Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we talk to ECS Chief Operations Officer Leo Titus, PE. Leo talks about how he got his start with ECS and his career trajectory with the company, leadership and the value of networking.

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we hear from Subsidiary Regional Manager Joey Broussard, PE from ECS Florida, LLC. While he lives in Florida now, Joey shares about his family history and Cajun culture as well as his start in the engineering consulting field and the growth of the Jacksonville office.

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we hear from Facilities Department Manager Rick Hinson, PE. He shares about the Third-Party Inspection Program, code compliance and the difference between that and Special Inspections.

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we hear from University Talent Senior Manager Tricia Shelton, PE. She shares about the start of her career as a geotechnical project manager and how she transitioned to recruitment and built the ECS University Talent program. This summer ECS will have about 200 interns and co-ops throughout our offices.

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Geotechnical Department Manager Paul Pinkerton in our Frederick, MD office. He will share about vibration monitoring and geophysical services, the entrepreneurial spirit of the company allowing him to grow the services he’s interested in and how these services have impacted a variety of clients.

Resources mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Zy Bobbitt, a CMT Project Coordinator in our Austin, TX office. He’s a native Houstonian and shares about the diversity of the city and his travels across several states. Zy discusses his career path into construction materials testing and steel inspecting, empowering and teaching coworkers to value safety and the opportunity to grow.

Some of Zy’s key takeaways on field services, safety and career growth:

• If you empower a person, they will take pride in what they do and that turns into integrity in their work
• As a teacher, you want your “students” to grow past you, that’s why Zy is passionate about sharing ways to grow your career and invest in personal growth
• You can choose your own adventure at ECS

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

Have a topic idea, question or comment? Contact ecsmarketing@ecslimited.com.

Music was composed, performed and produced at Insomnia Recording Studios in Cedar Park, Texas by Adam Donovan and ECS team member Tyler Olfers.

Connect with ECS:

In this bonus episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Roger Smith and Matt McDuffie, principal geologists for ECS in Charlotte, along with Chris Walker, an environmental attorney at Alexander Ricks PLLC.

Hear Matt, Roger and Chris share about when they learned to fish, the best days when the fish were biting and how fishing has helped their relationships.

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

Have a topic idea, question or comment? Contact ecsmarketing@ecslimited.com.

Music was composed, performed and produced at Insomnia Recording Studios in Cedar Park, Texas by Adam Donovan and ECS team member Tyler Olfers.

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know ECS Midwest team member Jenna Jordan, Business Development Manager for our Wisconsin offices. She will discuss her personal involvement with fire safety, the power of volunteering and finding your passions, as well as tips on making lasting connections in business development.

Some of Jenna’s key takeaways on finding your passions and bringing them in your professional work:

• If you are finding a way to do what you love, you can find a way to get paid for it.
• Try and find a way to bring your passions and your story into your work. This will help you build lasting connections and common ground, which is especially useful in business development
• If you are looking for a way to become involved in an organization, look at your circle and find what calls to you or what you have a personal investment in.
• There are so many organizations out there, chances are you’ll be able to find one for what you are passionate about. If you can’t find one, start one.

Links mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Rey Ruiz, PE, SI, Branch Manager of the Tampa, FL office. He shares about the mentorship he has received throughout his career and the importance of building relationships as a compassionate leader. Rey also shares his career journey, starting as a structural engineering student to moving to construction materials testing to being a branch manager.

Some of Rey’s key takeaways on mentorship:

• It is important to keep in mind that you are training for your replacement one day. Pass along the knowledge you have learned throughout your career.
• When you have reached the point in your career where you are managing others and are in a position of leadership – find a leadership style. It won’t work for everyone but be the leader you wish you had.
• Find a mentor! They are beneficial in helping you build your career, your confidence and becoming your own leader.

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

As of November 2022, Keith Nelson is no longer with ECS. 

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Keith Nelson, AIA. He will answer questions about building envelope consulting services, as well as share about a meaningful project he’s worked on, and the value of these services.

Some of Keith’s key takeaways on building envelope consulting services:

• Building envelope helps increase energy efficiency
• A challenge of building envelope is that it goes unseen, but investing a little bit of money can help you long-term to save money and with the durability and indoor air quality of the building
• Building envelope services can touch any part of the lifecycle – from predesign, to construction to occupancy to ensure the building is being designed as it was planned
• Building Envelope Commissioning comes in the pre-design phase of a project. In the design phase, ECS comes along the design team to identify potential challenges and mitigating risks. In occupancy, ECS can help with comfort issues, or leaks or energy concerns.
• ECS can provide Building Envelope Commissioning as well as the services throughout that process as individual services. ECS has partners to provide the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing portion of the commissioning needs.

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Liz Newcomb, PE, Branch Manager of the Louisville, KY office. She shares about her art projects including jewelry making and how her creativity helps her connect with students interested in STEAM careers. Liz also shares her career journey starting as an engineering student and a field technician to leadership roles.

Resources and Programs mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know several business development staff – Brian Maas, Lauren Zangl and Mike Gruber, who all value fitness. Just in time for your new year’s resolutions to get healthy, our guests share tips on how to get started and how to get motivated in working out and in life.

