We Are Loureiro: Joe Martino
April 22nd, 2024
For Controller Joseph Martino, the most interesting aspect of working at Loureiro is his ability to see beyond the finance and accounting world.
“We’re an engineering firm, a construction firm, a Laboratory and so much more,” says Joe. “I’ve received a wealth of experience in accounting and finance while also learning a lot about construction, engineering, and the way a business operates. At Loureiro, each day brings something new, and you get to work with people from all over the company.
Joe went to Loyola University Maryland where he received both his Bachelor’s Degree and MBA with a specialization in Finance. His goal initially was to become a financial analyst, but as he started applying to jobs and talking with different companies post his undergrad, he realized it was worth looking at other fields.
“I enrolled in an accelerated MBA program at Loyola after which I moved back to Connecticut where most of my friends and family were,” says Joe. “Not long after that I had an interview with Loureiro and immediately noticed that the company had a great culture.”
Joe started at Loureiro in July 2021 as a Staff Accountant and finished his MBA that summer. Over the next two and a half years, Joe worked his way up to Director of Accounting, and now, Controller. His growth and experience at Loureiro have allowed him to see what makes Loureiro unique.
“From an operational perspective, what distinguishes us is our unique combination of disciplines all under one roof. So much of what we’re capable of at Loureiro and so much of the work we do ties together, and we have the ability to leverage that in the marketplace,” says Joe. “From a culture perspective, the fact that we’re an ESOP is unique, and you can see how that affects the drive to work together as a team.”
Joe notes that the mindset at Loureiro is not “well that’s your job, not mine.” There’s a lot of collaboration that happens on a day-to-day basis.
“You can always walk into Brian Cutler’s office, Dave Fiereck’s office, Steve Diaz’s office — they want to help, and are always willing to have a conversation and share their knowledge. In general, there’s a lot of interaction across the company, and it creates a team-like atmosphere.”
Joe is inspired by his ability to affect change. The potential to make a lasting, positive impact on a company, whether financially, culturally, or otherwise, is something that keeps him motivated.
“I see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to a better future for Loureiro,” says Joe.
Joe prides himself on his willingness to learn and adapt – advice he received from his family at a young age.
“Whether that’s in relation to the work you do or your personal life, it’s important to have that flexibility. This advice was not only instrumental when I was deciding if I should explore career options past finance but has also helped me every time I am faced with a new challenge at Loureiro.”
Joe holds a deep admiration for his father, attributing his strong work ethic to him. His father, a self-made business owner, instilled in Joe a sense of pride and ownership in his work. From a young age, Joe worked in his father's company warehouse, witnessing firsthand the dedication and determination his father exhibited in overcoming challenges. This experience left a mark on Joe, shaping his approach to work.
“He taught me to have pride in myself, and to own what I do – that if I put my name to something, I’ve given it my all and am proud of it,” says Joe. “I saw how hard he worked while I was growing up, and that’s something that sticks with me to this day.”
Beyond his professional life, Joe finds joy in a variety of activities outside of work. He is an avid pickleball and soccer player. Additionally, Joe is a fervent supporter of Chicago sports, particularly the Blackhawks of the NHL. Despite growing up in New England, Joseph's affinity for this team stems from an early experience playing an NHL video game with his brother, where he chose to play as legendary Blackhawk Marián Hossa. This seemingly chance decision sparked a lasting fandom and led him to embrace all Chicago sports teams. Joe also enjoys spending quality time with his family, friends, and girlfriend.