The summer of 2022 is officially kicking off and is an exciting time for RAN! Not only is it our first summer in our new home at 417 New Karner Road in Albany, but we have also expanded our team and welcomed back new and returning interns. We had the pleasure of bringing on a new Marketing Coordinator, as well as four interns this summer. This was all made possible because of loyalty of clients and hard work from the RAN team.
Our new Marketing Coordinator is Abbie Rose, who joined our team in March of 2022! Abbie graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Albany in May of 2018 with a Major in Communications and Minor in Business Administration and Marketing. Abbie comes from a background in social media marketing and client service, and is looking forward to utilizing her skills into her new position.
In her free time, Abbie enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing (poorly), cooking, and reading any psychological thriller or romance book she can get her hands on.
When asked, Abbie knew she wanted to work at RAN because, “RAN gives me the platform to ensure my voice is heard in this position. My opinion matters and I am able to implement my skills, ideas, and visions for the company’s growth into everyday tasks. At RAN, we are given endless opportunities to continue learning and growing as an individual, as well as alongside the team.”
We are excited to have her as a part of our full-time staff and team! Abbie provides us with her outstanding skill set and we cannot wait to see her blossom with RAN.
Also, we have four interns who joined us this summer, two of them you may recognize from last summer. We asked them a few questions to help you get to know them better.
1. Why did you choose RAN?
Morgan: I am thankful that RAN provided me with the opportunity to come back and continue to further my career in marketing. I also decided to come back to RAN because I received many opportunities to learn and grow as an intern during my time here last summer. I also had the privilege to work during the fall and spring semester, as RAN is very flexible and understanding. RAN continuously supports me and allows me to grow individually and as a team.
Matt: I am so thankful and honored to come back as a summer intern and experience the different aspects of fire protection engineering from last summer. RAN is full of intelligent and motivated people that expect the best out of you. I want to surround myself with the people at RAN as it will help me flourish as a person and a young engineer. These past two summers at RAN have impacted me greatly and I am so grateful for this opportunity.
Teagan: Before learning about RAN, I had never heard of fire protection engineering. During one of my interviews, I had asked what RAN has been doing to keep the company environmentally friendly. One of RAN’s Principal’s, Tim, replied that the whole premise of fire protection engineering is preservation and conservation. In addition to life safety, the fire protection systems are put in place to make sure structures will not need to be replaced or rebuilt - which would ultimately lead to more unnecessary waste. The fact that RAN helps protect the planet with everything they do really resonates with me.
Anthony: I have always had an interest in CAD design as well as hydraulics and RAN offered an amazing opportunity to gain real world experience with both in a very unique field. From the start of the interview process, everyone was welcoming and eager to teach me as much as possible which really intrigued me to learn more about Fire Protection Engineering.
2. What is your goal for your internship this summer?
Morgan: To be able to learn even more about Fire Protection Engineering. I have come a long way since I first began, and the industry is constantly changing and evolving. I also want to be able to teach others and help them learn through our marketing, whether its through our blogs or newsletters.
Matt: To be like a sponge and absorb as much as I can about all things fire protection. This summer, I am gaining more exposure to fire alarm and fire sprinkler design. Along with design, I am thankful to have attended the NFPA conference in Boston with RAN. At the conference I was exposed to so much about fire protection and this opened me up to the many opportunities that a career in fire protection engineering offers. Before the summer comes to an end, it is my goal to learn as much as I can about understanding the codes and applying them effectively.
Teagan: To better understand the field of fire protection engineering and learn as much as I can so that I am able to positively contribute to the company. I am very excited about working on projects that will ultimately save lives and provide peace of mind to our clients.
Anthony: To develop a foundation of knowledge about Fire Protection Engineering and explore the diverse projects within the field.
3. What is one professional skill you are working on?
Morgan: One professional skill I am working on is adaptability. Adaptability is crucial in this industry and profession because it is constantly changing. There are so many codes and standards, and as a marketer I need to know what they are to make sure I am not relaying the wrong information. It keeps you on your toes, but it is all a part of the thrill.
Matt: This summer I have been pushed by my coworkers to come out of my shell. I tend to be quiet and shy most times, but I am working to become more comfortable with my own voice. I have learned that it is important to speak my mind. Whether I like it or not by the end of the summer I will speak loudly, proudly, and confidently.
Teagan: One professional skill that I am working on is flexibility. Many times, after working on a project, plans can change, and things will need to be re-worked. This can be frustrating especially if a lot of time and effort was put into the project. However, if a better option comes around, we must provide the client with the most effective product. I am learning how to switch mindsets quickly to be able to utilize different skills at different times.
Anthony: I am working on developing skills within AutoCAD that allow me to efficiently create designs that can fit a multitude of criteria.
4. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Morgan: One thing most people don’t know about me is I am very adventurous. I love to travel, but I also like to try new things. This can be anything from a new food to trying out a new hobby.
Matt: I love food! I am a big football player, which may not come as a surprise, but I enjoy exploring different dishes. I like going anywhere from hole in the wall restaurants to fine dining, along with stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. My favorite food to enjoy and make is BBQ. I like to smoke pork ribs, pork shoulder, and the occasional brisket. My next meat to smoke is beef ribs.
Teagan: Most people don’t know that when I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I learned to sew from my grandma many years ago and I still use this skill very often. When I was in high school, I even thrifted my prom dress and turned it into something new. Now, studying to be an engineer, I satisfy my interest in fashion by thrifting many of my clothing items then reworking or upcycling them.
Anthony: I have a yellow lab, black lab, and chocolate lab at home.
5. What do you like to do in your free time?
Morgan: In my free time I love to fish. What’s fun to me is fishing in other states and seeing the minor and major difference amongst the fish. To me, fishing is calming and a way to enjoy nature.
Matt: I enjoy going to the gym frequently which is a great way for me to stay in shape and destress from my day. I love the gym as it is a great place for me to get stronger both physically and mentally. I plan on training and competing in strongman competitions once I hang up my football cleats for good.
Teagan: During my free time, I enjoy being outside whether I’m paddle boarding, hiking, snowboarding, or at the beach. I also love spending time with my three sisters and two dogs, reading, and traveling.
Anthony: In my free time I enjoy working on cars of all types.