Careers

Paula Guffey, Electrical Engineer at CMTA, started as a draftsperson in the mid-1980s, where she drew by hand before today’s digital tools were the norm. While in that role, she learned how to translate building systems into technical drawings and developed a practical understanding of electrical systems design, which included fire alarm, lighting, and power. Paula has been a lifelong proponent of learning, saying, “your knowledge is your power.” This foundational experience set the stage for her career transition from electrical engineering, to learning more about mechanical and plumbing design, and grew into project management.

With a career spanning biotech, finance, and engineering, Nicole Ojakian brings a people-first perspective and a deep understanding of what it takes to build culture across diverse industries. Now serving as Director of Human Resources at Legence, Nicole supports multiple companies within the organization—including AMA Group, CMTA, ICS, and RE Tech Advisors—by fostering connection, curiosity, and collaboration. In this candid Q&A, she shares how empathy and adaptability have shaped her approach to HR, what she’s learned from uniting strong teams, and the surprising role music (and Taylor Swift) plays in keeping her energized. Whether she's building shared culture or curating the perfect playlist, Nicole leads with intention and a genuine passion for people.

From project manager to president of Gilbert Mechanical, a Legence company, Ed Dahlgren has spent decades helping shape the company’s culture and capabilities. His leadership style is rooted in action—rolling up his sleeves, staying close to the work, and showing respect to every person on the team. Whether he is in a boiler room, on a rooftop, or leading a complex capital project, Ed brings the same energy and focus to every task. In this spotlight, Ed shares what it takes to grow within a company, why staying grounded matters, and how a Hawaiian shirt tradition became a symbol of team connection. He also reflects on the value of focus, the excitement of crane day, and the lasting impact of building strong customer relationships. Read on to learn more about Ed's long career at Gilbert.

In this Leadership Spotlight, Katie Madorin, VP of Human Resources as Legence, shares her career journey—from helping build HR from the ground up at Therma to shaping employee experience and culture across Legence. With heart, humor, and hard-earned insight, she reflects on what it takes to build strong teams, lead through change, and truly connect with people. From essential HR tools to her love of cheese curds, Katie shows that great leadership is rooted in understanding, empathy, and staying focused on what matters most. Read on for the full interview.