From the Air Force to Engineering Entrepreneurship: My Journey in the A/E Industry
My career in electrical engineering began in a somewhat unconventional place: the U.S. Air Force. In 1990, I entered the Air Force as an Electronic Warfare Technician, working with complex defense systems on aircraft. This experience honed my technical skills and taught me resilience, discipline, and problem-solving—qualities I’d rely on throughout my engineering career.
Starting My Education and Early Experience
While in the Air Force, I began taking classes to work toward an associate degree. After leaving the military in 1997, I started school at UNLV to complete my electrical engineering degree. During this time, I joined RHR Consulting Engineers, where I quickly found myself working on some of Las Vegas’s most iconic projects, like the Bellagio, Paris, and Resort at Summerlin. These projects exposed me to the complex demands of engineering within the dynamic and highly competitive hospitality industry.
I graduated from UNLV in May 2000 and continued my work at RHR on high-profile projects, including Sky on the Strip, Trump Tower, South Coast, Sun Coast, and the Cosmopolitan. Working on these large-scale developments tested my technical skills and taught me the importance of creativity in engineering solutions. I obtained my Professional Engineer (PE) license in 2003, marking an important milestone in my journey.
At this time, I became the primary Project Manager for all MGM/Mirage renovation projects, working with various architects on projects like the L’Atelier and Joel Robuchon at MGM, Cravings Buffet at The Mirage, High Limit Gaming at Treasure Island, and Diablo’s Cantina formerly at the Monte Carlo. These projects moved fast and required me to find unique solutions to problems that arose during renovation projects at these large-scale properties.
Developing a Unique Approach to Engineering
Throughout my career, I’ve realized that my strength as an engineer isn’t rooted in memorizing codes or knowing every technical specification off the top of my head. Instead, my unique talent lies in problem-solving and providing tailored solutions for my clients.
I thrive on tackling unique challenges and believe every problem has multiple solutions. My approach involves presenting two or three viable options to clients, enabling them to make informed decisions that best suit their situations. This method empowers clients and fosters a collaborative environment where we can explore different avenues together to create the most cost-effective solution.
I’ve found that this flexibility and focus on practical solutions resonate deeply with clients who appreciate having choices rather than a one-size-fits-all answer. This philosophy has been a driving force in my career and has set me apart in the engineering field.
Expanding My Experience at JBA Consulting Engineers
In 2008, I joined JBA Consulting Engineers. I took on even more diverse and challenging projects, from the Fontainebleau project in Las Vegas to a library in Dubai and a healthcare building in Yuma, Arizona. These experiences broadened my understanding of engineering’s role across different industries and cultures. Each project presented new technical challenges, pushing me to become more resourceful and adaptable as I developed solutions tailored to unique environments and specifications.
Again, my ability to provide multiple solutions to complex problems proved invaluable. Whether dealing with the unique electrical systems and construction styles in Dubai or the specific regulatory requirements in healthcare facilities, I relied on my problem-solving skills to meet client needs effectively.
A New Adventure in Hawaii and Returning to Las Vegas with EPI
In 2011, I took another big leap by accepting an engineering position in Hilo, Hawaii, with Engineering Partners (EPI). Moving to Hawaii brought new experiences and perspectives, and shortly afterward, the company’s owner and I began promoting a new branch for EPI in Las Vegas. By 2012, we opened the Las Vegas office and started building a new team. As the only electrical engineer in the office and one of two on the island, I also took on a key role with the company as their MEP team lead, cross-training their mechanical team in the art of electrical engineering. Later, I assisted in bringing three more electrical engineers to the Big Island of Hawaii, some of whom still work there and have created their own businesses on the island.
In 2014, I returned to Las Vegas to run the office full-time, growing the branch from a small team of four to twelve employees and achieving $1.8 million in revenue with a 25% profit margin. Growing this office taught me a lot about leadership, business development, and the power of strategic decision-making.
But even as I took on managerial roles, my passion for solving unique problems never waned. I continued to engage directly with clients, ensuring that our engineering solutions were technically sound and aligned with their specific goals and constraints.
Founding Revolution Engineering
In 2017, I launched Revolution Engineering, bringing everything I’d learned over the years into my own venture. Our first year was challenging but successful, achieving $700k in revenue with a small team of five. Today, we’ve grown to a seven-figure firm with sixteen skilled team members.
At Revolution Engineering, my philosophy of providing multiple solutions to complex problems is at the core of our practice. We don’t just deliver engineering services; we offer options. By understanding that every client and project is unique, we tailor our approach to meet those specific needs. It sets us apart in the industry and builds strong, lasting relationships with our clients.
Lessons from a Career in Problem-Solving
Reflecting on my career, I can see that my journey has been more about being an adaptive and strategic problem solver than about striving for code memorization. Some key lessons that I carry with me include:
- Adaptability Is Essential: Moving from the Air Force to engineering, transitioning between firms, and working on diverse projects have taught me that adaptability is critical. Every new challenge presents an opportunity to expand my skills and think creatively.
- Problem-Solving as a Core Skill: My success isn’t based on memorizing codes or knowing every minute detail. Instead, it’s rooted in tackling unique problems and providing clients with multiple viable solutions. It empowers clients to make the best decisions for their situations.
- Relationships Matter: Building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and team members has been central to my journey. Collaboration allows for a wider pool of ideas and strengthens the impact we make as engineers.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit and Patience: Starting Revolution Engineering has shown me the value of persistence and patience. Success doesn’t come overnight, but growth is inevitable with a steady commitment to your vision and values.
- Focusing on Progress Over Perfection: Embracing an incremental approach to improvement keeps you moving forward and open to learning from every experience.
Looking Ahead
Today, Revolution Engineering continues to grow and innovate, and I’m excited for the future. From a results-based workplace to flexible work schedules, we are constantly finding ways to support our employees and change the engineering industry. Treating our clients and other consultants as equals in the projects has elevated our status as merely “sub” consultants to partners and collaborators.
The journey from an Electronic Warfare Technician in the Air Force to running my engineering firm has been filled with invaluable lessons and experiences that have shaped who I am as an engineer and leader.
My career has taught me that engineering isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about understanding the needs and challenges of clients and delivering solutions that respect their goals. At Revolution Engineering, I’m committed to carrying this philosophy forward, building a legacy that honors each project’s unique demands and each client’s unique vision.