Meet Connor Boynton – CADD Designer & Backyard Astronomer
What brought you to work at Hoyle Tanner?
It was an interesting process. I didn’t come from a designer background originally, so I had a lot to learn when I finally found that this was what I wanted to do. Fortunately, after my interview, Travis Gelinas really went above and beyond and helped me through the learning process. All this before I even got the job. Pretty amazing considering we were essentially strangers at the time.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on?
A couple of municipal projects in Chelmsford and Dunstable Massachusetts, which are some of the first Mass municipal bridge/culvert projects Hoyle Tanner has done. From the CAD side of things, it’s interesting to be a part of crafting the templates and standard practices that could be used in MA municipal bridge projects going forward.
What’s your favorite part of the company culture?
The people.
Everyone at Hoyle Tanner always seems genuinely happy and enthusiastic to help with anything you might need. There’s a welcoming and personalized nature to everything here that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. There’s a real effort made to celebrate the uniqueness of everyone.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned from a colleague?
“Speed doesn’t impress as much as thoroughness and attention to detail.” To always pay attention to the little things, and make sure everything I do is started and done correctly. As well as always keep learning. I think this focus on quality is much of what makes Hoyle Tanner stand out as a company. It’s something I deeply appreciate and am very proud to be a part of.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day at work?
I have a 10” reflector telescope that I love to take out any night the clouds allow. I’ve always been a big astronomy enthusiast, and there’s not much I enjoy more than looking up on a clear night.
What’s a cause or organization you’re passionate about and why?
The first organization that comes to mind is Saco River Wildlife Center in Maine. I have no background in wildlife rehabilitation whatsoever, but I try to support as often as I can. I have a big soft spot for animals, and it’s something I hope to become more involved with in the coming year.
What’s a hobby you have outside of work?
In the spring and summer months, I love to be on the water. My two favorites being sea kayaking around Acadia/MDI or kayaking around Rangeley Lake. A few years ago, I got to do an 8 day rafting trip down the San Juan River out in the four corners region of UT, AZ, CO, and NM.
More regularly, I’m a daily weightlifter and always carve out time in the day to get to the gym.
Words to live by? Favorite Quote? Why?
My favorite quote is “Consider again that Pale Blue Dot” from the first chapter of Carl Sagan’s book Pale Blue Dot. Referring to a unique photo taken of the Earth by the Voyager II spacecraft as it passed by Saturn. The meaning behind it is simple and gives important perspective of our place in the world and underscores our responsibility to take care of it and each other. I encourage anyone who has the time to read that short chapter (if not the whole book!).
