Why did you choose this profession? I love community-driven problem-solving. I especially like being able to see my work make a difference in the community and take pride in knowing that I have provided a useful service to my friends and neighbors.

What is the biggest challenge in your work? Balancing the needs of clients and reviewing agencies. Clients typically have their own agendas, while approving agencies have specific requirements that must be met to get a project off the ground. It takes a lot of work to find the right balance between those needs in a way that works for everyone involved.

What, if anything, surprised you most when you entered the field? Much of our work is more about communication than complex engineering calculations. You need to be able to speak directly with people and understand what they want, which is something you won’t find in a textbook.

What is your most memorable quote? A college professor in one of my engineering law classes, who happened to be an attorney in the construction industry, told me, “If it ain’t in writing, it didn’t happen.”

What words of wisdom would you offer a young person entering the field? You must remember to stay organized and always manage your time.

What is your greatest accomplishment so far, or what goals have you set for yourself? Becoming a licenced professional engineer is my greatest accomplishment, but I also enjoyed managing a small office at my previous company. I hope to do that again in the future and perhaps even become a part owner down the road.

What are your favorite interests or hobbies? Above all, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. When I have free time, though, I love sailboat racing, which was a big part of my life when I lived in Charleston, SC. I also enjoy sports, especially football, hockey, and tennis.

Written by Ryan Capalbo