Soep Hall of Fame: Mike Traynor

There is no specific formula to becoming a Soep Hall of Famer; why do you think you were inducted? I’d like to think it was because I never said no to a job and always did the best I could.

What motivated you throughout your career? My motivation was to provide for my family the best I could

What has changed about Soep since your early days? What has stayed the same? Standing back and looking at it I don’t think that Soep has changed much at all, it’s a proud family operation that does quality work

Do you remember a moment when you first realized that Soep was the right spot for you? I remember Brian Conly giving a talk one time and his bottom line went something like “I don’t care if we’re the biggest, I want to be the best “ that’s the company I want to work for.

What was the most rewarded aspect of your time at Soep? I think it was being trusted to start and complete a job

What was the most memorable time or project of your career? Did that project shape the rest of your career in any way? International Place was my first really big job, I learned how to handle a base building and multiple tenants and multiple GC’s

What advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Most of it would be pay attention more learn faster from my mistakes

What advice would you give to anyone starting a career in the trades? Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be afraid to take on responsibilities and challenges. Sometimes it’s a hard job but a great career.