Employee Spotlight: Christopher Kaminski, Control Systems Engineering Supervisor
When Christopher Kaminski first walked through the doors of T.M. Bier & Associates more than a decade ago, he didn’t yet know how deeply the world of building automation would pull him in. Fresh from earning his master’s degree in Energy Management at the New York Institute of Technology, Chris was encouraged to apply by a close friend, Patrick, who already worked at the company. One interview later—with his now long-time manager, Steve Neuf—and he was in.
For more than ten years, Chris worked as a Control Systems Engineer, fielding service calls, diagnosing issues, and helping clients keep their systems running smoothly. Over time, his responsibilities expanded: managing technician schedules, coordinating parts and materials, and performing EcoStruxure upgrades. This year, his hard work and steady leadership earned him a promotion to Control Systems Engineering Supervisor. Chris exemplifies the positive qualities of a controls engineer—a unique blend of technical expertise, effective problem-solving, and exceptional customer service. He takes pride in being well versed in almost every software platform TMBA has implemented.
Ask him about a moment that stands out – Chris points to a high-pressure service call during TMBA’s early tenure at a major retail property in NJ. On one of the very first weekends under a new service agreement, a critical system malfunctioned during a major on-site event. With little time to spare, Chris stepped in, performed rapid diagnostics and last-minute programming, and restored functionality before it could disrupt operations. It was the kind of real-time challenge that tests an engineer’s expertise—and one he looks back on with pride.
The complexity of these systems has grown immensely since Chris joined the company in 2014. Building management systems today, he explains, are far more integrated than they used to be. “HVAC, lighting, card access, cameras—everything talks to each other now. And there’s much more IT and cybersecurity involved.” He’s also watched the rise of energy monitoring and analytics tools that let facilities track their performance in real time. “It’s exciting,” he adds. “You can really see how the industry is evolving, and TMBA has been at the forefront of leading that change.”
Through it all, what’s kept Chris rooted at TMBA is the company culture. “It’s a family atmosphere—you don’t feel like just a number here,” he says. “People help each other out. You can count on your coworkers, and that makes all the difference.” He’s quick to credit his manager, Steve Neuf, for keeping things light when the work gets demanding. “Steve’s great—he’s funny, supportive, and knows how to keep morale up,” Chris says.
Asked what advice he’d give to someone thinking about entering the field, Chris doesn’t hesitate. “Always keep an open mind,” he says. “This field changes constantly. The moment you think you know it all, there’s something new to learn. Keep training, embrace curiosity, and know two days here are never the same.”
Outside of work, Chris’s life revolves around his family—his wife Lauren, his three-year-old son, and a baby girl expected in Spring 2026. “We like to take road trips and spend time outdoors,” he says. “Being a dad is the best part of my day.” And for those who don’t know him as well, there’s one fun fact that often surprises people: he’s a bit of a weather nerd. “I’ll be the first person to know about the next big storm headed our way,” he laughs. “And yes, I do have my own weather station.”
Looking back, Chris is proud of how far he’s come—from a newcomer learning the ropes to a supervisor shaping the next generation of engineers. The Service Department has grown tremendously during his tenure, and he attributes much of that success to its ability to work as a cohesive unit. “It’s been a great journey, and I’m excited to see where TMBA’s commitment to shared excellence and collaboration brings us in the years ahead.”
