The Real Harris: Meet Madison Vance

Tell us about your background. How did you get your start in the construction/service/BAS business?

I studied Architecture in college. When I realized I disliked Architecture it was a little too late to switch majors. So, I picked up a minor in Construction Management and started learning about the different roles of subcontractors in the industry. One of my favorite classes in college was Building Science, where we learned about the inner workings of a building and the importance of these systems.
What drew you to Harris? What makes you stay?

The atmosphere of Harris and the people really drew me in. I could tell that the culture at Harris had a focus of feeling like family and that was important to me. It’s the same thing that keeps me here. The people I work with feel like family, and I always feel like I am part of the team. Additionally, I know I have a lot of opportunities at Harris, and they have given me the opportunity to grow and excel into the best version of myself.
What do you enjoy about working at Harris?

I enjoy that I learn something new every day, and I feel that I am always pushing myself to be better.
What is the best part about your position?

The best part about my role is the opportunities that are presented to me every day. I feel honored to be the first participant for the PM rotational training program and sometimes I feel like a celebrity because of it. I love how many people have been willing to help and are proud to also be apart or this program by passing on knowledge and advice.
What traits do you think are important for someone in your role to be successful?

With this program, it’s essential for someone to be confident and outgoing to make those relationships and connection with fellow employees. They can’t be afraid to ask a stupid question and you’ve got to be adaptable and be willing to participate in opportunities as they appear.
What are your main responsibilities and initiatives that you lead?

My main responsibility at the moment is to complete the curriculum that guides me through these rotations. As I work with different teams within Harris, I do complete tasks as much as I can to be a helpful member of the team.
What are you passionate about at work?

I’m passionate about my potential. The chance to be an outstanding and well-rounded Project Manager that people enjoy working with. I am also passionate about the people here at Harris and working with them to find success.
How do you like to re-charge?

A cold beer, watching football or taking a nap.
What keeps you up at night?

I’m usually thinking about the next day, what I need to do or what’s coming up.
What are you most proud of at Harris?

I am proud to work for such an amazing company that has given me a huge steppingstone into the rest of my career.
What is one thing Harris employees wouldn’t know about you?

I’m sort of an old soul. I listen to a lot of music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
What drew you to this industry?

While in architecture school I got marked down on a project for providing a mechanical plan for the building I had designed. I was told that it was “unnecessary” and “not important.” I quickly realized how many people overlook building systems and don’t consider them to be important. I wanted to change that mindset and realized that architecture wasn’t for me.
What do you wish the public knew about Harris?

The amount of people it takes to run a job. That we really do work as a team, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Harris treats its people very well and that contributes to our success.
What inspires you? What motivates you?

I have a lot of goals about where I want to end up in life and that motivates me quite a bit. Again, being a great Project Manager and someone my coworkers can trust is a very important goal.