In nearly 30 years at TSP, Penny Harrison has seen a few changes in the workplace.

OK, let’s be honest – she has seen more than just a few.

During that time, Penny has adapted to changes in the business environment with a proactive approach, a collaborative mindset, and a strong commitment to accuracy.

As Penny, office manager in TSP’s Rochester office, prepares to step into retirement, it’s a moment to reflect on the journey, filled with milestones, achievements, and memories.

It was a different time
When Penny started at TSP in May 1995, the fax machine was in its heyday, there were no direct-dial phone numbers in the Rochester office, and while email existed, it was not widely used.

“When I first was hired, I answered the phone and I did all the faxes in and out,” Penny said. “We printed all of our own plans and specs here, and we had a print room person to do that.”

Penny remembers about 12 incoming phone lines and 10 outgoing ones, and there were times when you had to wait for an available line.

“And the fax machine just ran nonstop. Contractors would fax shop drawings, we would fax letters, all bidding was done via the fax machine, addendums were sent out via the fax machine,” she said.

“We went through reams and reams of paper in the fax machine. People faxed in everything, and the days just flew by.”

Another notable difference between then and now was a busy word processing department in Rochester, where two or three people transcribed recorded audio notes into written documents, reports, and specifications.

In her time at TSP, Penny saw the number of team members in the Rochester office fluctuate from over 40 at its peak to as few as four people in more challenging times.

An interesting industry
Referring to Rochester as either a big, small town or a small, big town with considerable influence from the Mayo Clinic, Penny appreciates being involved in projects before it becomes general knowledge.

“A lot of the time, we know what is going on before the public knows because somebody asked us to do some work,” she said.

“By the time it becomes public, we’ve done the concept drawings or schematic drawings are done, and it’s like, ‘we knew that a long time ago.’”

When it comes to favorite TSP projects, the Mayo Civic Center expansion and the phased City of Rochester Public Works & Transit Operation Center are at the top of Penny’s list.

Both projects took place during challenging times in the AEC industry and many team members from across the TSP footprint participated in one or both major projects.

“The Mayo Civic Center was a very high-profile project, was very well received by the community, and our name was in the paper often,” she said.

Most meetings for both projects took place at the Rochester TSP office, and Penny’s involvement, which included preparing meeting minutes, working with contracts, and other administrative duties, provided her with a front-row seat.

“The clients came here a lot, so I got to know the names and the faces,” Penny said.

“I would say I was just more personally involved in those two projects than most.”

“I like what I do”
Penny has managed regular billing responsibilities for the Rochester office since 2019.

Attention to details and meeting deadlines have been key to her success, but she also had the opportunity to gain experience and grow within the role.

In addition to her regular administrative duties, she would help with preliminary billing and sit in with former Managing Principal Steve Sorensen and project managers when they reviewed billing.

“So, I understood billing from the get-go,” she said.

Brenda Moore, TSP’s director of finance, has always valued working with Penny, and even more so since Penny took on project management assistant duties in Rochester.

“Penny has handled some complicated projects and processes, and I enjoy discussing them with her because she is always focused on making sure everything is accurate,” Brenda said.

“Penny quietly gets things done without seeking recognition. We truly appreciate her and all she has done for TSP over the last 30 (almost) years!”

The next chapter
Retirement will offer Penny greater flexibility to spend more time with family, but after nearly 30 years of hard work and important contributions, not being in daily contact with the TSP team will be an adjustment.

“I would say especially the admin department; the people I work with the most – they are just great,” Penny said.

“They are all smart, they are all very helpful, with a ‘we are all in this together’ mindset,” she said.

That feeling is mutual among Penny’s TSP colleagues.

“Penny has truly been a joy to work with over the last 16-plus years,” said TSP Logistics Manager Lindsey Dacy.

“She is a true example of a selfless person, always willing to help wherever and whenever needed. Penny was never afraid to step outside her usual processes, no matter how unfamiliar it might have been.

“I will sure miss her and wish her nothing but the absolute best in her retirement years.”