscon), EnCon United Company
Women in Construction Week was earlier this month, which gave me the perfect excuse to talk shop with some incredible women leading the charge in a traditionally male-dominated industry. McKenzie and Shelley shared the challenges and rewards of designing projects that transform communities, while Susan’s recent appointment as VP & GM at Stresscon was inspiring proof of leadership in action.
Women in Construction Week 2026
Susan Tanenbaum Joins Stresscon as VP & GM
Jim Settembrino, CIL
I had the pleasure of talking with CIL’s Jim Settembrino for a new series we’re developing called A (Former) Provider’s Perspective. Jim has spent decades leading organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, on the “other side” at CIL, he’s building partnerships with the same care, insight, and dedication.
Every conversation leaves me with ideas, inspiration, and occasionally the urge to scribble a few more Sharpie-fueled thoughts onto my ever-growing stack of yellow legal pads. Until next time, I’ll be listening, learning, and, of course, writing it all down.