Spotlight: Jeremy Andrews. Senior Chief Engineer at Cushman & Wakefield

Employee Spotlights | 08/08/2023

Passionate, skilled, and dedicated are three words to describe Jeremy Andrews, a Senior Chief Engineer at Cushman & Wakefield.

Jeremy Andrews is a seasoned professional in building plant operations and preventative maintenance, with an impressive track record of over 26 years. He served as the Chief Engineer at a prominent 710,000 sq ft, 36-story CBD high-rise; he has demonstrated his expertise and leadership in managing complex engineering challenges. Having been a valued member of Cushman & Wakefield for 14 years, Jeremy's dedication and commitment have made him an indispensable asset to the organization. Throughout his career, he has been involved in various significant projects, from automation system replacements to sprinkler replacements, showcasing his versatility and proficiency in handling diverse mechanical systems. Jeremy Andrews' unwavering passion for his work and wealth of experience continues to drive excellence and innovation in engineering.

In this employee spotlight, we celebrate the remarkable career of Jeremy Andrews, Senior Chief Engineer at Cushman & Wakefield, and draw inspiration from his achievements to offer valuable tips for advancing your career. Life is what Jeremy makes it.

“Cushman & Wakefield has been fantastic with giving me an opportunity for a career path. I always knew this would be my career, but since I started with Cushman & Wakefield, I was an operating engineer. I was an assistant chief for about nine and a half, ten years. Then I got promoted to a chief engineer.” – Jeremy Andrews.

What projects are you currently working on? Other than your primary job, are there any other organizations you are a part of?

My team and I are actively engaged in a crucial fire system replacement project, focusing specifically on a fire pump. Within our operations, I am a POD leader, where I play a pivotal role in driving corporate engineering initiatives to support another building. Beyond that, I serve as the Vice President of the Building Operators Association of Colorado, where my primary responsibility is to promote education and knowledge-sharing among fellow engineers. We organize monthly lunches that serve as valuable learning opportunities to discuss the intricacies of our profession. Additionally, my involvement extends to various committees within BOMA, further enabling me to contribute to the growth and advancement of our industry. An exciting aspect of my role also involves reviewing house bills for the Colorado Senate, particularly those related to energy changes or matters directly affecting our field. This engagement enables me to stay informed and proactive in advocating for the interests and needs of our industry.

How did you get into the position you are in now? Who or what influenced you?

My journey into this industry was deeply influenced by family, particularly my great-uncle, who served as an engineer in downtown Denver during the 1970s. However, the most significant impact came from my father, a chief engineer who inspired me to follow in his footsteps. A pivotal figure in my career has been Mike Turzanski, the Senior Vice President of Engineering Operations at Cushman & Wakefield Colorado, who has also significantly influenced my professional path.

Reflecting on my early experiences, I vividly remember accompanying my dad to work as a child. Carrying a little clipboard, I would help him with chiller readings, wearing heavy earmuffs to protect my young ears from the machinery's noise. Even at 5 to 7 years old, he patiently explained elementary concepts, instilling in me a strong foundation and passion for this industry. This early exposure and nurturing laid the groundwork for my eventual dedication and commitment to the engineering field.

Have you had mentors at Cushman & Wakefield to help you get where you are now?

With the increasing flood of young professionals and newcomers into this industry, fostering growth and seeking assistance from diverse sources becomes essential. It can include more than the guidance of senior or assistant chiefs. Still, it can also come from other individuals within the organization or any willing individuals willing to offer their support. Judy Anderson, General Manager at Cushman & Wakefield Colorado, has also been crucial to my success.

What type of education/training did you have?

I attended Emily Griffith Technical College. I have my EPA license and am an SMA candidate for Beaumont International.

And then, when you started, did you start as an apprentice, or were you just a maintenance technician or a maintenance helper?

I began my journey as a maintenance technician in this field, handling tasks like light bulb replacements and plumbing. As I gained experience and expertise, my responsibilities expanded, and I pursued a refrigeration license, a mandatory requirement for operating in the City of Denver. Progressing through my career, I joined Cushman & Wakefield in June 2009 as an operator. Remarkably, I was promoted to Assistant Chief within just 6 to 8 months, or roughly less than a year. I dedicated almost a decade to serving as the Assistant Chief in this building, nurturing my skills and contributing to its smooth operation and success.

What would be the one piece of advice you would give to a younger version of yourself in the skilled trades industry?

Embrace every opportunity that comes your way; each experience is a chance to grow and learn. Absorb knowledge like a sponge. Every encounter, whether big or small, has the potential to teach us something valuable. Your thirst for knowledge and willingness to embrace opportunities will propel you toward a fulfilling and purposeful life.

When I first entered the building and joined Cushman, I was pleasantly surprised by the employees' genuine willingness to help. Despite being a relatively small group, they embraced me with open arms. While I had always known people in the industry and engaged in casual conversations, the support and valuable information I received from my daily interactions with colleagues was genuinely remarkable.

While in school, I acquired the foundational knowledge of how mechanical systems and physical elements work. However, soft skills, like effective communication and interpersonal abilities, were something I learned predominantly on the job. It was a process of trial and error, and sometimes I made mistakes in my interactions. But these experiences became invaluable learning opportunities, enabling personal growth and development. I've come to understand that acknowledging and learning from my own mistakes is an essential part of the journey to becoming a well-rounded and successful professional.

What gets you excited about coming to work?

Over time, I've developed a genuine appreciation for the beauty of organized chaos. Learning to prioritize the everyday chaotic environment has become a skill I’ve learned to like. Embracing the unpredictability and excitement that chaos brings, I am invigorated by the constant variety and challenges. Each day presents a unique blend of tasks, where a little bit of this and a little bit of that are all sprinkled together, making every moment intriguing and refreshing. This dynamic nature of the job keeps me engaged and motivated to tackle whatever comes my way.

What is your typical day-to-day like?

Transitioning into the role of a senior chief engineer has brought about significant changes from my previous positions as an operator or assistant chief. Much of my focus now revolves around client interactions, encompassing owners or ownership representatives and tenants who are also our clients. With multiple clients, my responsibilities include ensuring smooth communication and cooperation with each party. Additionally, I actively engage with the staff, ensuring everyone remains on track and effectively accomplishes the tasks. Managing these diverse aspects of the role ensures that all essential functions are efficiently carried out and contribute to the organization’s overall success.

What personal traits and values do you need to succeed or advance in this occupation?

A resilient determination to solve problems and persevere is our purpose’s core. Our primary focus is to accomplish the tasks, which demands a willingness to push through challenges and obstacles. A big plus is to embrace a persistent attitude and your unique talents and allow your personality to shine as you strive to excel in your work.

Jeremy Andrews’ Awards: