• 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

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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

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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

"You have to be like Superman; you're a risk-taker. But once you've attained success and you have a larger entity, it's important to shift your mindset to that of a risk manager. "

• Harry Clark

Summary:

In this special episode of the TZL podcast, we feature an enlightening keynote speech by Harry Clark, delivered at the Zweig Group's 2023 Elevate AEC Conference. Known for his exceptional track record as a serial entrepreneur and business advisor, Harry Clark shares his wealth of experience and insights, offering a treasure trove of knowledge for our listeners.

Key Highlights:

1. A Glimpse into Serial Entrepreneurship: Harry Clark, with his history of founding and leading two Inc 500 companies, provides an in-depth look into the dynamics of rapid business growth, particularly highlighting his journey with a modular design and development company that soared to $100 million in revenue in just five years.

2. Recognition and Leadership: The speech touches on Harry's accolades, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year, underscoring his status as a leader and innovator in the entrepreneurial world.

3. Strategic Insights: Harry delves into the strategic decision-making that has been pivotal in his career. His approach to scaling businesses and managing growth offers invaluable lessons for listeners, especially those in leadership roles.

4. Mastering Company Exits: Harry discusses his experiences with navigating company exits, a topic rarely explored in such depth. His insights are particularly valuable for entrepreneurs and business leaders facing similar transitions.

5. Practical Advice from a Best-Selling Author: Drawing from his best-selling book, "Mistakes Millionaires Make," Harry provides practical advice and a profound understanding of the risks and challenges entrepreneurs face, making his speech a must-listen for aspiring and established business leaders alike.

6. Sustainable Success: Beyond business tactics, Harry shares his philosophy on achieving long-term, sustainable success in the entrepreneurial world, emphasizing the importance of resilience and strategic thinking.

Conclusion:

Harry Clark's keynote at the Zweig Group's 2023 Elevate AEC Conference, as featured in this TZL podcast episode, offers listeners a unique opportunity to gain insights from one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. His journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiration and guide for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of business and entrepreneurship.

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

Harry Clark on LinkedIn

Contribute and help the industry! Inform the AEC community on growing trends and new developments.

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Building an Engaged and...

"The ability to access decades worth of industry data in seconds is a game-changer. It's time to leverage this knowledge and stay ahead of the competition."

Keith Sequeira, Zweig Group

🎙️ In our latest TZL Podcast episode, we dive into an enlightening chat with Zweig Group's data analytics guru, Keith Sequeira. We unpack how data is revolutionizing decision-making in design firms.

🌟 Key Highlights:

• Talent Attraction & Retention: Discover how the 'Best Firms to Work For' program is reshaping talent management in design firms. Keith shares insights on attracting and keeping top-notch professionals.
• 
  
• Compensation Trends: Stay updated with the latest in compensation strategies. We delve into what it takes to offer competitive packages that resonate with today's workforce.
• 
  
• The IT Edge: Learn how integrating IT can transform your firm's operations. We explore the benefits of technology in enhancing collaboration and sparking innovation in design projects.
• 
  
• Embracing Remote Work: The Future of Work is Here! We discuss the shift towards remote working in the design industry, its advantages and challenges, and how to leverage it for better productivity and flexibility.

🤔 Your Turn: How is your firm using data analytics to stay competitive? Are strategic decisions driven by data insights?

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

Keith Sequeira Email

Keith Sequeira on LinkedIn

Contribute and help the industry! Inform the AEC community on growing trends and new developments.

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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

"In this day and age, storytelling is a powerful tool for design professionals to amplify their brand and foster collaborative relationships."

- Carey Balogh, Brand Groupies

In this episode of The Zweig Letter Podcast, Randy Wilburn welcomes Carey Balogh and Lauren Genest, founders of Brand Groupies. With backgrounds in fashion PR, they've carved out a niche in social media management, public relations, and personal branding specifically for the design industry.

The episode dives into the importance of storytelling. Carey and Lauren emphasize that a consistent narrative is crucial for brand identity. They offer expert advice on how to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences, helping design professionals stand out in a crowded market.

The discussion also explores the transformative power of collaboration. The duo believes that joining forces with others in the industry can not only enhance your brand's story but also set it apart from competitors. Teamwork, they argue, can create multi-dimensional narratives that are more compelling and engaging.

Beyond storytelling and collaboration, the episode delves into the role of different media platforms in building a brand. From the benefits of social media and PR to the growing influence of podcasting, each platform serves as a valuable tool for reaching broader audiences and amplifying brand presence.

What sets this episode apart is its actionable advice and emphasis on organic discourse. Whether you're looking to hone your storytelling skills or find collaborative opportunities, Carey and Lauren provide practical strategies to achieve these goals. This episode is a must-listen for any design professional aiming to make a significant impact in their field.

