Why would a project manager at the largest commercial construction company in West Virginia decide to earn an Executive MBA at the University of Pittsburgh School of Business?
To follow in the footsteps of four other executives at the company. “The Executive MBA program has become a rite of passage at March-Westin,” says Patrick Garcia, a current student in this program.
The tradition began with Phil Weser, who earned his MBA at Pitt Business before founding March-Westin Company, Inc. in 1984. When it came time to build his leadership team, Weser turned to Pitt. Jamie Ridgeway, now president, joined the company in 1999, followed by Matthew Bourne, who joined the company in 2000 and became vice president in 2013. Weser required both to earn their Executive MBAs from Pitt—part of a plan to shape them as the company’s next generation of leadership.
That pipeline continues today. James Barvinchak joined March-Westin as a senior project manager and completed the Executive MBA program in 2018. He now serves as vice president of administration, further cementing the company’s deep connection to the university.
As Garcia explains, “Education is at the forefront of March-Westin’s mentality. I’m at Pitt now getting my Executive MBA to set up the company for continued success.”
Learn it Today, Apply it the Next Day
The structure of the 19-month Executive MBA program—classes meet on campus one weekend per month, with assignments completed virtually—enables students to work full-time while enrolled in the program. This can accelerate the student’s performance in the workplace.
Garcia remembers twice when he learned a new concept in a class weekend and used it in his job shortly thereafter.
“Discussions on change management in our Organizational Behavior class gave me very useful techniques to navigate a personnel change in our warehouse operations,” he says. In addition, he has used knowledge gained in the Economic Analysis for Managerial Decisions class to evaluate the effect tariffs could have on the company’s financial situation.
Executive MBA, Perfect for Engineers
The Executive MBA is open to executives across all industries with at least ten years of experience. Kim Abel, executive director of the Executive Degree Programs and Center for Executive Education, has noticed many individuals with science backgrounds are attracted to the program.
“Our programs are designed for individuals who are already successful in their professional domain – engineering, architecture, technology – augmenting their expertise with competence in business acumen, leadership, and strategy,” says Abel.
Education Investment Deepens Employee Loyalty
The firm has completed over 2,000 projects in six states and has received numerous public accolades. Garcia cannot imagine working anywhere else.
“We’re the largest commercial construction company in West Virginia and have been a pillar of excellence in the community for over 40 years,” says Garcia. “I cannot thank March-Westin enough for investing in me, helping further my education, and advancing my career.”
Ready to Expand Your Business Knowledge?
We offer several opportunities for you to connect with alumni, current students, and faculty to see if this program is right for you. Visit our upcoming events page and have all your questions answered.