President/ Principal Engineer
Broadbent & Associates, Inc.
Type of Business: Environmental Consulting
Based in: Reno
Hails from: Reno
Years Org. has been in Nevada: 38
Years as an Executive in Nevada: 32
Employees in NV (approx.): 96
How did you get into your profession?
I attended a career fair when I was a senior in high school. I spoke to a professor at the University of Nevada Mackay School of Mines who inspired me to pursue a career in engineering and mining.
Who has been instrumental to your success?
My wife who has supported me throughout every step of my adult life.
What career advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
Do great work and build and cultivate relationships.
What is an issue currently facing your industry that an outside observer might not be aware of?
[There is a] workforce shortage, particularly [with] experienced project managers and senior personnel.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Appreciating Every Day”
What is the most difficult experience you encountered as a leader?
Leading a large project team comprised of people from numerous consulting companies and our client organization located in different places across the country [is a challenge]. [I] successfully rallied them to overcome technical and organizational challenges.
How do you motivate your team?
Create a desirable place to work, lead by example, articulate the plan/vision, provide feedback, acknowledge and appreciate contributions, celebrate achievement, foster our company culture.
If you were going to teach a college course, what would you teach?
I would teach a capstone class for student engineers focused on the consulting industry. The class would include students competing for various projects through marketing and proposal writing/pitching, collecting information and data, and preparing a report including interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations. Young engineers commonly lack experience in these areas when entering the industry.
What do you hope future generations can learn from your professional journey?
You can never have too many friends, and strong relationships are critical to success and maintaining a healthy and happy career. The rest takes care of itself.
