Drafting Manager, Mortgage Department
Getting ready to celebrate 19 years with McSteen this August, Marcus Petersen started his career as a Sales & Marketing Executive at a computer training company before joining McSteen. While he always had a strong interest in history, mapping, geography, and real estate, in general, Marcus says he joined McSteen at the urging of a friend, Pete Gabrovsek.
At the time, Pete worked at McSteen as a Surveyor/Draftsman and Field Manager and would frequently share details of his work day with Marcus. “Well, one day Pete asked if I’d like to come work with him and I gladly accepted. He ultimately became my boss and taught me a lot of what I know today.” Marcus jokes, “Looking back, I think he was also the company recruiter! There are quite a few co-workers here today because of him.” Sadly, Marcus reflects, after only working with Pete for two years, he passed away suddenly. “We all owe him a bit of gratitude.“
In his role as Drafting Manager in the Mortgage Department, Marcus is responsible for managing the drafting staff’s workload and answering questions from drafting personnel and field crews, as well as clients who have survey issues. In addition, he reviews mortgage location surveys, drafts fieldwork in CAD, and does additional research, as needed.
Our employees are our greatest asset at McSteen. They are what set us apart from the competition – and they are pretty cool, too. Meet Marcus Petersen …
What are the qualities that you have that help you to do your job successfully?
I’m a perfectionist when it comes to SOME things. I am efficient and very detail orientated. My past experience in sales and customer service has helped me immensely when dealing with clients and co-workers, and managing staff.
What makes McSteen different from others in the industry?
McSteen is constantly striving to be better. Being efficient, accurate, and using the most up-to-date technology, mixed in with old, proven techniques has made us successful. McSteen really is like an extended family. The owners definitely make it a point to be accessible and inclusive to all.
What do you like about a career in land surveying?
There is always something different. Whether it’s in the field, research, drafting, customer service, review, you name it…..there is always something new. To me, surveying offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, being outdoors and exploring the field. On the other, pouring over old documents, running calculations, and checking different maps, records, and aerials. Even though each team has its own unique role, I’m always impressed by the collaboration between them all.
What is your favorite thing about working at McSteen?
It’s hard to say. There are a lot of different aspects that I love. It helps when you enjoy what you do. As I mentioned before it really is a family atmosphere here. The owners and my coworkers genuinely care. We have a fantastic staff.
What are you listening to/reading/watching?
I get my daily news from NPR and I love jazz. I’ll be 42 this year and a pretty nostalgic guy so 80s and 90s pop and alternative rock are at the top of my list! I’ve been reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman for a year or two…..can’t seem to stay awake long enough to finish! My wife and I are anxiously awaiting the final season of Better Call Saul to premiere on Netflix.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When we’re not at home you can find us in University Circle at a museum or hiking a trail at a local Metropark. We have kayaks so we get out on those when we can. When I get the chance I’m on my 30-year-old Cannondale touring bike riding around town or on a local rail trail planning my next bike trip.
I’m also very involved in restoring the oldest existing tavern in Ohio. The 225-year-old Unionville Tavern was part of the Underground Railroad. I and a group of others spearheaded the effort to save this historic structure from demolition by neglect. We’re about to begin Phase 3 of this project. Exciting stuff!