Ones to Watch 2019: Harry Samolchuk, Connolly Brothers Inc.

Year you entered your current field? 1981

Who or what do you attribute to your success? I attribute my success to the work ethic that my parents instilled in me. Sometimes it can be to your advantage if you aren’t the smartest or the most talented right out of the gate. You just have to understand that you’ll have to work harder and that’s okay with me. 

?Who are some leaders that you admire and why? Generally, I admire folks who excel at their craft. Not only the gifted ones, but those who have worked the hardest and are the most disciplined. Also, anyone who’s dedicated their lives to helping the less fortunate or trying to make the world a better place. Martin Luther King, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Jackie Stewart, to name a few. Jackie Stewart because I’m a huge auto racing fan and as talented as he was, he also worked tirelessly to improve safety in racing.  

What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry? Understand that this is not a profession where you’ll necessarily make a lot of money, but it can be very fulfilling. 

Most design professionals do what we do because we have the ability to balance creativity with practical solutions.

How have your life experiences impacted who you are professionally? I think that being a father helped ground me. It also helped me understand that it takes patience to work through problems and to understand that each person, whether it’s a co-worker, a consultant, or a client has their own individual personalities and needs.