At Harwood, our innovative solutions are made possible by the behind-the-scenes hard work of our exceptional engineers. Let’s spotlight the team that makes it all happen. We’ve asked each member the same three questions to discover the personalities behind the innovative ideas.
Meet the leader of the ‘pack’, Spencer Cook, Vice President | Director of Mechanical Engineering.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“My favorite hobby is soccer, which I mostly watch and coach now rather than play. I played at MSOE while earning my Architectural Engineering degree and met my wife, Vickie, a women’s soccer player. A highlight was being inducted into the MSOE Athletic Hall of Fame together. Now, our two boys are getting into soccer and other sports. We still enjoy soccer but try to avoid more ACL injuries (we’ve torn three between us). Besides soccer, I love camping, music (singing and piano), and spending time with my family and our dog, Marty.”
What do you appreciate about being a mechanical engineer?
“I like that no project is ever truly the same. We have a ton of engineering solutions to choose from for any given project, but finding the right solution that meets the owner’s wants and needs is different every time. It keeps me sharp!”
What makes your team awesome?
“Our team has a wide range of experience and knowledge. We’ve all worked on various project types with multiple systems throughout our careers, so having that breadth of experience is key to our success. I also love that everyone on our team is willing to help each other whenever needed to ensure our success as a team.”
Meet the ‘man of many stamps’, 47 states, and the District of Columbia to be exact, Steve Hagman, Associate | Senior Mechanical Project Manager
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“Attending my children’s sporting events is always a highlight, as I cherish the opportunity to support them and share in their achievements. I also enjoy spending quality time with my son by playing real-time strategy games—through victories and defeats. When I can find the time, I enjoy building models and model railroading; it’s a great way to unwind.”
What do you appreciate about being a mechanical engineer?
“I value the stable hours that promote a healthy work-family balance. The job market is strong for engineers, providing ample opportunities, and the compensation supports a comfortable lifestyle. I enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems and collaborating with other passionate professionals. Ultimately, there’s great satisfaction in seeing a completed project, knowing I contributed to its functionality, and that the client is very satisfied.”
What makes your team awesome?
“Our team is excellent at communication, even with our diverse strengths and backgrounds. This blend allows us to complement each other, fostering a strong sense of trust and accountability. Together, we tackle challenges head-on and achieve great results despite tight deadlines—especially during our internal gingerbread competition!”
Meet our champ, Mitch Macek, Mechanical Project Engineer
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“I enjoy spending time with my wife, friends, and family. My wife and I like to take our dog, Bella, on hikes during the weekends. I’m keenly interested in cars and enjoy learning about and working on them. I’d love a Honda S2000, but my dream car is a Bugatti Chiron. Although I don’t have any particularly unique talents, I did achieve a moment of fame as a D2 Rugby State Champion in 2017.”
What do you appreciate about being a mechanical engineer?
“There’s always something new to learn in our industry. I enjoy the variety of markets we work in and am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects that enhance the lives of those who use them.”
What makes your team awesome?
“Our team is great because we all have diverse experiences, creating a broad knowledge base. We learn from one another daily and can always share a few laughs.”
Meet the ‘gamer’ with quick reflexes, Michael Willems,
Associate | Mechanical Project Engineer
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
“I spend time with my family and relax by playing video games whenever I have a spare moment. My favorite video game series is Mafia.”
What do you appreciate about being a mechanical engineer?
“I’ve always enjoyed solving problems, and engineering involves a lot of that. Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline, providing numerous opportunities for various career paths after graduation. I encourage young professionals and students to consider it as a career.”
What makes your team awesome?
“At Harwood, we have an excellent team. We work on various projects; no two are the same, and each offers unique challenges and experiences. This diversity keeps the job interesting. Additionally, our team brings a wide range of experiences, which fosters valuable mentoring opportunities.”
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