Fitness groups, races and resources mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Tony Fiorillo, President and CEO of the ECS Group of Companies. In this episode he shares his ECS story, from starting at the company as a field technician, to marketing and business development roles, to moving up to subsidiary leadership. He also shares his thoughts on where ECS is going in the future, the value of personal development, mentorship and more!

Resource mentioned:

In this bonus episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know Derek Stetler of the IT department. He begins the episode sharing about his career path and switching majors in college, explaining what network management is and how IT troubleshoots concerns as they arise. Derek goes onto share about his hobby of coffee roasting, the flavors of coffee and how to make the best cup of coffee.

Coffee roasting materials mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know ECS team member Shannon Priester. In this episode she shares her ECS story, from starting at the company as an administrative assistant for the geotechnical department to becoming an environmental project manager as she went back to school while working full-time. She also shares her thoughts on how to motivate yourself, skills you need to succeed and more!

Some of Shannon’s key takeaways on learning and development are:

• ECS offers a Tuition Assistance Program, which afforded her the opportunity to earn her 4-year degree while working full-time.
• Sometimes it takes someone to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Don’t doubt yourself but take advantage of the opportunity and ask for support as you need it along the way.
• Work hard and you can be successful. Potential is there to achieve your dream; you must work for it.
• Never stop learning. There’s always something you can learn from someone every day to better yourself.

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

Have a topic idea, question or comment? Contact ecsmarketing@ecslimited.com.

Music was composed, performed and produced at Insomnia Recording Studios in Cedar Park, Texas by Adam Donovan and ECS team member Tyler Olfers.

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know ECS team members Erik Freeburg, PE, Regional Subsidiary Manager in our Nashville, TN office and Jillian DiBenedetto, Marketing Pursuits Manager in our Cleveland, OH office. They share about what it’s like to be a working parent, give parenting tips and encouragement on taking care of yourself and communication.

Some of the key takeaways from Erik and Jillian:

• Find your community – friends, neighbors, church, etc. to find someone who might be going through the same thing you are that you can talk to and get advice.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or take advantage if someone offers you support
• Communicate expectations to clients, family, co-workers, managers about what realistic timeframes look like as well as your schedule
• Gratitude and perspective are important to remember as you are in different seasons of life, especially parents with little kids because they will grow up!

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

Have a topic idea, question or comment? Contact ecsmarketing@ecslimited.com.

Music was composed, performed and produced at Insomnia Recording Studios in Cedar Park, Texas by Adam Donovan and ECS team member Tyler Olfers.

Connect with ECS:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know ECS team member Kelly Clawson, PE, LEED AP, Senior Project Engineer in our Chantilly office. She will share about what structural/geotechnical monitoring services is, how ECS services differ from surveyors and encourage you if you want to start a new project or service line offering.

Resources mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re chatting with Tyler Olfers, a Construction Materials Department Manager for ECS based in Austin, Texas. In addition to his work at ECS, he’s a very talented musician and he produced the music for the Coffee Talk podcast! Tyler shares how his music experience helps him in his role at ECS, and how his work at ECS has inspired his songwriting. If anything, you’ve gotta listen to this episode for Tyler’s recommendations for the best barbecue in Austin!

Resources mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know ECS team member Matt Koss, Director of Safety. Matt joined the team in Summer 2021 and has a big vision for the future of safety at ECS, as well as great insight to how important it is to build relationships in your field and develop a growth mindset to constantly improve.

Resources mentioned:

In this episode of Coffee Talk, we’re getting to know one of the show’s co-hosts, Steve Gosselin! Steve is a Principal Geologist and Executive Vice President for ECS and has been with the company since 1996. In this episode he shares his ECS story, from starting at the company as a geologist, to doing business development, to moving up to subsidiary leadership. He also shares his thoughts on work life balance, his advice to those who want to build their leadership skills and more!

Books mentioned:

• Capitalism in America by Alan Greenspan and Adrian Woolridge
• True Professionalism: the Courage to Care by David Maester

Some of Steve’s key takeaways on growing into leadership roles are:

• Focus on your own strengths. Strive to grow professionally by learning more from books, industry articles, and taking courses. Never stop learning.
• Surround yourself with great people. Develop strong relationships with colleagues and leaders that you look up to and want to grow along with.
• Understand your team’s needs. Get to know their strengths and challenges, and be ready to support them and develop them as their leader.

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

Have a topic idea, question or comment? Contact ecsmarketing@ecslimited.com.

Music was composed, performed and produced at Insomnia Recording Studios in Cedar Park, Texas by Adam Donovan and ECS team member Tyler Olfers.

Coffee Talk: From the Ground Up is an ECS Podcast created to build intentional connections with our employees. From company news to career stories, this podcast is educational, entertaining and encouraging with practical advice you can apply directly to your life.

Have a topic idea, question or comment? Contact ecsmarketing@ecslimited.com.

Music was composed, performed and produced at Insomnia Recording Studios in Cedar Park, Texas by Adam Donovan and ECS team member Tyler Olfers.