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 someone'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 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 then 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 plant continued to prosper and the two projects were a monumental success. My company was ecstatic, scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony and asked me to give a speech. At the ceremony, they awarded me the "President's Excellence Award". During my speech, I personally thanked everyone involved and awarded special gifts to each of the design firms and contractors to acknowledge their efforts. I'll never forget how my accolades for the General Contractor's Superintendent made him emotional at the ceremony - he literally put blood, sweat, and tears into his work.  

• 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, it was a huge success, and I'm glad to see you're humble about it." 

• This was the first time I worked as an Owner's Project Executive. I absolutely loved it, found a genuine passion for the design and construction industry, and was inspired to start my own business leading construction projects for others. 

I've learned a lot since my first big project, but still remain humble about my God-given talents. Over the years, 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.