Stephen W. Cole Emerging Leaders Program Class of '25 Graduates

The 2024-2025 class of the Stephen W. Cole Emerging Leaders Program has officially graduated! This was the biggest class so far. This years participants were: Johnathan Anderson (Construction Services Manager, Gray, Maine), Dylan Cray (Construction Services Technician – Grade I, Bangor, Maine), Sean Hlywa (Staff Geotechnical Engineer, Somersworth, New Hampshire), Dylan Knowles (Drilling Services Coordinator, Bangor, Maine), and Jean Lamontanaro (Marketing Manager, Bangor, Maine).

*Jean Lamontanaro, Dylan Knowles, Johnathan Anderson, Sean Hlywa, Dylan Cray*

*Steve Cole, S.W. Cole’s founder, speaking at the graduation luncheon*

Our internal leadership training program is designed for team members who are committed to professional growth, future leadership opportunities, and contributing to the overall success of S.W. Cole.

This program equips participants with essential knowledge and skills that will prepare them for future leadership roles and support the continued growth and development of our company.

Participants gained valuable insights into key service areas of the organization, including:

Human Resources
Finance
Accounting
Safety

Each participant completed an individual project. Johnathan Anderson investigated the best approach for personnel management for project managers. Dylan Cray looked at our current client relations efforts and how they compare to others in the industry. Sean Hlywa focused on creating a strategic plan for opening a new office location. Dylan Knowles created a training video to introduce new hires to geotechnical drilling. Jean Lamontanaro worked on evaluating the current internal company culture.

In addition to their individual work, the group collaborated on a project focused on employee training programs. They evaluated different training platforms and recommended a platform to use for employee onboarding training at S.W. Cole and Seaboard Drilling.

During the celebratory luncheon at The Oak Table & Bar, there was an opportunity for graduates to share their experiences, reflect on their learning, and celebrate their achievements. COO Chad Michaud, P.E., gave the opening remarks, speaking about the history of the leadership program and its benefits to the firm. Founder Steve Cole shared some of what he learned during his time leading the firm. CEO Bob Chaput, P.E., presented the graduates with plaques honoring the achievement. It was a meaningful conclusion to the program.

We all appreciate the hard work and time this year’s participants put in. Congratulations to Johnathan, Dylan C., Sean, Dylan K., and Jean!

Each participant was assigned a mentor to guide them and help them get the most benefit out of the program. Participants and mentors pictured left to right: Dylan Knowles (graduate), Jean Lamontanaro (graduate), Andrew Michaud (mentor), Johnathan Anderson (graduate), Dylan Cray (graduate), Bob Chaput (mentor), Jason Richard (mentor), Chad Michaud (mentor), Sean Hlywa (graduate) and Tyler Demers (mentor).