Three Questions with Board Member Bradlee Mezquita
In this series, we’re talking with members of our Board of Directors to get their insight on corporate governance at Tighe & Bond. Today, we spoke with board member Bradlee Mezquita, who has more than 30 years of leadership experience in site/civil design, permitting, land development, retail planning, and construction. Brad also specializes in the design and expansion of athletic fields, tracks, and athletic complexes and has provided services to numerous municipalities, schools, and universities. Brad serves as the Location Manager and Vice President of our Portsmouth, New Hampshire office where he uses his technical expertise to benefit communities throughout the Northeast.
Q: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A: I have completed my first term on the board and am in the first year of my second term. I initially sought to be on the board to get better insight into how corporate decisions were being made and to take on a leadership role that helps shape the direction of the company. Being on the board brings a new perspective to the inner workings of the company, challenges facing corporate management, and being part of the solutions. During the past three years, we have been faced with a global pandemic and addressing the need for attraction of talent and retention during unprecedented times. These outside influences have had impacts on the internal decisions made by the board. It has been intriguing to listen to the opinions of both the internal and external directors as we made our way through those headwinds.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOUR TERM?
A: The board is made up of several people from different backgrounds, business lines, and offices. I think this is what allows the board to take a comprehensive look company-wide. The external board members have added in some great perspectives through their own company experiences or through their participation on other boards. Having this diversity enhances the discussions and representation throughout the company.
Some very important discussions regarding the expansion of our services, our continued focus on employee ownership, and the role of remote working have occurred in the past few years. In part, I believe the diversity of the board has helped foster those discussions. I consider some of those profound discussions to be a highlight of my first term.
Q: GIVEN YOUR INDUSTRY INSIGHT, TELL ME WHAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE TIGHE & BOND’S UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION.
A: Tighe & Bond is a mid-size Northeast company. We have twelve offices in six states, uniquely covering our geography. In addition to our location, our staff have specialties in so many different areas. When we are discussing project opportunities with clients, one thing that we continually hear is that we are able to provide “one-stop shopping.” Our clients are looking for one point of contact. They are expecting that our point of contact will coordinate all our disciplines within the company and provide the client with a complete project. Our size, location, and technical capabilities provide our clients with something that few companies in our region can provide.