I really enjoy meeting operators in the field, working alongside them, and helping them solve problems. Just as important, I learn a lot from them. Some of the most ingenious solutions I’ve seen came out of a welding shop from a dam tender who understood the equipment inside and out.

It’s rewarding to see designs get built and to know they benefit communities. Everyone understands the importance of the water and power these facilities deliver, and how closely the history of many towns and cities is tied to their dams.

My work includes design, construction support, site inspections, and dam safety reviews. I always keep in mind that the work I do affects people’s lives. One of my mentors impressed upon me early in my career that the safety of the people working on our gates depends on our designs, communities rely on dependable water deliveries, and a successful career often means serving those communities so well that they never know your name. 

I try to surround myself with engineers who are smart, strong communicators, and eager to learn. The questions they ask and the things they share help me keep learning and finding new solutions. Their creativity pushes me to develop better designs. Early in my career, I often heard, “That’s how we’ve always done it,” and I never liked that answer. I still believe good engineering depends on staying curious and being willing to improve.

One thing I think many engineers can do better is listen. When you’re working with good people, everyone can be right and still come to different conclusions. I try to understand how others approach their part of a project, what they need from me, and how my work affects theirs.

A few friends from the federal sector had joined GFT and encouraged me to apply. From the start, my future colleagues made me feel comfortable, and the culture felt like a good fit. It ultimately just felt like the right choice, and I joined in August 2025. The Denver office and the people I work with are energetic, engaging, and proud of what they do. I look forward to working with them every day.

I don’t get much downtime. My wife and three kids keep me busy, and a lot of my time outside of work is spent supporting their activities and staying involved in what they enjoy. Between a full household and a handful of animals, life is active and rarely quiet.

I always have a project going on. Two years ago, my wife and I replaced the boiler at our house and repainted the exterior. Last summer, we built a chicken coop. This spring, we built a greenhouse, and this summer will be filled with building a cabin at our place in northern New Mexico.

To clear my mind, I love cutting and chopping firewood, clearing snow, or finding something to do with the mini excavator. There’s something about repetitive work that helps me stop thinking about everything else. When we do get free time, my family loves skiing, camping, paddleboarding, visiting national parks, and playing volleyball.