Meet Marcus, one of our Lead Project Managers based out of the Memphis office. We are honored to have him as part of the LSI family and grateful for his contributions both in the office and at our client locations. We recently sat down and asked Marcus 20 questions. He’s a wealth of knowledge, and his 30+ years of engineering and project management experience brings value to our clients every day. The three words that we use to describe Marcus: driven, conscientious, and positive-attitude.
20 Questions with Marcus
How long have you been with LSI?
I joined LSI almost four years ago after 30 years in various roles in the paper manufacturing industry.
What is your role at LSI?
My title is Lead Project Manager, but the advantage of being part of LSI is the opportunity to do more as you grow with the company. It’s a good fit for the way I like to work. As a project manager, I want to help in any area that needs help. I started when LSI had a large stock prep job for one of our many pulp and paper clients.
Where did you go to college?
Louisiana Tech University, Mechanical Engineering
What industries have you been involved in?
I’ve been involved in the paper manufacturing industry for most of my career. I started out with Georgia Pacific on an engineering co-op then worked briefly for a power company. From there, I worked for Potlatch Corporation, Evergreen Packaging, and Huber Specialty Hydrates before joining LSI.
What is your area of expertise?
Mechanical and process engineering in the pulp and paper industry.
What platforms are you familiar with?
The projects I’m responsible for include numerous platforms, including Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Honeywell.
What has been your favorite project at LSI?
My favorite project was an MCC and motor upgrade at a large tire manufacturing plant in Arkansas. Our team and our contractors were exceptional to work with, and even though the project occurred over the Christmas season, it was a success.
What is your proudest moment at LSI?
My proudest moment is when I’ve been able to help develop strong client relationships that enable LSI to become a designated corporate partner. This type of relationship spans multiple client locations, and being a part of that means a lot to me. However, what makes me feel the best is being valued by LSI and that I have a role in bringing value to our clients.
What sets LSI apart as an employer?
LSI provides excellent opportunities for growth without micro-management. If you have the drive and motivation to work in this kind of environment, you will thrive.
What sets LSI apart as a system integrator?
LSI is a fully integrated engineering company. When I was working in industry, it was common to work with several companies or contractors for a project. But with LSI, clients can count on us to execute the entire project. We are the one-stop-shop for system integration, and it makes life so much easier for our clients.
What are three ways you would describe LSI?
We are responsive, we get it right the first time, and we are a top workplace.
What is one thing that clients may not know about LSI that you would like to share?
You don’t have to go anywhere else. We can help clients with more of their project scope than clients are aware of.
Long-term client relationships are a hallmark of LSI. Why is that?
It’s the trust that we have in our relationships. Our clients have a lot going on, and they don’t have time to be finding new integrators because of a lack of trust. So everything we do is built on being responsive, doing it right, and developing trust.
How has LSI helped you in your career development?
LSI has helped me branch out and use my 30 years of paper and paperboard manufacturing experience to serve clients in our industries.
What advice do you have for prospective LSI candidates?
It would be best if you have goals and the initiative to grow and be successful at LSI. If you are looking for a job where you are told what to do every day, you may not be happy. But if you are driven, you will be successful.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Family is first. I am so blessed to have both my children in the same area. I have five grandchildren and try to spend as much time as possible with them. Golf is second—I love playing golf. Hunting/fishing is third.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Probably a beautiful beach.
Your favorite sports team?
Arkansas Razorbacks, then the New Orleans Saints
Apple iOS or Android?
Apple all day. Everything I own is Apple except for the company computer
Any random facts about yourself that you could share with us?
- I have been married for 36 years, and I have two children and five grandchildren
- Before coming to LSI, I was a Concealed Carry Instructor for the State of Arkansas
- I was born in El Paso, Texas, and spent most of my childhood in Brownsville, Texas.