Everyone say hello to our newest Member of the Month, Preston Bartley, Civil Engineer for Westwood Professional Services. Preston has been a staple in our coworking community since his first day at The Root. When he’s not building blueprints in AutoCad, you can find him hanging out with his adorable pup, Pippa, and wife, or challenging anyone to a friendly game of tennis or pickleball. With a penchant for juicy burgers and ice-cold beers, Preston’s always up for a good time and a great conversation. His easy going nature and friendly smile make him a joy to have around!
When Fran Hagen, Sr. opened Westwood’s doors in 1972, he and his team were eager to show clients how really smart engineering could enhance communities. That’s the passion that got Westwood going, keeps ticking, and working across the country, and sometimes even overseas. When there is a big site challenge or a design that requires innovation, that’s Westwood’s sweet spot.
What do you do? Tell us a little bit about your work.
I am a Professional Civil Engineer who designs infrastructure for private real estate development projects in commercial, single-family, and institutional markets. Paving, Drainage, Water, Sewer, Storm Drain is what we do! I enjoy being a part of land development projects and seeing a new building come out of the ground and turn into everything the client has imagined!
What’s your go-to drink order at Foolish Things?
Iced Latte with Oat Milk dash of Splenda. Delicious!
What are your two favorite spots in Tulsa?
Wild Fork. Best Burger in town! Prove me wrong! I also love the ambiance.
Maple Ridge Neighborhood. I don’t live there but love to drive through the neighborhood and look at the amazing houses. They’re all so beautiful and unique in their own way. It takes me back in time to imagine what Tulsa was like when it was one of the wealthiest cities in the world!
What is the most valuable career advice you’ve been given?
My freshman year of college at OSU (Go Pokes!) Ross McKnight told me not to expect too much too quickly. You have to learn to be successful. That always stuck with me. Work hard, pay attention to opportunities, and learn. Things will fall into place.
What does a perfect day off look like for you?
Wake up to some natural sunshine, hear the birds chirping in the background, maybe a dog barking in the distance. BIG Stretch to get out of bed. The wife and I head to Wildflower Café for breakfast and about 4 cups of black coffee. From there we head over to Riverside to walk along the trail with our precious King Charles Cavalier, Pippa. That afternoon we would meet up with friends to hangout and maybe go out to dinner. I am a rather social person so being out and about and around people I enjoy is always a great day!
There are now 25 hours in a day—how do you spend your extra hour?
Go for a really long walk with my wife and pup or do an outdoor activity. Tennis, Pickleball, the outdoor park gym where I am the youngest one there by 40 years, are all great releases for me.
If you could learn any skill, what would it be?
Piano. I am not musically talented at all, but I always thought it would be so awesome to rip the piano. The great thing about piano is that it can be as peaceful or intense as you want it to be. It’s wonderful.
What do you think is the best part about being a member of The Root Coworking?
It is a friendly environment where people are willing to interact with others outside of their office. I’ve met so many people with similar interests in both business and personal. I love meeting new people and The Root has been a great spot for that!
