As promised, our Employee Spotlight series puts the focus on the people behind the work at ATMI Precast. This month, we’re excited to introduce Tony Rothermel, who is celebrating his 25-year anniversary with ATMI Precast!
Getting to Know Tony
What’s your current role at ATMI Precast?
I am ATMI’s Senior Project Manager.
How long have you been with ATMI Precast?
I started in August 2001 and I’ve been with ATMI Precast for 25 years.
How did you get started in the precast industry?
I got my start in the construction industry by working summers throughout college as a surveyor and equipment operator. Those hands-on experiences gave me an appreciation for how projects come together and sparked my interest in pursuing a career in construction.
After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) with a degree in Engineering and Construction Management, I submitted my resume to ATMI Precast. I was fortunate to join the team, and I’ve been here ever since.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the ATMI team?
What I enjoy most about being part of the ATMI team is the people and the company culture. ATMI is a family-owned business, and everyone is treated with respect and made to feel like a valued part of the team. There is a strong sense of teamwork, and people are always willing to help one another when challenges come up. Every new challenge is an opportunity to continue to learn and grow professionally.
Who has influenced or mentored you in your career?
I would have to say the person who has influenced me the most is Ken Graef (now retired). I had the opportunity to work closely with him and learned a tremendous amount from his knowledge, experience, and approach to problem-solving. Whether it was listening to work-related conversations, watching how he approached challenges, or seeing him routinely pace back and forth while talking on the phone, I was always learning. He had a unique ability to analyze situations, think through challenges, and find solutions. The lessons I learned from him have had a lasting impact on how I approach my own work today.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family. Recently, my triplets received their driving permits, and we purchased their first car. It’s an older vehicle, which has given us the opportunity to work on it together while I teach them the basic maintenance and repairs needed to keep it running. It has been rewarding to pass along those skills that were passed down to me by my father while also spending quality time with them. I also enjoy getting out on the road with them as they gain confidence and experience behind the wheel.
What’s your favorite saying, quote, or piece of advice you live by?
One piece of advice that has always stuck with me is a quote from Edgar Allan Poe: “Believe nothing that you hear, and only half of what you see.”
This advice was passed down to me through my family—first from my grandfather to my father, and then from my father to me when I left for college. To me, it means taking the time to think critically, ask questions, and form your own conclusions rather than simply accepting things at face value. Understanding this principle and applying it throughout life will help you make better decisions, continue learning, and ultimately find success.
What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday?
My idea of a perfect Saturday is simply relaxing and enjoying sports with my kids. Whether we’re watching a game together or out playing sports ourselves, those simple moments are what make a Saturday perfect.
Tell us about a time where ATMI delivered on “As Promised”.
One project that stands out to me is the CyrusOne Almond project, which we delivered starting in April 2025. This Aurora data center presented a unique challenge with a complex schedule and multiple phases that required careful coordination and execution.
As a team, we successfully managed the engineering, production, and erection schedules while maintaining the quality and standards our customers expect from ATMI. Through strong communication, collaboration, and commitment from everyone involved, we delivered a beautiful architectural precast building that truly represents what “As Promised” means to our company.