2013 40 Under 40: Robert J. Garra Jr., 35

Robert J. Garra Jr., PE, CDT, 35

Vice President, Cannon Design, 
Buffalo, N.Y.

Rochester Institute of Technology, 
BS Electrical Engineering

Robert J. Garra Jr. credits his work philosophy and career choice to the guidance and influence of others. Growing up as the son of an electrician, Garra was destined to work in the electrical contracting business. His father and his father’s coworkers encouraged Garra to pursue electrical engineering, becoming the catalyst for his career. Now as an expert in his profession, Garra is responsible for the conceptual planning, design, estimating, and administration of electrical engineering systems. As the lead electrical engineer on the Blue Ridge Health Care System project in Morganton, N.C., Garra managed a complicated renovation and a well-choreographed collaboration from multiple contractors. The $75-million expansion and renovation project includes new imaging suites and new mechanical and electrical infrastructure throughout the facility. But Garra’s experience extends beyond his work in the health care field. He’s worked with notable names such as Arizona State University, Boston University, Coppin State University, the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, and Marlins Park in Miami. Garra applied his electrical engineering experience as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity’s Denver chapter. Garra is also an aspiring drummer studying under an accomplished drummer and an avid Telemark skier who gets out as much as he can with his family. He believes giving a full effort to all endeavors naturally balances his work and life activities.

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