Brian Hartman

Senior Vice President and Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Project Director

Bechtel

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?

Bringing the DFLAW vitrification plant at Hanford online safely and beginning the journey of eliminating the 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste to help start the end of the 80-year threat to the Columbia River Basin.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

When faced with two paths that will lead you beyond the current position in life, take the path that you feel will challenge you more as it will lead you to learn new things and tackle the unknown. I really live for the challenge.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

A telephone solicitor for Maritz QCS and I performed telephone surveys for telephone company customers. I learned persistence, how to deal with difficult people, and that taking on additional tasks will get you recognition and a shot at future opportunities.

Name one item on your bucket list.

Visit New Zealand or Antarctica.

Name one thing about yourself you want people to know.

I’m really a nice guy!

What is your favorite Tri-Cities restaurant and what do you order there?

My favorite is an Italian place in north Richland called Napoli’s. A little out of the way but delicious and friendly. I have a special order consisting of the carbonara with veal. It’s not on the menu.

If you had one wish for the Tri-Cities, what would it be?

Continue to prioritize creating the social outlets needed to keep talented young professionals in the community.

What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? 

Opportunities abound. We have focused on our people resources from which we will be able to continue to grow things in the manner we can deliver for our customers’ missions and give our colleagues the challenges and growth they seek.