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Adapting to the Future: Josh Fowler on Leadership, AI, and Engineering Excellence in the Palmetto State
"You really need to work on building your network and working your network because you never know what kind of doors are going to be open for you."Josh Fowler
About the ShowJosh Fowler, President of Davis & Floyd, a multi-disciplinary civil engineering firm in South Carolina, brings a dynamic blend of experience in engineering, construction, and manufacturing to the table. With an impressive track record of driving growth and fostering innovation, Josh's leadership is steering Davis & Floyd toward a future where adaptability and client-focused service are at the core.
Episode Summary:In this episode, host Randy Wilburn delves into a conversation with Josh Fowler about the strategic evolution of Davis & Floyd, a firm with a 70-year legacy of excellence. Josh shares his journey from a math and science enthusiast to a leader in the AEC industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and understanding client needs.
They discuss the significance of nurturing a business development culture within engineering firms, the critical role of employee retention strategies, and the thoughtful integration of AI and technology to enhance operations without compromising the firm's core values and commitment to public safety.
Key Takeaways:Josh highlights the necessity of adaptability in leadership, a philosophy that has allowed him to successfully navigate various roles and industries.A focus on employee benefits, compensation, and understanding individual contributions has led to a decrease in turnover and bolstered retention at Davis & Floyd.The conversation sheds light on the importance of building a business development culture and the power of delivering exceptional client service for organic growth.Josh and Randy explore the potential and challenges of AI in the AEC industry, advocating for a responsible and ethical approach to its implementation.The episode underscores the value of continuous learning and staying ahead of technological advancements to prepare for the unknown future.
All this and more on this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast.
Resources:Email Davis & Floyd
Website Davis & Floyd
Davis & Floyd on Facebook
Davis & Floyd on Instagram
Davis & Floyd on LinkedIn
Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into navigating the complexities and seizing the possibilities within the architectural and engineering industry from the perspective of a smaller firm. Don’t miss out on further insights and stay tuned for upcoming episodes delivering expert advice directly to you.
Other episodes you'll enjoy:Elevate AEC Keynote - Empowering AEC Professionals: Trends and Strategies for Success with...

We had a little glitch in the matrix yesterday evening and we dropped an episode that is actually not part of the Zweig Letter Podcast.
We apologize for any confusion that this caused. First time in 8 years this has happened to us. The good thing is that the topic of the other podcast is totally germane to the Design Industry space so there is that! ;-).
If you listened to it already and enjoyed the episode that is great. If you didn't hear it but want to feel free to download it HERE. It's from another podcast we do called I am Northwest Arkansas and the episode focuses on New Localism and the Missing Middle Housing issue here in the U.S.. It's definitely related to the Design Industry but it was not a TZL podcast episode.
Apologies again,
Randy Wilburn
Host

Small Design Firms Face Challenges in Talent Acquisition and Consolidation"The dynamic shift since post-COVID has started an all-out war on talent. Smaller firms like ours... we're getting marginalized trying to acquire that talent and to hold on to it."Scott Erricson
About the ShowScott Erricson is a principal and the founding owner of e2 Engineers, a consulting engineering firm specializing in the building space. With their offices based in New London, Connecticut, Concord, and Massachusetts, they extend their services across New England and beyond. Scott's expertise lies in the structural engineering domain, and under his leadership, e2 Engineers has grown significantly since its inception in 2003. The firm prides itself on its workplace culture and in 2023 was proudly recognized as the number one structural engineering firm in the country both overall and for its size.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Zweig Letter podcast, host Randy Wilburn speaks with Scott Erricson about the unique challenges and opportunities facing smaller design firms in an era marked by consolidation and a fierce battle for talent. As the architectural and engineering industry evolves, Erricson sheds light on how e2 Engineers is navigating this dynamic landscape, including their strategies for growth and talent acquisition.
Scott Erricson dives into the difficulties that small firms experience when competing for talent against larger, national firms. Erricson discusses the company's intern program, the importance of resisting the wave of acquisitions throughout the industry, and measures that e2 Engineers is taking to position itself for potential mergers or acquisitions in the future. The conversation also touches on the firm's approach to serving clients, the impact of remote work, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in streamlining operations.
Key Takeaways:Small design firms, like e2 Engineers, face significant challenges in talent acquisition due to the competitive offers from larger firms.Fostering a strong company culture and being recognized as a great place to work is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.e2 Engineers is considering growth through mergers and acquisitions, which involves strategic internal preparations.The need for proactive engagement with younger generations and educational institutions is paramount for ensuring a steady stream of incoming talent into the design industry.The firm is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to optimize tasks and improve efficiency.
Resources:Email Scott Erricson
Website e2 Engineers
e2 Engineers on LinkedIn
e2 Engineers on Facebook
e2 Engineers on Instagram
Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into navigating the complexities and seizing the possibilities within the architectural and engineering industry from the perspective of a smaller firm. Don’t miss...

Luke Carothers on the Exciting Stories and Projects in the AEC Industry“I’m very excited for the future of where the AEC industry is heading."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.
Episode Summary: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.
Key Takeaways: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.
Resources: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...

About the Show"Having a good strategy enables good organic growth, both revenue and people.”Dave Witsken
About the Guest: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.
Episode Summary: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.
Key Takeaways: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.
Resources: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

Building the Future: Kyle Cheerangie's Blueprint for Young Engineers"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.
Resources:Website Engineered Journals
Kyle Cheerangie on LinkedIn
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Other episodes you'll enjoy: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
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Mentioned in this episode:
AEC Small Business and Entrepreneurship Forum 2024 - Atlanta, GA
https://zweiggroup.com/products/2024-aec-small-business-and-entrepreneurship-forum