"I really like a quote by Thomas Edison. 'Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.'"
Brett Calabretta received his undergraduate degree from Penn State and his Master of Business Administration from York College in 2004. He pursued his MBA after working for several years as an engineer. With a desire to start or own a business, he aimed to gain a better perspective on business and the challenges business owners face. His time in graduate school helped him become more well-rounded in handling non-technical situations common in business. He felt better prepared to collaborate with and lead teams to accomplish common goals and manage business risks.
Calabretta shared that his favorite professor was Dave Greisler, who pushed him to think differently. He enjoyed Greisler’s classes and appreciated the conversations that allowed him to gain insights from the professor’s business experience. He often sought Greisler’s input on his career aspirations and
direction.
Currently, Calabretta serves as a mentor in the Graham School Mentoring Program and has been a key member of the planning team for York College’s Knowledge Park. Calabretta shared, “Having helped lead a large construction company, I was continually exposed to how influential the work and the facilities we developed were to others...It truly is both humbling and an honor to have the opportunity to lead others and focus on people and relationships first.”
View all of the 2024 Spartans of the Year award recipients.