The Owners' Manual | Issue 11 | Fall 2017

When did you join BL Companies? May 20, 2013 What made you decide to work at BL Companies? I wasn’t really looking for a job when I got a call from a former co-worker of mine (Aaron Silva) and he talked me in to coming in for an interview. I actually interviewed for a slightly different position that was filled by a worker coming back to BL. I ended up in the position I am now, which seemed like the perfect fit! I liked that there were different disciplines all under the same roof and the concept of being part of an ESOP. What is a “day in the life” of Cristy Shamus, look like for you at BL Companies? As a Senior Environmental Scientist working in Meriden, what I work on day to day changes depending on the needs of our clients. On average, about 20% of my time

When you have 30 minutes of free- time, how do you pass the time? I hang out with my daughters, Ella (15) and Anna (12) and catch up on what’s happening in their lives, with school and friends. Typically, they get annoyed by that in the first 2 minutes, so for the other 28 minutes I would go for a quick run/walk with one of our dogs or look-up DIY projects on Pinterest. What type of music do you like? Usually I listen to alternative rock, but I really like all types of music…I like to mix it up and not listen to the same genre all the time. I love listening to live music when I can, but who doesn’t? What is one of your favorite quotes? “ Is all that we see or seem, but a dream within a dream” – E.A. Poe

I work on task managing CT DOT inspection work and the other 80% I work on site investigation and compliance work typically due to a real estate transfer. Generally, I’m behind my computer typing away on reports or planning something fun for the next ESOP event! What did you want to be when you grow up? At first a Doctor, but then in 5th grade I completed a science project on erosion. I met with local town representatives and the state DEP to talk about ways they mitigate erosion, and became interested in a career in the earth sciences. My dad was an engineer and surveyor for PennDOT at the time and he kind of nudged me in the direction of a science/math career path in Environmental Engineering….and the rest, they say, is history!