I began my career as a project engineer on a job in Delray Beach, Florida. I consistently asked for more responsibility and was given the opportunity to take on several stretch roles, which helped accelerate my growth. That mindset has carried through to my current role as a project manager. I'm currently leading the construction of a new headworks facility for the Southeast Water Reclamation Facility in Florida which includes several ancillary components.  A headworks facility is the initial part of a wastewater treatment plant, responsible for removing large debris and grit (like sand and gravel) from incoming wastewater. 

Initially I wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but Florida Gulf Coast University, where I went to school, didn't offer a mechanical engineering degree so I changed my major to civil engineering. When I graduated, I accepted an offer in the water and wastewater sector. It wasn’t love at first sight, but as I came to understand the level of creativity and innovation involved in designing and building water and wastewater facilities, I truly developed a passion for this type of work.

I’ve always been hands-on. When I was little, it started with Legos. As I got older, I began building and modifying bicycles, which eventually led to working on engines and motors. Looking back, it feels like construction was always meant for me. Now that I’ve been in the industry for a while, I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else.

The first project is the South Central Regional Blower and Efficiency Upgrades Project, which was also my first with PCL. I came on as a project engineer and had to quickly learn the 'PCL way.' It was a highly collaborative environment where I built strong relationships—not only with the owners, but also with the engineers.

The second is the Southeast Water Reclamation Facility Filter Improvements Project. This was my second assignment as a project manager and it was a standout experience. I developed a strong relationship with the owner and the project itself went extremely well. We applied creative solutions, including bypassing parts of the existing facility, which ultimately saved the client a significant amount of money. This project also served as a gateway to additional work with Manatee County and led to another progressive design-build job. It holds a special place for me because I’ve now worked with the same client for almost five years.

I’m an avid outdoorsman—I hunt and fish year-round and I spend a good portion of the year on the water, whether on the lake or out on the bay. That connection has made me deeply aware of how vital water is to people’s lives. It’s one of the reasons the water and wastewater field resonates with me. Water has always played a big role in my life, both personally and professionally, and that’s where my passion for this work comes from.

What I love most about PCL is the people I work with. The culture here is something special. I can pick up the phone and call anyone—from Florida to California—with a question or a challenge and they’re always willing to help. It truly feels like a family environment. As for my long-term plans with PCL, I just want to keep growing, learning and building new relationships. I’m excited to go as far as PCL will take me.

Lately, I’ve been actively participating in more Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) and American Water Works Association (AWWA) events to stay engaged with the industry and continue building my professional network. I’m also in the process of scheduling my exam for the Design-Build Institute of America’s Design-Build Professional certification as part of my ongoing commitment to professional development.