Team Member Spotlight: Chris Oleniacz

Chris Oleniacz, JHA’s Director of Survey, has always felt a strong connection to his roots. “I was born and raised right here in Montrose, Pennsylvania,” he says, noting that he’s never strayed far from home. After attending the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, he returned to Montrose after graduation and has lived there ever since.

Chris began his professional career as a surveyor in Green, New York, where he spent ten years. But in February 2011, he found an opportunity closer to home at JHA Companies. The move to JHA was motivated by family. He wanted to trade a long commute for more time with his wife and children.

“At the time, I was driving 45 minutes to work every day,” Chris recalls. “I was missing all the little stuff with my boys. This job at JHA gave me the opportunity to go to their plays, to be there when sports started coming–I actually started coaching my kids. I had that availability.”

Chris’s devotion to his family is apparent in every aspect of his life. Married to his wife, Tanya, for 21 years, they have a lively household filled with love, laughter, and a variety of pets, including two dogs, a cat named Winston (“he’s my little buddy”), rabbits, and fish.

“My oldest son, Zachary, is 23. He graduated from Penn State in December with a degree in chemical engineering,” Chris shares. “My second son, Kyle, is 20 and works for a contracting company in Montrose. I also have a daughter, Tessa, who’s 10 and keeps us busy. She’s involved in competitions such as cheerleading, basketball, and archery. In fact, she’s one of the top archery shooters for elementary girls in Montrose.”

Outside of work and family, Chris enjoys hobbies that keep him connected to nature and fuel his creativity. Hunting has been a lifelong passion he shares with his sons, while golf provides a fun yet challenging outlet. “I’m not great at it, but it’s one of those sports where you’re always competing against yourself,” he says with a smile.

Chris also indulges in building model cars, a hobby that connects him to his love of hot rods—a passion passed down from his father. “It’s my little way of building cars during the winter, and it keeps me up past six-thirty at night,” he laughs.

At JHA, Chris has not only found a fulfilling career but also a sense of community that supports both his professional and personal growth. One of his most meaningful experiences at the company is his relationship with Joel Cook, a colleague he’s mentored over the years.

“My most memorable experience is the relationship I’ve built with Joel Cook,” Chris reflects. “Training him in surveying and getting to know him has been phenomenal.” He chuckles as he recalls Joel’s early days at JHA. “When he first started, I wouldn’t let him write on wooden stakes because his handwriting was so bad! I made him practice his alphabet until it was clean enough for contractors to read.” Over time, Joel’s growth became clear, and Chris considers him one of the most sincere and intelligent people he’s met. “And the guy can juggle. He does the MC Hammer ‘Can’t Touch This’ dance better than anyone I’ve ever seen—it’s amazing.”

When asked why he’s stayed at JHA, Chris’s answer is simple: “Why would I go anywhere else?” The company has not only provided him with a rewarding career but also an environment that fosters growth, encouragement, and a strong sense of community. The leadership, particularly from Owner/Founder Joe Hunt, has always been there to support him, both professionally and personally. “And if Joe’s not available, there are always others to reach out to for support.”

What truly sets JHA apart, Chris believes, is the camaraderie. “It’s the people here. You can talk to anyone, whether they’re in your division or not, about anything—work-related or personal. If you’re struggling with something, it’s amazing how people will run to you to help you and not run away from you.” In a heartfelt analogy, Chris describes JHA as a bowl of soup. “Some of us are carrots, some are peas, some are meat. But if you take one of those ingredients out, the soup isn’t as good. And really, JHA is a wonderful bowl of soup.”