expresso: mentorship

WHEN THE STUDENT SURPASSES THE TEACHER, IT’S MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

DANIEL NAPPERT, P.ENG. Project Manager, Buildings Sherbrooke, QC JULIE PELLERIN, P.ENG., PA LEED BD+C Director, Mechanical and Electrical Sherbrooke, QC

MENTOR |

Shortly after earning her engineering degree from the Université de Sherbrooke, Julie received a wise piece of advice from somebody already in the industry. “I was told that Daniel Nappert at EXP was a good coach, and that I should send him my resume. So I did,” says Julie. “He contacted me for an interview and hired me a few days later.” From day one, it was an inspiring professional relationship based on respect and trust. A team player first Growing up with 10 brothers and sisters, Daniel quickly grasped the meaning of being a team player and applied it in the various areas of his life, making him the manager he is today. “I coached a hockey team for 14 years. Team spirit is number one for me,” he says. He believes the keys to success are respect, mutual support and communication. During his 35 years at EXP, Daniel has always nurtured the relationship with his team, even in the busiest of times. Whether it’s to answer a question or just to share a coffee with his team in the break room, he takes the time to stop and hear what people have to say.

“Daniel is very close to his people, and we really appreciate it. Our team is close- knit, as they say. Every day, we like to spend a few minutes around the coffee machine, talking about work and this and that. Everyone enjoys it. It builds team spirit and creates ties among employees,” says Julie.

MENTEE |

When Julie Pellerin talks about her career path, the name of the person she considers her mentor, Daniel Nappert, comes up quickly. Her face lights up, and her words about the man who has played a key role in her career at EXP since 1999 are tinged with respect and admiration.

Mirroring a positive leader From her earliest days at EXP, Julie quickly identified Daniel as an example to be followed. “Daniel’s office door is always open. When I was starting out, he helped me with expressing myself better and interacting with contractors. I like his communication style, his management techniques and his interventions, which are always intelligent, respectful and diplomatic.”

26 | EXPRESSO