Introducing Joe Lettiere, Engineering Manager, UG2 Subject Matter Expert
As UG2 expands opportunities for new and existing customers across the country to benefit from our services, we are thrilled to have Joe Lettiere helping to lead the charge in Chicago and the Midwest region. Joe brings incredible depth of expertise to our commitment to deliver the highest level of facility services along with engineering, janitorial, workplace solutions and mission critical support.
A lifelong Chicagoan, Joe’s early background in sales as an account representative was a foundation for his dedication to providing stellar customer service. Once in the trades and completion of his apprenticeship, he rose through the ranks to his current position as an engineering manager. He’s overseen as many as 28 properties and 140 union and non-union employees at a time—and won the admiration of virtually everyone he worked with along the way.
What keeps you so invested in and passionate about this work?
I am passionate about the relationships that I’ve built over the past 20 years. My customer retention since day one in the industry has been 100 percent. I still have relationships with partners I started with 20 years ago.
There is a small community in this industry. That means that any respect you get is earned by your word, how you treat people and what you have done. Mutual respect and friendship keep those relationships going, and because of those relationships I have a plethora of help—experts to reach out to, whenever I run into something new, I can turn to those relationships with industry experts to assist with any challenge.
What have you found is the key to maintaining those strong relationships?
From my perspective, I’m always a guest wherever I go. I’m a guest in a building. I’m a guest to a customer. I’m a guest to an owner. I have to make them comfortable enough to trust me with their multi-million-dollar properties and have faith that I can help run it appropriately with the engineers who are in the building day in and day out.
It’s also about being present, in front of the customer and employees, making sure they get the support they need. It’s about building that relationship with each individual person you encounter.
My mom said when I was a kid, “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” I just have to listen to what the customer and staff needs, so that we can provide the best service possible.
How do you stay current with your expertise?
I’ve had many mentors and colleagues that have helped me along the way. They may have a different approach and I am constantly picking their brains to get to the best practices out there. I’ll never know everything and it’s a strength being able to ask for help.
I’m involved in Chief Engineers of Chicagoland and I attend all the industry events. I am active in Local 399 and I’ve recently gone back to school. I continue with industry courses, seminars and have continuously tried to further my education.
What’s your out-of-work life like?
I spend most of my free time chasing my kids around to all the sporting events they are involved with. I’ve been married for 14 years and have 4 children. We love to travel and experience the country through road trips with the kids. When I’m not traveling or chasing my kids around, I just enjoy having a drink or two with family and friends.