In 2023, Francis Urchak joined the Township of Caldwell, New Jersey, as a public infrastructure specialist in the Department of Public Works (DPW). His duties as a DPW technician involve maintaining public facilities and grounds, as well as DPW vehicles and equipment. Francis Urchak works in Caldwell buildings, parks, and roads, in addition to supporting municipal utilities maintenance. He has also helped the town respond to various emergencies and hazards, such as storms and floods.
During his time as a public infrastructure specialist, Francis Urchak has led numerous seasonal cleanups and landscaping projects for public spaces throughout the town. His other responsibilities include road maintenance and sewer and storm drainage maintenance. He conducts all of his work in compliance with regulatory requirements, safety procedures, and municipal policies, including thorough recordkeeping for all projects and services.
Beyond his activities as a public infrastructure specialist, Francis Urchak serves the Township of Caldwell as a volunteer youth sports coach. A few of his personal interests include hiking, fishing, and reading.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I begin each day with a focus on consistency and structure, something I learned early in my career working within school buildings and grounds. My mornings usually start quietly, allowing me time to gather my thoughts before heading into work at the Township of West Caldwell. There, I take pride in ensuring the township’s facilities operate smoothly and safely—a role that requires attention to detail and reliable follow-through. My productivity comes from staying organized, maintaining a steady pace, and approaching every task with a problem-solver’s mindset developed from years of hands-on work and community service.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by thinking practically first. My years of maintaining school facilities taught me the value of planning, anticipating challenges, and creating solutions that stand up in the real world. When I envision a new idea—whether for improving a process at work, enhancing township operations, or helping in volunteer coaching—I break it down into steps, evaluate what resources are needed, and act methodically. Ideas become reality through steady effort and a willingness to roll up my sleeves and get the job done.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am fascinated by how technology and gaming continue to evolve. As someone who has enjoyed gaming for years, I appreciate how the industry blends creativity, strategy, and problem-solving. I also see the potential of modern technology—both in recreation and in workplace operations—to make tasks more efficient and interactive. Whether it’s new gaming innovations or tech used in municipal work, I’m excited about how digital tools and automation can enhance everyday life.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
The habit that keeps me productive is my dedication to consistency. In my line of work, whether in school facilities or township operations, reliability is everything. I approach each day with the mindset of showing up prepared, staying ahead of my responsibilities, and addressing issues before they grow. This steady work ethic—combined with the patience and leadership skills I developed through coaching—help me maintain strong productivity even when multiple demands arise at once.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the people around me. Over the years, through coaching and community involvement, I have learned how quickly time moves and how important relationships are. I would remind my younger self not to rush through experiences—especially time spent with family, friends, and the kids I coached—because those are the moments that end up shaping who you become.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I strongly believe that the simplest things—routine, consistency, effort, and integrity—are what create a fulfilling life. In a world where many chase shortcuts or constant change, I believe that showing up every day, doing the right thing, and taking pride in your work lead to the greatest long-term results. It’s a belief shaped by years of hands-on work, coaching, and serving the community, and it guides how I approach both my career and personal life.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I encourage people to step outside, unplug, and clear their minds. Whether it’s taking a quiet walk, fishing, or momentarily disconnecting from digital noise, I believe everyone benefits from finding a peaceful space. Spending time outdoors helps me to reset my focus and offers a mental break from the demands of work and everyday responsibilities.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I step away from the situation and give myself a few moments to breathe. Sometimes that means taking a walk or just finding a quiet place to regroup. My years of working in schools and municipal operations—and my experience with coaching young athletes—have taught me the value of patience. Clearing my head allows me to return to my tasks with a better perspective and a calmer approach.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has helped me advance in my career is learning to observe and adapt. From schools to township operations, every environment brings different challenges. I pay attention to how systems work, look for gaps or inefficiencies, and finds ways to improve them. This ability to adapt, combined with a willingness to take initiative, has allowed me to grow professionally and earn trust within the community I serve.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I would often try to take on too much at once, thinking it showed commitment. Over time, I learned that spreading myself too thin led to mistakes and unnecessary stress. I overcame this by learning to prioritize tasks, ask for support when needed, and focus on doing things the right way rather than rushing. The biggest lesson I took away is that it’s more effective to pace yourself and work smart than to burn yourself out.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I see an opportunity for a community-based service that blends home maintenance support with modern technology. Many residents—especially seniors or busy families—need help with small repairs, yard work, or seasonal maintenance. A company that pairs skilled workers with user-friendly scheduling technology could fill a major gap in local communities, offering convenience, affordability, and trustworthiness.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely heavily on scheduling and organizational apps to keep track of work responsibilities, township tasks, and personal commitments. Tools like Google Calendar help me stay on top of shifting schedules, coordinate with coworkers, and manage projects more efficiently. Having everything organized in one digital space allows me to stay consistent and prepared.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on fishing gear. Fishing gives me peace, quiet, and a break from the fast pace of daily life. Being out on the water helps me to reset mentally, enjoy nature, and return to work with a clear head. It’s a worthwhile investment in both relaxation and personal well-being.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I appreciate books and podcasts that focus on personal growth, leadership, and practical wisdom. I value content that teaches discipline, responsibility, and resilience—qualities I have applied throughout my career and coaching experience. The lessons I draw from these resources help me stay grounded and strengthen my ability to support others.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoy unwinding with a good movie or series, particularly anything related to adventure, sports, or lighthearted entertainment. After a long day of work or coaching obligations, watching a show helps me to decompress and transition into a more relaxed mindset before bed.
Key learnings
- Strong routines, dependable effort, and consistency lead to long-term success.
- Community service, coaching, and hands-on work build leadership and character.
- Technology and practical problem-solving can improve everyday life.
- Taking breaks, going outdoors, and spending time in nature support mental clarity.
- Being present and valuing personal connections enhance both work and home life.