MATT NEIMAN

Matt Neiman is the regional manager at Borton-Lawson’s Pittsburgh office where he oversees projects that include engineering, architecture, ecological services, land surveying and more. When the work day ends, Matt loves spending time with his wife Brandon and their two children – daughter Harper is five-years-old and son Reid is three-years-old. They often take trips to Michigan to see family, but here in Pittsburgh, he and Brandon enjoy checking out Pittsburgh’s growing restaurant scene.

Are you a lifelong Pittsburgher? If so, what keeps you here? If not, what brought you here?

I grew up in Michigan but have lived in Pittsburgh for five years. I started my career with Borton-Lawson’s Wilkes-Barre, PA office in 2007. I slowly moved west as positions became available within the company. I’m proud to have grown with Borton-Lawson and have the opportunity to raise my family in Pittsburgh. People in Pittsburgh really care, it’s a great place for my children to grow up.

How does Pittsburgh inspire and inform your work?

There’s something that stands out about Pittsburgh. People here have an enthusiasm for their community, a collective pride, and I think that’s what drives the city to keep improving. From the food and social scenes to greater environmental consciousness – I’ve seen more dedication to building community here in Pittsburgh than other places.

What’s an average day like for you?

As a civil engineer, I work on land development projects like, roads, natural gas infrastructure, commercial sites, and electricity transmission. A major design item I focus on is storm water management. I also serve as a project manager, oversee a team of engineers, assist in developing new business, and co-lead our Pittsburgh office. After work, I always look forward to coming home to my wife, Brandon, and our two children.

It’s time to unwind. Where are you headed?

If it’s date night, Brandon and I are headed to Umami in Lawrenceville for some great Japanese cuisine. If it’s more of a family day, we love the Carnegie Science Center and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. If we need some calm, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is always a good place to unwind.

Why is giving back important to you?

Giving back has become something I expect from myself. Getting more deeply involved in the community has also helped me create a better work-life balance. That was something I didn’t see coming. It’s important to set an example for my children and help them see the value of helping others.

How did you first get involved with United Way?

I first got involved with United Way through Borton-Lawson’s workplace campaign with the United Way of Wyoming Valley. When I relocated to Pittsburgh, a classmate in Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiative introduced me to United Way’s Bridges Society.

This year, our company and United Way agreed the conditions were right to conduct a workplace campaign here in Pittsburgh and I was proud to help lead the effort. Starting a workplace campaign was easy and went very well thanks to United Way’s staff who were excellent to work with.

How has your Bridges membership helped you, personally and professionally?

Professionally, the benefits have been huge. One aspect of the Bridges Society that was most attractive to me was the networking. It allows me to associate with peers – and even executives – that I likely wouldn’t cross paths with. Personally, the volunteer opportunities are so important and United Way makes it easy to see where I should volunteer my time to make the greatest impact.

What volunteer opportunity has been most meaningful for you?

Definitely participating in United Way’s United for Children RFP (request for proposal) process. I was part of a committee that reviewed proposals from organizations seeking funding. I’d always had respect for United Way, but I was deeply impressed after seeing how detailed and well-organized the process is. Trust me, I now know firsthand that you can have confidence in how your dollars are spent.

In a few words, how would you describe United Way?

Organized. Caring. Professional. Responsible. Thoughtful.

Social handles:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/matt.neiman.18

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/matt-neiman-pe-05b3a813

Twitter – https://twitter.com/mtneiman

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/matt.neiman.18/