A Message from the ECS Founder & President

I like 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 brilliant engineering and architectural plans come to life to make someone's dream come true. 

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 started a subsequent $13 million dollar expansion. The ROI was utterly outstanding. We doubled the plant size and grew from 1,000 employees to 2,500. 

I brainstormed with co-workers and used AutoCAD to draw the new offices, manufacturing floorspace and all the processing 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 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. The projects were a monumental success. My company was ecstatic and gave me a "President's Excellence Award" at the ribbon cutting ceremony. I gave a speech that day to personally thank everyone involved. My accolades about the General Contractor's Superintendent made him tear up in front of all our employees and the press - he was a little embarrassed about that. 

Later that day, a Corporate Board of Directors Member told me I never used "I" during my speech to describe what was accomplished - it was always "we". I told him that was because these projects demanded the ultimate team effort and the group I was honored to lead epitomized what could be accomplished when smart, talented, good people work together. He said, "Yes, but you were in charge of it all and I'm happy to see you're humble about it." 

That was my first time serving as an Owner's Project Executive. I absolutely loved it, found a genuine passion for work, and decided to someday start my own business leading construction projects for others. 

I've learned a lot since my first project, but still remain humble about my God-given talents. Over the years, I've been blessed to build many great things through work - teams, buildings, communities, and life-long friendships. 

In 2004, I founded ECS on the Christian principles of integrity, accountability, hard work, and loving one another as God loves each of us. 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 - I'd like to do the same for you.