Meet Our Team

You can say he has electricity running through his veins and it has sparked a multi-million dollar business. Dwayne K. Barlow, started his career in the utility industry in 1984 as a meter reader for ComEd – an Exelon Company. With more than 33 years of progressive experience, he is now at the helm of one of a few African-American-owned electrical construction contracting firms, whose core business is focused on security related to critical infrastructure protection. Along with his accomplishments as a business leader, Barlow has used his expertise to assist in the development of the Dawson Tech Overhead Electrical Line Worker Program, a college accredited curriculum (2009). He received the “Excellence in Customer Service Award” from Exelon for his efforts. In 2011, Barlow also received the “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” from the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce.

As the manager of safety, Arnold Brown plans, implements and oversees the safety and quality control programs for The BarTech Group, Inc. In this role, he establishes the most cost-effective way to reduce accidents and injuries in order to maintain a safe work environment. He also conducts safety meetings, audits, and accident investigations to identify internal trends and patterns. Prior to joining “Team BarTech,” Brown proudly served eight years in the United States Marine Corp. With 30 years of service at ComEd – an Exelon Company, he retired after holding various leadership positions including senior engineer, technical investigation manager, senior administrator and reliability planner. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Chicago State University and an Associate in Applied Science and Data Processing from Harry S. Truman College. He’s been married for 40 years and has two married children and two granddaughters. His hobbies include traveling and photography.

Xavier Barlow joined The BarTech Group, Inc. in 2016 as manager of special projects. He brings years of experience from ComEd – an Exelon Company as a quality control inspector where he managed all subcontractors in field and meter services and for underground transformers. He also spent several years overseeing the operation of generators during power outages and inspection of street and traffic lights. Additionally, Barlow has more than 27 years of experience with the Chicago Transit Authority working in various positions to include rail customer service and training. As manager of special projects, Barlow is responsible for insuring that special projects are successfully completed efficiently by coordinating various responsibilities including: certifications, insurance, licensing and bonding, vehicle and equipment oversight; purchasing and maintenance; and business development.

As the chief of staff, Ben Garrett plays an integral part in managing special projects and contracts on behalf of The BarTech Group. In this critical role, Garrett also oversees vendor relations and certification renewals. A native Chicagoan and Vietnam veteran, he joined The BarTech Group, Inc. in 2010, when the company was known as Gaffney’s PMI, and later as PMI Systems, Inc. At that time, he was instrumental in establishing the firm’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications, as well as procuring the company’s insurance coverage. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He’s also licensed in insurance and securities. Garrett is an active member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and serves as a board member of a Christian camp for inner-city youth.

As the Manager of Business Development for The BarTech Group, Thomasina Lovett has showed a demonstrated history of working in construction and utilities. Her career began in nuclear security for Exelon, where she served as an armed security officer for Dresden Generating Station. From then on, Thomasina was employed as a Project Manager for critical infrastructure protection projects surrounding electrical substations and also served as a III phase electrical design engineer for overhead and underground electric distribution. Today, in her role as the Manager of Business Development for The BarTech Group, Thomasina is implementing new business strategies, building client relationships, and securing targeted projects within the US for all four operating divisions of the BarTech Group.

John Etten has been with The BarTech Group for eight months overseeing the fencing and security division. Prior to joining the team, he served more than 45 years at Exelon and ComEd in various roles. Etten has 20 years of industrial and substation construction experience with an emphasis on civil construction. He also has 25 years of nuclear construction of which 15 years was with Exelon Nuclear. Etten holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and minor in Accounting, He has taken numerous construction related classes at the University of Wisconsin Engineering Extension. In his spare time, he volunteers with the Special Olympics, supporting his daughter who has participated in the Special Olympics for the past 20 years.