Farid Mattar
What are you passionate about and how do you pursue that passion at PMA?
I am passionate about bringing solutions to people because this drives me to learn, lead, and solve their problems. By doing so, I grow both personally and professionally, and earn people’s trust to the point of building a meaningful relationship, focusing on respect and value. At PMA, I apply the same concepts with my clients in the hopes that the relationship, built on trust and respect, can be long-lasting and result in continuous need for PMA’s services.
What current project(s) are you working on?
For the past 3 years, I have been working with one of our clients, Eversource, to manage their project schedules for transmission and distribution projects. Right now, I manage 22 project schedules that comprise transformer replacements, substation renovation or construction, underground transmission line replacements, and more.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself?
Well, first things first, I inspire myself to push myself because it’s important that the “fire” gets lit from within to make it endure. After that, my parents inspire me, of course, to be the best version of myself through their actions and how they raised me. In addition to my parents, there are other family members and close friends who have inspired me to push myself through their actions, which I observed growing up. Lastly, there are many ideas and quotes that I have heard or read over the years that inspire me, but I want to cite an Arthur C. Clarke quotation that is especially motivational: “the only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.”
What are the most positive aspects of working at PMA?
One of the most positive aspects that strikes me the most is the passion for continuous learning, particularly in the form of Lunch ‘n Learn sessions. Bringing an idea to present each year challenges us to invest time and effort for thought-provoking ideas that eventually become shared knowledge among the group. A part of what makes PMA grow and be successful is precisely these events because the collaboration among the colleagues improves the work service or product—there might be an idea/product that can possibly be helpful to your client. Another positive aspect of working at PMA is how honestly, openly, and pragmatically everyone operates within the company and with clients, while having diverse backgrounds, in the efforts to bring the best solutions to everyone.
What is something innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
While a huge portion of the construction industry involves people-skills, I think that the different management software products available now and in the future will help leverage the digital experience that can make outcomes and products more sustainable and processes more optimized. One example is artificial intelligence for construction workflows which facilitates communication, data, and transparency management, allowing firms to mitigate risks quickly and ensure no requirements are left behind.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s in civil engineering. Currently, I am on track to complete my MBA from Northeastern University next year.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature?
It’s hard to pick just one location; there are many places that I like! If I can only choose one, then I would choose Prudential Center for its location, shops, and restaurants nearby. It has played a central role in my 11 years that I have been living in Boston as a student and professional.
Provide a fun fact or secret talent about yourself.
One fun fact would have to be that I got to play with a live snake, and it was awesome, but not so much for my grandmother and aunt present in the room.