Meet Briana Cronin, Senior Structural Engineer & Coach/Mom3
What drew you to Hoyle Tanner?
Being able to work from home and part time. I missed doing engineering work with people. I had my own consulting company, but I missed collaboration. When I became a mom I felt like I had to give up engineering or I wasn’t a good enough engineer if I didn’t skip my kids events for a project deadline or the typical 9-5 schedule. I love being an engineer and a mom and Hoyle Tanner has allowed me do both!
What’s the coolest thing you are working on & why?
I’m working on bike and pedestrian path projects. I love path projects because regardless how straight forward they look there are always twists in engineering from permit requirements or Right-of-Way issues or even community input.
What’s your favorite part of the company culture?
People treat people as professionals. Everyone seems to own their work and has a pride in their work personally. Also, people are aware of how they affect the team but we also are willing to pull together and help if it’s needed.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your job?
I’m always learning new things! Even after 20 years as an engineer, I love how I can learn a new part of engineering.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be an architect. Until I took my first introduction to structures class and the architect leading the class said something that didn’t sit right with me about a glass wall being key structural component not the huge concrete columns and concrete slabs the building was built with. I then knew I wanted to learn about the structure more and how forces in the structures work.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
As an engineer, your gut feeling is very important. If your gut doesn’t feel right about something trust it. Trusting my gut feeling has really helped me through many situations in my years even as a young engineer.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day at work?
Sitting by the fire and doing cross word puzzles or the kids play games and reading. In the spring and the summer I love sitting on the lawn watching Mount Mansfield and the light change as the kids run around and play.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you recently (this week, this month, this year)?
I watched my 12 year old daughter win a shooting contest at the half time of our high school varsity game. She hit 3 shots in less than 12 seconds and I was so proud watching her and all the cheers from the community for her even just being chosen to participate was amazing.
What’s a cause or organization you’re passionate about and why?
I love coaching. Softball has been my favorite to coach. My two older daughters play, and I love coaching them and their friends. I love helping keep young girls interested in sports and helping them find a place they can still participate even if they aren’t the best on the team. It’s a game and is fun at all levels.
What’s your go-to lunch or lunch spot?
The Cupboard in Jeffersonville, great after ski food – savory and sweet.
What’s a hobby you have outside of work?
Whatever my kids are doing. Usually watching basketball of some level. Skiing and biking with and without my kids. I do love knitting though, but I don’t really have much time for that these days but when I’m older. 😊
Words to live by? Favorite quote? Why?
Since high school I’ve always had a quote written on my binder or note book or somewhere: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” It helps me not get hung up on what happened in the past or the unknown of the future but enjoy the present time.
