• Luke Carothers

About the Show

Luke Carothers is the Senior Content Manager for Zweig Group and also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine. Specializing in content rooted in the architectural, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting industries, Luke boasts over five years of experience immersing himself in the AEC world. His background in English and cultural studies has equipped him with the skills necessary to eloquently relay the complexities of design and infrastructure to a broad audience. An avid storyteller, Luke harnesses the power of writing to highlight the industry's transformative projects and innovations.

In this episode, host Randy Wilburn welcomes Luke Carothers from Zweig Group to discuss the intricacies and wonders of the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Luke, with his keen editorial eye, sheds light on some of the most ambitious and forward-thinking projects in civil and structural engineering.

The conversation dives deep into Luke's journey to Cairo, where he witnessed the construction of the world's longest monorail system. This international adventure expanded Luke's perspective on the industry's capabilities and the profound impact of such infrastructure projects. Additionally, Luke shares the captivating story of Vessel, the world's first water leak detection dog, exemplifying the AEC industry's innovative methods to solve complex problems. Throughout the discussion, Luke emphasizes the interconnectedness of all sectors within AEC and the emerging trends that are shaping the future.

• Luke Carothers brings his background in English and cultural studies to the AEC industry, offering a fresh perspective on the roles engineers play in shaping our daily lives.
• The Cairo monorail project, set to be the longest in the world, exemplifies how modern engineering works in harmony with historic cities and their longstanding heritage.
• Luke highlights the industry's progress towards ambitious goals like net-zero initiatives and carbon neutrality, reflecting a promising future for sustainable development.
• Through his role in the Zweig Group, Luke invites industry professionals to share their proudest projects and innovations, continually fueling the conversation on AEC excellence.

Email Luke Carothers

Website Civil + Structural Engineering Media

Civil + Structural Engineering Media on LinkedIn

Civil + Structural Engineering MediaUES on Facebook

Civil + Structural Engineering Media on Instagram

Civil + Structural Engineering Media on YouTube

Encourage your sense of curiosity by listening to the full episode, where Luke Carothers elaborates on his fascinating experiences within the AEC industry. Tune in to the full episode for an invaluable...

• Dave Witsken

Dave Witsken is the CEO of UES, a company widely recognized in the architectural, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting spaces for its exceptional growth and industry impact. UES, under Dave's leadership, has notably achieved the status of a three-time "Hot Firm" winner, identifying them as the number one firm in the Hot Firm awards for three consecutive years. Dave's tenure has been marked by strategic expansion, including a substantial number of successful acquisitions that have significantly bolstered the firm's national presence and capabilities. His expertise is deeply rooted in creating synergies among acquired companies and fostering environments that propel both revenue growth and personal career advancements within UES.

In this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast, host Randy Wilburn welcomes Dave Witsken, CEO of UES, to delve into the secrets behind the company's string of accolades as a "Hot Firm." Dave's insights give listeners a window into the robust strategies that have propelled UES to the pinnacle of the AEC industry.

Through the evolution of the UES infrastructure and the strategic emphasis on acquisitions, Dave delineates the importance of aligning new entities with existing ones to generate organic growth and cross-selling opportunities. The episode navigates through the complexities of integrating new firms, ensuring cultural coherence, and fostering leadership that resonates with UES’s STRIVE values: Safety, Teamwork, Responsiveness, Integrity, Value, and Excellence.

• Strategic Acquisitions: UES's focus on strategic acquisitions has been a linchpin for its consistent success, with company culture and post-acquisition integration playing critical roles.
• Employee Development: Investment in advanced training, paid certifications, and opportunities for employee shareholding underscores UES's commitment to personal and professional development.
• Recruitment: Dave emphasizes the challenges and strategies for recruiting in a talent-constrained environment, highlighting the allure of impactful projects and career advancement.
• Innovation and Improvement: Technology and innovation are pivotal in adding value, improving customer experience, and boosting employee engagement at UES.
• Looking Ahead in M&A: Key criteria for evaluating potential acquisitions by UES include leadership tenure post-acquisition, cultural fit, financial health, and the future growth trajectory.

Email Dave Witsken

Website UES

UES on LinkedIn

UES on Facebook

UES on Instagram

UES on YouTube

Discover the intricate layers of UES's standout leadership in this exceptional conversation with its CEO, Dave Witsken. Tune in to the full episode for an invaluable dive into the dynamics of strategic growth in the

"You have to practice designing... You have to know what it feels like to load that information into your brain."

- Kyle Cheerangie

Summary:

In this insightful episode of the Zweig Letter podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with the brilliant Kyle Cheerangie, a department manager in South Florida whose expertise in roadway and highway design is shaping the future of infrastructure. Kyle's passion for engineering and his dedication to the profession shines through as he discusses the critical path from technical proficiency to project management.

Kyle offers a deep dive into his journey, from his early days in Trinidad to his current role at HNTB, and the importance of gaining technical skills early in one's career. He emphasizes the value of mentorship, the power of reading and continuous learning, and the challenges facing the industry, including recruitment and the need to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Key Highlights

• Kyle Cheerangie's approach to engineering and the significance of building a solid technical foundation in the first few years of one's career.
• The impact of work-life balance discussions on young professionals and the evolution of the workplace post-COVID.
• The benefits of joining professional societies like ASCE and ITE to accelerate career growth and networking.
• Kyle's perspective on public speaking, recruitment, and the potential of AI in the design industry.
• A curated list of five must-read books for young engineers, aimed at fostering a mindset geared towards innovation and success.

All of this and much more are on this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast.

Website Engineered Journals

Kyle Cheerangie on LinkedIn

Get your FREE Subscription to the Zweig Letter Newsletter.

Building an Engaged and Purpose-Driven Design Firm: The Rebranding Journey - Jerrod Hogan

Driving Excellence: The Impact of Recognizing Achievements on Workplace Success with Anna Finley

AI and how it will impact the Design Industry

Instagram: Zweig Group

Facebook: Zweig Group

Twitter: Zweig Group

LinkedIn: Zweig Group

Website: Zweig Group

Mentioned in this episode:

AEC Small Business and Entrepreneurship Forum 2024 - Atlanta, GA

https://zweiggroup.com/products/2024-aec-small-business-and-entrepreneurship-forum