A Message from the ECS Founder & President

I'm a Florida Licensed Professional Engineer and Certified General Contractor and I love the design and construction industry. I especially enjoy getting out of the office and spending time at construction job sites. It's not as fun as boating, fishing, or golfing here in Southwest Florida, but it's my idea of the perfect work day. I get to meet new people, watch talented tradespeople apply their skills, and see plans from brilliant engineers and architects come to life to make an owner's dream come true. 

How did I develop such a passion for the design and construction industry? 

• Early in my career, as a Plant Engineer for a global cookie manufacturing company, I led a major fast-track, $15 million dollar manufacturing plant expansion that we got done in less than 7 months and under budget - all while keeping the existing food processing systems in operation. Before the expansion project was done, we began a second $13 million dollar expansion. The ROI for both projects was utterly outstanding. We doubled the plant size and grew from 1,000 employees to 2,500. 

• For the project scope, I brainstormed with co-workers and then used AutoCAD to draw the new offices, manufacturing floorspace and all the new processing and packaging systems. I solicited multiple, competitive design and construction quotes and hired exceptional architects, engineers, and contractors. I led weekly Progress Meetings with the entire team, documented "Action Items" that needed to be done (including the person responsible and their required task completion date), and held everyone accountable. I also solicited bids and procured all the processing and packaging machinery and got it installed and operational. 

• Leading the construction projects while still handing my "regular" job for the company was exhausting, but exhilarating. Plant production continued to operate at full capacity throughout construction and the expansion projects were a monumental success. My company was ecstatic with our performance. They scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony and asked me to give a speech to all our company executives, our employees, the design firms, the contractors, and the press. At the ceremony they surprised me with a "President's Excellence Award". During my speech, I personally thanked everyone involved and awarded unique gifts to the engineers, architects and contractors to acknowledge all their hard work. When I brought the General Contractor's experienced, tough Superintendent to the stage for his gift, he hugged me and began to cry. I literally saw blood, sweat, and tears from the hard working people who made our project a success.  

• After the ribbon cutting, a member of the Corporate Board of Directors shook my hand and told me I never used "I" during my speech to describe what was accomplished - it was always "we". I told him that was because I never could have done it alone because these projects demanded the ultimate team effort from hundreds of people. I said I was honored and humbled to lead the team we assembled because they epitomized what could be accomplished when everyone worked well together. He said, "Yes, but you were in charge of everything, made them all accountable, and maintained your humility about your success." 

• These two projects that I led many years ago were the first time I ever really worked as an Owner's Project Executive. I absolutely loved the process, found a genuine passion for the design and construction industry, and was inspired to start ECS to someday lead design and construction projects for other owners. 

I've learned a lot since I first sat on the owner's side of the table leading projects. Later, I worked as a Project Executive for contractors doing both design and construction work. My unique experience has prepared me well to succeed, but I will always remain humble about my talents. It is because of my deep faith in God that I've been blessed to build many great things through my work - teams, buildings, communities, and life-long friendships. 

In 2004, I founded ECS on the Christian principles of integrity, accountability, hard work, fairness, love, and respect. Working closely together over the years with wonderful owners, architects, engineers, and contractors, we've been able to make dreams come true for many people - we would like to do the same for you.