From leading structural design on complex projects to pushing himself through ultramarathons, Travis Soprano, P.E., knows a thing or two about endurance and focus. As a Senior Project Manager and Branch Lead of our Carlisle office, he works with clients across a variety of sectors to bring projects to life.
Get to know Travis beyond the drawings in the spotlight below.
Question 1: What inspired you to join Providence, and what has kept you here?
I joined Ritchie Engineering’s team in 2013 straight out of college and in 2017 we merged with Providence Engineering. The culture and vibe in the company are great and has kept me wanting to be part of the continuing journey.
Question 2: What does being an employee-owner mean to you?
As an employee-owner, the company’s success has a direct correlation to my retirement compensation in the form of the company’s valuation each year.
Question 3: If you weren’t an engineer, what profession would you be in?
I’d likely have enlisted in the military if I hadn’t gone to college.
Question 4: What’s the most unusual job or task you’ve ever had?
I worked for a landscape company during the summers (cutting grass, spreading mulch, etc.). I also worked as a cart pusher for a local grocery store.
Question 5: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Just don’t think about it.” It’s a simple statement, but it can be applied so many different ways. If you’re in the midst of a busy week at work and feeling overwhelmed, “Just don’t think about it.” Don’t dwell on how much you have to do, just focus on what you are doing now. If you’re asked to talk in front of a crowd and that makes you feel uncomfortable, “Just don’t think about it.” Don’t think about everyone watching you, think about your next statement. If you’re at mile 53 of a race and your legs are cramping, “Just don’t think about it.” Thinking about what hurts isn’t going to make it hurt any less, it’s going to highlight the pain. Think about birds or start singing that song stuck in your head (or any other random thing). It just might be enough to get you to the next checkpoint so you can re-calibrate.
It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you can tune out the negativity.
Question 6: What’s one movie, book, or TV show you never get tired of?
I enjoy reading Stephen King books. I’d be willing to read anything by him either by audiobook or hard cover.
Question 7: What’s your hidden talent or hobby most people don’t know about?
Suffering. The past decade I’ve become an ultrarunner. I enjoy the long endurance events and seeing how far I can push myself without giving up (still haven’t found the limit yet). I’m sure like with any hobby, one of the best parts about it is the camaraderie. Running and chatting with a group of like minded people is awesome.
“Any idiot can run a marathon, it takes a special kind of idiot to run an ultra marathon.”
Question 8: What’s your all-time favorite guilty pleasure snack or treat?
Tortilla chips and Nerds Gummy Clusters.
Question 9: What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift in York, PA. This was pretty cool, because it was when Taylor was a nobody that was opening for Brad Paisley near her hometown. In her set she was doing covers because the audience didn’t know any song but “Tim McGraw.” It was long before the Eras tour and long before she became the global icon she is now.
Question 10: What’s something on your bucket list you’re hoping to check off soon?
Run 100 miles at once (Zugspitz UltraTrail – June 2026!!).
Question 11: What’s your go-to karaoke song or pump-up anthem?
Forgot About Dre by Dr. Dre and Eminem. I’ve never tried to sing it outside of my vehicle, but I’m confident I could rap along to the whole song.
Stay tuned each month as we continue to highlight more of our employee-owners and share their unique stories. We’re excited to showcase the people who make Providence a great place to work!
