In this edition of Get to Know, we are pleased to introduce Bryan Schaefer, a member of ASPE’s Buffalo-Niagara Chapter.
ASPE: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Bryan: The ancient pyramids of Egypt amaze me. Built more than 4,000 years ago and several over 400 feet high, they would be incredible to see. I get to meet some great engineers in our business, but the engineers who designed the pyramids truly amaze me. How they really got those mammoth stone structures built and layered with only manpower is beyond my comprehension.
ASPE: What is your greatest accomplishment outside of your career?
Bryan: My family. My wife and I have been married 33 years and have enjoyed the many adventures of raising our son and two daughters. The fun of everyday life—through school, scouts, dance, swimming, soccer, and many great friends—was busy but created many “wouldn’t trade them for anything” memories. All three kids are out on their own with careers, and we’ve added a son-in-law and two grandkids—what a joy!!
ASPE: What are your hobbies outside of work?
Bryan: I enjoy running, playing hockey with my “Wildcat” teammates, and hiking anywhere there’s a mountain and a trail (sometimes the trail is optional!).
ASPE: What is your favorite childhood memory?
Bryan: Piling in Dad’s old station wagon and going camping. Sometimes it would be just our family; other times it would be with my grandparents and aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was always a lot of fun with canoeing, fishing, hiking, campfires, and, of course, keeping an eye out for bears, especially around the garbage cans!
ASPE: If you could play any sport professionally, what would it be and why?
Bryan: Hockey. It’s a fast-paced game that requires skill in both skating and shooting but also allows full body checks that keep everyone engaged—and sometimes enraged! While I wish the NHL would tighten up on some of the stick checking that slows down the game, the skill level of the players is amazing. The speeds they reach on ice and their ability to fire the puck at over 100 miles per hour are incredible.
ASPE: Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
Bryan: The Adirondack mountains in upstate New York. I enjoy being outdoors with family and friends. It’s a great place to get away to relax and enjoy the great activities that nature has to offer.
ASPE: What is your favorite holiday and why?
Bryan: There certainly is enjoyment in the giving and getting of gifts and I love the many parties with family and friends, but my real favorite part of Christmas is dressing up in the Santa Claus suit I bought more than 30 years ago. I did it for my kids every year when they were growing up, and we’d wake them up in the middle of the night for them to “catch a peek” at Santa by our tree. One year, they even caught Santa up on the roof of our house during a snowstorm with his big bag of toys—that one was definitely a little tricky. I’ve also worn it for customer events, my kids’ school, and at many family and friends’ Christmas Eve parties so the kids can see Santa before he makes his way out to deliver toys. Over the years, Santa has brought a lot of smiles to many people, especially me!
ASPE: What did you want to be when you were a child?
Bryan: I was a pretty good basketball player in elementary and middle school (at least in my mind) and thought an NBA career was in the cards. I had a nice guidance counselor in middle school who, during our career day discussion, played along with my dream job idea, but toward the end of our meeting said, “Ok, now what’s your fall-back plan if basketball doesn’t work out?” Well, to say the least, I never came close to earning an NBA paycheck.
