First in a series of conversations with firm leadership, by Maeve Byrne
Gary Passero founded Passero Associates, an engineering and architecture firm, in 1972. This year, Passero has been with the firm for 45 years, and is now semi-retiring.
When Gary first started the firm 45 years ago, it began as a one-man operation, with one client.
“We came from a humble beginning on Lake Avenue. We started out in one room and then we got so big we occupied the building,” Passero recalled. “Then in ‘85, we bought a building on Liberty Pole Way and that was our first property that we developed ourselves for our offices. That, to me, was a great thrill.”
Gary first became inspired to become an engineer when he was 13 or 14 years old. He was working for his uncles, who were all in construction.
“A city engineer at that time was coming to inspect a site, and everybody was scurrying to make this man happy,” Passero said. “I was just impressed with this gentleman who was a civil engineer. That was my first touch with getting out of the trenches and into something with a suit and tie on.”
For Gary, he had a lot of people who helped shape his career. His parents supported him in everything he did, and his uncle helped him by paying his tuition to go to college. Gary was also greatly influenced by Norm Leenhouts, who passed away recently.
“Norm Leenhouts was a great man in this community, and somebody to follow after,” Passero said. “He was a very successful businessman, but he was a man of character. He never wavered in his values. Money was not his object. He was a good, charitable man, and he had a lot of wisdom in what he did in this community.”
Although Gary has been with the company since he founded it 45 years ago, he feels as though there was a shift within his own life and within the company 26 years ago.
“I met the Lord Jesus Christ 26 years ago, and my life and this business changed accordingly. My values changed, what was important in life changed, my family changed. I tried to run the company with the support of my partners in a way that was honorable to Jesus Christ,” Passero said. “I believe that’s why we’re so successful. We’re not doing it for the money; we’re doing it because it’s what we need to be doing. This is what God created us to do.”
To Gary, one of the most important parts of the firm is the list of core values that they have written on the wall in the office: Integrity, Servant Leadership, Passion for Excellence, One Firm, Work/Life Balance.
“I’m able to use my time, talent, and treasures in a way that’s helping other people, it’s not just feeding myself,” Passero said. “This company, and the people in this company, maintains the values that we proudly present. This is truly a company that adheres to those values and morals.”
Gary most enjoys that his job includes giving back to the community that helped build his firm into what it has become today.
“We as a company, are thriving in a community, but we’re thriving because of the community,” he said. “It’s our belief that we need to be giving back.”
Under Gary Passero, Passero Associates has worked on award-winning projects, including the Irondequoit Public Library, Bridge Square Mixed-Use Building, and countless others. Gary was named “Engineer of the Year” in 2010 by the Rochester Engineering Society, and was named a finalist for “Small Business Person of the Year” by the Small Business Council in both 2003 and 2010. Gary’s most memorable project was The Town of Arundel Quiet Library, which is only three or four years old.
“I think that was one of the major architectural projects this company has done,” Passero said. “I think it helped pole-vault us as being architects, along with our current office building.”
To Gary, the name Passero is a good name in town, that has good vibes associated with it.
“Passero is naturally close to my heart, because I grew up with it. It’s like my baby. I want to do everything to help it,” Passero said. “I believe with the leadership team that’s running it today, there’s no limit to what we can do in the community and in our offices.”
As he semi-retires from the firm, Passero hopes to be traveling to Florida for the months of February and March, and loves to spend time with his family and grandchildren.
Gary anticipates great things for the future of Passero Associates as it continues to grow.
“I think this company is going to double within the next 5 years,” he said. “I think we have the people in place in all the categories that are necessary for success, and they all have a heart.”
Looking back on his 45-year career at Passero, Gary feels very grateful.
“I really am grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of this company, and that it’s successful today through our leaders.”