Featured, Insights • November 28, 2023

A Letter From Our Chief Engineering Officer

The Power of Purpose: Joining Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.  

As I reflect on my recent journey and my role as Chief Engineering Officer, Industries for Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc., I am often reminded of the pivotal moments that brought me to this remarkable company. Today, I’d like to share some insights into my decision to join Milhouse, our commitment to innovation and excellence, and my aspirations for the future of the firm.  

Why Milhouse? 

The answer is multi-faceted. The opportunity for personal growth and career development was a significant draw. Having spent over 33 years in the transmission distribution (T&D) field, I was already well-versed in the industry and excited to delve into a new one as well: aviation. The company’s size, reminiscent of my early days at Burns & McDonnell, and its potential for growth in the T&D sector, particularly in leadership roles, were also very exciting prospects.  

But it was my meeting with Joe Zurad, Chief Operating Officer, Production & Delivery, and Wilbur Milhouse, Chairman/CEO, and our shared business philosophy that cemented my decision to join the firm. As engineers, we held the same core beliefs on how to achieve and maintain sustained greatness within a company, based on the principles outlined in “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. This philosophy focuses on core values, building the right team, facing challenges with unwavering determination, and adopting a disciplined, long-term perspective for enduring success. It was this shared commitment to excellence and unwavering values that made me realize that I had found the place for me to grow and contribute. 

What Makes Milhouse Great? 

Milhouse’s reputation and commitment to innovation and excellence are equally impressive. During my final interview, I had the privilege of seeing some of our interns present their work on Artificial Intelligence (AI). It was a moment of realization – Milhouse was genuinely invested in AI, a technology that’s transforming the engineering landscape. The commitment to quality, as exemplified by our Quality Program, is vital. Quality is the cornerstone that keeps any business going, and it was clear to me during the interview process and beyond, that Milhouse is built on quality.  

Additionally, Milhouse stands out due to its inclusive and supportive work culture. The culture of inclusivity and equal opportunity for advancement makes Milhouse more than just a workplace; it’s a community where diversity is celebrated, and ideas are valued. 

Building Tomorrow: My Vision for Milhouse’s Future 

What I hope to bring to Milhouse is a commitment to our shared philosophies, a vision for growth, and a drive to help the company succeed. I’m dedicated to making our clients successful, offering innovative solutions, and contributing as partners in their endeavors. 

In the next 6-12 months, we have some exciting projects on the horizon. We have opportunities to join large programs in the electric utility space, innovative AI projects that could pave the way for the utilities industry, and possibilities for expanding our aviation services overseas. Milhouse’s dedication to innovation, as demonstrated through its commitment to emerging technologies, highlights its forward-thinking nature. 

Additionally, Milhouse is well-positioned to leverage industry trends like AI and advanced data collection tools, such as Matterport scanning, drones, and lidar scanners.  

In closing, my journey to Milhouse Engineering and Construction has been a remarkable one, filled with purpose and promise. As I reflect on the reasons for joining this exceptional company, it becomes clear that it was not just a career move but a personal and professional transformation. Milhouse offers an environment that thrives on innovation, quality, and inclusivity, all underpinned by a shared commitment to excellence.  

In my role as Chief Engineering Officer, Industries, I am committed to building on the foundations that make Milhouse great – our values, innovation, and inclusivity. I am determined to contribute to the success of our clients, offering them innovative solutions and partnering with them to build a better future. I am incredibly honored to be part of Milhouse and look forward to the exciting journey ahead.  

Join us today, where you can excel, innovate, and make a positive impact on the world: https://bit.ly/3Ife7vJ