In the vibrant and bustling world of 1930s bridge engineering, Frank Masters stands on the brink of a new era at Modjeski and Masters. Join us in imagining his life during this transformative period, as he reflects on the past and considers the future on the day Ralph Modjeski passes him the torch.
Morning Meditation:
With a cup of coffee in hand, Frank stands at the window of his office considering the many bridges he and Ralph have sculpted together during their time as partners. He sits down at his desk and immerses himself in the day's agenda, brimming with design reviews, project meetings, and consultations with clients. As he looks over blueprints and technical specifications for his next project, he visualizes the precise placement of beams and the resilient foundations that will make it last for decades to come. Frank's expertise and meticulous attention to detail have earned him a reputation as a master of his craft, and he carries this responsibility with both pride and humility.
Afternoon Agenda:
From the Huey P. Long Bridge in Louisiana to the Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge connecting New York to Ontario, Frank Masters worked on projects all across the country. Let’s imagine that on this day, he’s at the company’s HQ in Mechanicsburg. Maybe he’s just returned from visiting construction on the Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia, witnessing his design come to life firsthand. He’s still contemplating the immense responsibility the firm bears as bridge engineers, and the tangible impact he has on shaping the world around him.
Through the office, passionate debates reverberate across the corridors, accompanied by the scritch-scratch of pencils. Frank attends meetings with clients, carefully listening to their needs and concerns in order to deliver tailored solutions and build lasting relationships. As emerging leader of the firm, he recognizes the importance of maintaining Modjeski and Masters' reputation for excellence—not only in terms of engineering know-how, but also in fostering trust and transparency with clients.
Despite his hectic day, Frank carves out time in his busy schedule to mentor the firm's younger engineers, imparting his knowledge and instilling in them a sense of craftsmanship for the work they do. Watching his protégés grow and flourish, Frank is confident that they will play a vital role in the future of the firm.
Looking Towards the Future:
As the day draws to a close, Frank joins Ralph in his office—their conversation a blend of mentorship, guidance, and camaraderie. With years of experience, Ralph imparts wisdom and shares anecdotes from a lifetime dedicated to the art of bridge engineering, preparing Frank to take the helm. Maybe Ralph reinforces his belief in leading the industry to implement better safety standards for workers. Maybe they can’t help but speculate on the next great material or technique of the time. Maybe Ralph asks Frank about his family.
When Frank finally takes his leave, he finds himself envisioning and planning a future where Modjeski and Masters stays at the forefront of bridge engineering innovation. He is eager to embrace emerging technologies, such as improved material science, and he wonders about what kind of advances the future will bring that he could never foresee. How would Frank Masters react to seeing computer-aided design techniques, or modern seismic analysis? What would he think of the life-saving advances in NDT services and forensics?
Frank also reflects on the legacy he will leave behind. He understands that no matter what technologies rock the industry in the decades or even centuries to come, the most important thing he can do is lead with integrity and demonstrate the quality of character that has made the firm so successful for so many years.
Frank Masters trusts that the company’s bridges will not only stand as architectural marvels, but also serve as enduring symbols of collaboration—as testimonies to what people can achieve together.