77 - Juan Enriquez, Project Surveyor Geospatial WGI Unleashed

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! In this installment, we had the privilege of sitting down with Juan Enriquez, a seasoned project surveyor from our Geospatial Team in Austin, TX. Juan's journey in the world of survey drafting began at a remarkably young age, and his passion for the profession is both inspiring and infectious.
Juan's story unfolds in the charming town of Reynosa, Mexico, where he was exposed to the world of surveying through an educational initiative requiring students to practice a trade while in grade school, leading to Juan's interest in the world of engineering being piqued at age 11. This early exposure ignited Juan's interest in drawing, drafting, and the intricate world of land survey work.
After relocating to San Marco, Texas, Juan pursued his education at a trade school, eventually earning his GED (even though he already had his high school diploma!). He continued his academic journey at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Juan's unconventional path led him to his first job in a construction company, where he honed his skills in construction management and architectural drafting, leading to a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the engineering industry as a whole.
Throughout our conversation, Juan's deep appreciation for the history of his profession became evident. Reminiscing on some of his favorite and most interesting projects, we learned how his appreciation for the history behind his profession has shaped his career. Beyond his work, Juan finds joy in spending time camping with his daughters, gardening with his wife, and cooking delightful meals. And did we mention he's a self-proclaimed 'cat person' with a 'dog problem'?
Discover the person behind the profession as Juan shares one of his biggest fears while working in the field. Learn about his family dynamics, including his wife's fluency in Thai and his amusing struggle to do more than ask for food in the language. Plus, delve into Juan's hypothetical scenario of a lottery win and what his first purchase would be!
In this episode, we unravel the intricacies of Juan's journey to WGI and how his unique upbringing shaped both his life and career. Join us as we ponder hard-hitting questions, from the possibility of Juan's training as a Catholic Priest to the mystery of whether he holds a Brown Belt in martial arts. It's a conversation you won't want to miss—tune in to WGI Unleashed to explore the journey of Juan Enriquez!