National Engineers Week 2023
National Engineers Week provides an opportunity to recognize our talented team of engineers and their significant contributions to the success of Brandt. Our engineers play an integral role in our organization, as they set a project up for success through planning, designing, and managing a project’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Their responsibilities range from behind-the-scenes work drafting technical support documents to ensuring customer satisfaction.
At Brandt, we are proud to employ countless talented engineers who have forged their paths within the construction industry, whether through working in our Engineering department or other career areas such as Estimating, BIM, Virtual Design and Construction, or Preconstruction.
To shed light on what it is like to be an engineer and to work for Brandt, respondents were asked questions about their role and how an engineering background offers versatility within the construction industry.
Respondents:
Gavin Button, Commissioning Engineer
Robert Crone, Senior Design-Build Project Manager
Connor Fisher, Design-Build Project Manager 2
Keri Grevemberg, Virtual Design Specialist 2
Emily Hankins, Engineer 1
Eric Lane, Senior Engineer
Scott McMillan, Senior Engineer
Andy Morrow, Engineer 3
Devin Prosser, Senior Virtual Design Specialist
Rodney Ramsey, Senior Engineer
Chad Salge, Vice President of Virtual Design and Engineering
DeAunna Whitson, Virtual Design Support Manager
What skills are necessary for your role?
Connor Fisher: Communication skills are very important when ensuring that we provide the proper design for the end user and keep tasks on track when challenges arise.
Devin Prosser: Attention to detail and understanding how different systems go together.
Chad Salge: Basically, the person in my seat must conduct the project planning orchestra to set us up for success during the project life cycle and proving out the plan at the conclusion of the project. Starting with the end in mind is crucial and has proven beneficial for us.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
Robert Crone: I was asked in 7th grade what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I said engineer. The teacher asked me what kind of engineer and since I didn’t want to be a train engineer, I decided to be a mechanical engineer.
Eric Lane: It was my wife, Cathy. I was a licensed electrician and didn’t particularly like what I was doing at the time, primarily small commercial and light industrial work. Cathy suggested that I go back to school and get an engineering degree. Working full-time, I had to go to school at night; it took ten years to complete my degree. Cathy’s encouragement and inspiration changed the trajectory of my career.
What three words best describe engineering?
Gavin Button: Problem-solving mindset
Chad Salge: Create, innovate, and implement
Scott McMillan: Challenging, humbling, and detailed
What has been your favorite project you have worked on and why?
Keri Grevemberg: A project our team calls three-dimensional (3D) estimating. We created a process to use a single 3D model for all stages of a project — estimation to fabrication. This project has streamlined my learning experience because I have to use knowledge from every trade here at Brandt to help my team find a solution.
Connor Fisher: University Health System (UHS) Women’s and Children’s Tower. Working on a team of engineers, superintendents, and project managers allowed us to fabricate the largest horizontal multi-trade racks that Brandt has constructed to date. The amount of collaboration and creativity that went into the final product was amazing to be a part of. It was a true team effort and a huge learning opportunity.
DeAunna Whitson: I was fortunate to involved in securing the Nation Medal of Honor project and assisted in putting together renderings of our column design. This was a testament to our hard work and dedication, as well the type of meaningful projects Brandt pursues.
What is the greatest lesson learned within your role?
Emily Hankins: Patience and confidence!
Andy Morrow: If you are afraid of making mistakes, you will never get anything done.
Eric Lane: I have learned more from my failures than my successes.
What is your favorite part about being an engineer?
Rodney Ramsey: My favorite part is being able to see a project from the beginning all the way through completion.
Emily Hankins: My favorite part of being an engineer is being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Engineering teaches you to problem solve. Problem-solving looks like researching, asking other engineers for help, and using critical thinking to figure out your next step.
Keri Grevemberg: The community – working with other engineers who think and invent differently but have a common goal.
An engineering career path is not cut and dry – at Brandt, we encourage our employees to pursue their passions and use their skills to bolster their success. Whether you’re interested in a traditional engineering position or want to explore different opportunities with your engineering degree, Brandt is constantly looking for talented individuals to join our team. Find more information on our Brandt Careers Page.