Our very own president, Blake Carter, was recently featured in the Nevada Business Magazine! Here is what he had to say for his ‘Face to Face’ interview:

“Do your best. Never give up. We strive for excellence!”

How did you get into your profession?

My uncle offered for me to move to Reno and attend the University of Nevada, Reno for Civil Engineering under one condition: my first job had to be in the field working construction because, “How will you ever be able to show someone how to do something you have never done before?”

What career advice would you give to someone just starting?

Gain as much practical experience as possible while you are young. This will result in compound interest. Respect your elders and the process. Get your hands dirty. Communicate well. Ask Questions.

What is an assumption people make about you that is wrong?

Probably that I am aggressive. When I was an 18-year-old linebacker, sure, but the only constant in life is that everything changes.

What metrics do you consider important when hiring?

Qualifications are great to land an interview or even get your foot in the door, but the intangibles such as the ability to get stuff done are crucial when gauging whether someone will be successful in their new position.

If you were going to teach a college course, what would you teach?

I would teach a Construction Materials Laboratory Course. There are so many intangibles that can be passed down in a hands-on environment that cannot be expressed by a textbook or standardized test. For example, safety protocols as well as the level of thought that goes into a project, are not easy to translate into books and regulations.

What is your favorite book?

“Side Hustle Millionaire” – [It has taught me to] always maintain a positive outlook to keep you committed to objectives [and] always advance knowledge and abilities.”

What is the most difficult experience you encountered as a leader?

Discovering that while people may be on your team, they don’t necessarily have the best interests of the team in mind.

What do you hope future generations can learn from your professional journey?

Don’t be afraid to break what you believe to be the stereotypical ‘mold’, especially for engineers. There is a lot of value to working in other areas of construction that are supported by your specialty type of engineering. Never quit learning or asking questions.

Be sure to check out the full article here: https://www.magloft.com/app/nevadabusiness#/reader/52183/1856750