• Enhance your storytelling skills to captivate your audience and create memorable design experiences.
• Unlock the power of organic discourse in podcasting to connect with your audience on a deeper level and build a loyal following.
• Foster collaboration in the design industry by learning effective communication strategies that will strengthen your relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Amplify your brand by utilizing sharing platforms to reach a wider audience and showcase your design expertise.
• Challenge the status quo in design by exploring innovative ideas and pushing the boundaries of traditional practices.

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

Connect with Carey Balogh on LinkedIn

Connect with Lauren Genest on LinkedIn

Brand Groupies Website

Brand Groupies on Instagram

Brand Groupies on Facebook

Brand Groupies on LinkedIn

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Building an Engaged and Purpose-Driven...

About the Show:

"People want to work for firms that have a great vision and a mission. How are we going to get there? What's your purpose in terms of culture, can you rattle it off?"

- Bill McConnell, Vertex

In this special episode of the TZL Podcast, recorded live at the 2023 Elevate AEC Conference in Frisco, TX, host R Wilburn brings you an enlightening conversation with Chad Clinehens, CEO of Zweig Group, and Bill McConnell, co-founder and CEO of Vertex.

The episode dives right into the pressing economic questions facing the AEC industry. Are we on the brink of a recession, or can we expect a softer economic landing? Chad and Bill weigh in on key indicators like inflation, unemployment, and housing market trends, offering their expert insights on their impact on the AEC sector.

Beyond the numbers, the discussion shifts to the human element. What role do vision, culture, and purpose play in attracting and retaining top talent? Our esteemed guests share their seasoned perspectives, highlighting the importance of these factors in an ever-changing industry landscape.

As the conversation unfolds, Chad and Bill provide a forward-looking view on the future of the AEC industry. This episode is a must-listen for AEC professionals, serving as a comprehensive guide to understanding current challenges and identifying growth opportunities."

• Stay ahead of the curve: Understand the current state of the AEC industry and economy to make strategic decisions for your business.
• Embrace the digital revolution: discover how technology is shaping the AEC industry and explore new opportunities for innovation.
• Build a happy and skilled workforce: Learn effective strategies to improve employee satisfaction and training in the AEC industry, leading to increased productivity and retention.
• Navigate industry challenges with confidence: Gain insights on overcoming labor shortages and adapting to tax changes, ensuring your business remains resilient in a changing landscape.
• Identify growth opportunities: Explore the growth and decline trends in the construction industry, both in the residential and non-residential sectors, to position your business for success.

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

Connect with Chad Clinehens on LinkedIn

Connect with Bill McConnell on LinkedIn

Visit Vertex Website

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Transforming the AEC Industry: A Conversation with Robert Yuen of Monograph

Mancini Duffy is a Triumvirate of Excellence in the Design Industry

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

Instagram: Zweig...

"We recognized that if we were going to take it to the next level, we're going to have to really develop a brand. Your people deserve a brand that's as great as them."

- Jerrod Hogan, OWN, Inc.

Jerrod Hogan's path to leadership is anything but conventional. He grew up learning the virtues of empathy and service from a devoted Baptist pastor. A pivotal moment came when his family moved to Missouri due to his mother's cancer diagnosis. Following her passing, Jerrod decided to make Missouri his permanent home, raising his young daughter there.

Jerrod joined Anderson Engineering, a firm where he spent two decades evolving both personally and professionally. But a life-altering event came in the form of the devastating Joplin tornado in 2011. The tragedy revealed to him the incredible power of community and the human capacity for mutual support in times of crisis.

This event served as a catalyst for Jerrod, making him recognize the untapped potential of collective responsibility and active participation. It opened his eyes to the concept of extreme employee ownership. Inspired, he took bold steps to transform the very company he had been part of for so long.

The shift was dramatic. Jerrod led Anderson Engineering through a rebranding and restructuring process that embraced an employee ownership model. This courageous move had manifold benefits. It allowed team members to share in the company's success, elevated client satisfaction and instilled a sense of belonging among employees.

In essence, this change didn't just spur phenomenal growth for the company; it also created a work environment where everyone felt like a stakeholder. Jerrod's journey illustrates the profound impact of community, unity, and shared ownership in shaping both individual lives and business successes.

• Gain insight into how employee ownership is revolutionizing the design industry.
• Understand how harnessing extreme ownership can propel your company to greater heights.
• Learn the transformative effect of employee ownership on individual self-esteem and secured finances.
• Explore the myriad trials and triumphs young professionals face in their career journeys.
• Decode the role of rebranding and the core values in steering its direction.

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

Connect with Jerrod Hogan on LinkedIn

Visit OWN Engineering website

Visit OWN Engineering on Facebook

Visit OWN Engineering on Twitter (X)

Visit OWN Engineering on Instagram

Visit OWN Engineering on LinkedIn

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Transforming the AEC Industry: A Conversation with Robert Yuen of Monograph

Mancini...