Building an Engineering Firm People Like to Work with

Episode Description:

What if you could build an engineering firm where clients actually want to work with you AND top engineers want to work for you? Most firms assume you have to choose – either technical excellence or great relationships. Daniel McCaulley, founder of Ultimus Engineering, proved you can have both.

In this conversation, Daniel shares how he went from corporate engineer to building a multidisciplinary firm with a radically different culture. From his “super nerd athlete” background to implementing “trust to verify” remote work policies, Daniel reveals the systems, hiring practices, and leadership principles that make Ultimus a firm people genuinely enjoy working with – on both sides of the table. If you’ve ever thought engineering has to be stagnant or dry, this episode will challenge that assumption.

Whether you’re building a technical team, starting a consulting practice, or just trying to create better client relationships, you’ll walk away with practical insights on culture-building, remote team management, and why prioritizing faith and family actually strengthens your business.

Key Takeaways:

• Why hiring for “intangible qualities” matters more than trying to train engineers in soft skills they don’t naturally have
• The “trust to verify” approach to remote work management that balances flexibility with accountability
• How offering commission-based compensation to engineers encourages business development and client-facing skills
• The three-tier priority framework (faith, family, work) that prevents burnout and creates sustainable business growth
• Why adapting your leadership style to how each person needs to be led is more effective than using one management approach for everyone

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction – The “super nerd athlete” origin story
[03:52] How team sports shaped Daniel’s approach to engineering collaboration
[06:06] The dark side of “if you’re not first, you’re last” and managing competitive drive
[12:55] Getting uncomfortable with Toastmasters and developing soft skills
[17:38] Building Ultimus: Creating a customer service-focused engineering firm
[20:49] Hiring philosophy: Finding engineers who already have the intangibles
[25:18] The platinum rule of leadership – treating people how THEY want to be treated
[28:40] Biggest headwind to growth: Finding culture-fit engineers
[30:36] Faith as the foundation: Prioritizing in three tiers
[35:51] Mike flip moment: The “one thing” principle and 80-20 rule

Guest Information:

Daniel McCaulley, P.E.
Founder, Ultimus Engineering
Multidisciplinary engineering firm specializing in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), Aquatics Design, and Structural Engineering

Website: ultimus.engineering or ultimusengineering.com

Email: [e-mail]

About the Host:

Dr. James Bryant is an engineering leadership coach and host of the Engineer Your Success podcast. He helps technical professionals and engineering leaders win at work and win at home through a philosophy of work-life integration rather than balance. James believes that work and home don’t compete – they work together to create the integrated life you want.

Website: engineeryoursuccessnow.com

• LinkedIn: Dr. James Bryant
• All links: sleek.bio/eyspod