#Duckumentary - Nick Mata

What do you do here at EDA?

I am a Safety Coordinator at EDA, responsible for ensuring that all EDA field members have the proper safety measures in place to work safely. My duties also include delivering appropriate safety equipment to job sites, conducting job site and fall protection inspections, and providing on-site safety training.

What’s your favorite thing about working with your team/department?  

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with the Safety Team is the collaborative environment. I can always get support from anyone on the Safety Team as well as anyone at EDA, which in time turns into a culture of continuous learning. The opportunity to work with such knowledgeable and passionate peers is incredibly inspiring and motivating. I go to and from work every day feeling rewarded.

Outside of work, do you have any favorite activities or hobbies?

Outside of work, I enjoy playing video games, listening to music (a lot of music) and watching sports. My favorite teams are the Eagles, Flyers, and Benfica. I'm always listening to music, so feel free to strike up a conversation about it anytime. My taste spans everything from The Black Keys to Drake, and I’m always open to new suggestions.

What’s the best piece of advice you have been given relating to your job/career?

My manager, Kim, often tells me to “pick your battles.” It’s simple advice that goes a long way. It means choosing which issues are worth your time and energy to address. Not every problem or disagreement is worth fighting over; it’s often wiser to focus on the most important or impactful ones. This mindset has helped me reduce stress and concentrate on what’s right in front of me.

What’s one thing you never leave home without?

One thing I never leave home without is my phone. I’m not worried about people being unable to reach me—I’m worried about having no way to listen to music on my commute.

Cats or dogs? And why?

Dogs. Nothing compares to a dog’s love. My mom has a cat, and most of the time, I can’t tell if she wants me to pet her or plot my demise. Plus, I’m allergic to cats. So, yeah—dogs.

What is your favorite part of of your job?

My favorite part of the job is bringing my ideas to life. Every suggestion I’ve made to my team has been implemented in some way. Whenever there’s a question or issue, the entire team collaborates to find a solution—there’s no wrong answer. Knowing my voice is heard provides a tremendous motivational boost.

If you were planning your favorite meal, what’s on the menu?

Chicken cutlets. They’re the best. Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad one. The possibilities are endless—and if you throw a little pasta on the side, I might just hand over my Netflix password.

How do you stay updated on industry trends and advancements, and are there any recent developments that have caught your attention?

I stay updated on industry trends through webinars, peer-to-peer conversations, safety training, OSHA resources, and safety websites like ASSP and NSC. One development I've noticed on the safety team is a consistent effort from everyone I interact with to improve daily and work as safely as possible.

What's your proudest accomplishment, either in your professional or personal life?

My proudest accomplishment has been transforming myself—becoming more mature and accepting of who I am. I realized there’s never a true “dead end,” only a reason to keep moving. I used to be hard on myself, and I came to understand that this mindset affected everything around me.

Over the past year, I’ve found a career I love, gotten engaged, and begun earning certifications to advance my professional growth. Every day, I set a new goal, no matter how big or small. And every day, I become more proud of myself.