Unleashed With Big Red Dog Engineering

In the 94th episode of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we’re excited to introduce you to Chris Velasquez, EIT, a Senior Graduate Engineer in our Civil + Land Development Team based out of WGI’s San Antonio, TX office! Join us as hosts Dan and Katie travel to the Alamo City to sit down with Chris for a spirited, insightful, and entertaining conversation filled with compelling career highlights, hilarious anecdotes, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from Chris’s unique journey within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. From Curiosity to Engineering Excellence Chris’s passion for engineering and innovation sparked long before his professional career began, and his journey to where he is today is anything but conventional. Born in New Jersey but raised in Rosenberg, Texas, Chris humorously recounts his childhood experiences growing up in a quiet subdivision, jokingly referring to it as "the hood." His curiosity and keen problem-solving abilities were evident from a young age. On th

In Episode 93 of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we’re excited to introduce you to Grant Farley, EIT, a Senior Graduate Engineer in our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Division based out of WGI’s Austin, TX office. Grant joined hosts Dan and Katie for a lively conversation full of laughs, career insights, and fun stories. From his small-town Texas roots and a childhood fascination with robotics to designing electrical systems for complex infrastructure projects across the country, this episode offers a look into the life of a young engineer making waves at WGI and proving that passion, curiosity, and a great team can take you far. From East Texas to Texas A&M Born and raised about 50 miles east of Dallas, Grant grew up in a town so small that his high school graduating class had just 47 students. But don’t let the size fool you - Grant’s drive and curiosity were anything but small. He was a standout athlete, an all-state football player, and a self-proclaimed tinkerer who loved pulling apart computers a

In the 92nd episode of WGI Unleashed, we’re excited to introduce you to Jason Miholovitz, PLA, our Director of Landscape Architecture, who joins us from WGI’s West Palm Beach Corporate Headquarters! With over 20 years of experience, Jason's deep passion for design and a thoughtful leadership style have helped shape WGI’s national landscape architecture practice, and his story is just as inspiring as the spaces he helps create each and every day. From Sketches to Studios Like many, Jason’s love for design started at an early age - Inspired by his high school drafting classes and a natural talent for drawing, he pursued the study of architecture at the University of Florida, where he ultimately refined his interests and discovered his passion for landscape architecture. After graduation, a job fair frisbee - and a well-timed beer koozie - led him to his first role within the industry.... And the rest, as they say, is history. The chance encounter sparked a 10-year career with his first firm, where he met his wi

It's that time again - Time for another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! In this episode, we’re sitting down with Eric Luttmann, WGI's Director of Architecture based out of our Tampa, Florida office – So, join us as Eric reflects on his career thus far, shares insights into his passion for innovative design, and unveils the WGI projects that are shaping the future of the Architecture landscape! From the Florida Coast to Architecture Born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL, Eric’s love for the great outdoors was a clear driver and influence throughout his early years. Whether it was fishing in the Keys, playing sports, or spending time with his family, Eric developed a deep and early appreciation for the built environment around him. However, a career in architecture was far from the initial plan as he first considered careers in engineering and even the medical field before discovering his passion for design at the University of South Florida. Building a Career in Architecture Eric’s introduction to archit

It's that time again - Time for another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Join us as we sit down for an engaging new episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, where we shine the spotlight on Jaime Jones, a Civil Project Manager from our Tampa, FL office. From his roots in the Midwest to his dynamic role at WGI, Jaime shares his unique journey filled with personal insights, professional achievements, and the values that guide him. From Barefoot Beginnings to Big-City Dreams Jaime grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, splitting his childhood between Lynwood and La Grange, Illinois. His early years were spent exploring the outdoors, playing sports, and cultivating a love for community. Raised by a father who was a building and zoning commissioner, Jaime developed a fascination with the built environment and its impact on shaping communities. A Path of Learning and Leadership After earning a political science degree and a master’s in urban planning from the University of Illinois, Jaime's career took off. He gained

It's that time again - Time for another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Prepare to be inspired as we sit down with Lyndsey Duty, Environmental Scientist from Tampa, FL, in the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Join us as Lyndsey takes us on a journey through her love of nature, the path that led her to WGI, and her adventures beneath the waves. From Landlocked Beginnings to Underwater Explorer Lyndsey grew up in York, Pennsylvania, a small rural town surrounded by farmland, where she spent her childhood exploring the outdoors. Her fascination with nature began early, as she eagerly searched for salamanders, snakes, and bugs to collect in her “bug box” or spent time caring for box turtles in a pen her dad built. Despite being far from the ocean, her curiosity about wildlife planted the seeds for a lifelong passion. It wasn’t until 2015, on a family vacation to Jamaica, that Lyndsey discovered her love for diving. She and her father completed their diving certifications together, and from that

It's that time again - Time for another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Join us as we travel to Austin, TX, to sit down with Marc Remmert, Director of MEP Engineering for an engaging and insightful conversation about his journey through life, career, and personal passions. Marc’s story is one of transformation, determination, and an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to inspire his work and his team. Small-Town Beginnings Marc grew up in a small town near Peoria, Illinois, where his family’s roots run deep, spanning generations. Life there was simple yet meaningful, and Marc fondly recalls clear nights spent gazing at the stars—something he misses to this day. His upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance, shaping the person he is today. After high school, Marc left his hometown in search of broader horizons and new opportunities. He enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, where he found the perfect blend of independence and connection—it was close enough to visit f

It's that time again - Time for another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Join us as we sit down with Mike Mills, WGI’s VP of Stormwater Resources, for an inspiring conversation about his life and engineering journey. Mike’s story is a tale of determination, gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference, from his unique upbringing and early career challenges to his now impactful projects and passions. Growing Up with a Global Perspective Born in Virginia to a Navy father, Mike spent a significant portion of his early years in Japan on an American Naval base. Mike's father met his mother abroad, sparking a bond that shaped a childhood rich with international experiences which Mike still treasures to this day. Living between Japan and the U.S. until he was 16, Mike credits his early international exposure with giving him a valuable perspective that continues to fuel his gratitude and open-minded outlook on life today. Having moved to Orlando during high school, however, he experienced a signi

It's that time again - Welcome back to yet another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Join us for episode 86 as we sit down with Kimberlee DeBosier, WGI's VP of Transportation in Tampa, Florida - From humble beginnings in East Lansing, Michigan, to leading major infrastructure projects across the nation, Kim's story exemplifies resilience, determination, and a deep passion for making a difference in the transportation engineering field. A Coin Flip That Changed Everything Kim’s early aspirations were far from civil engineering. While attending Michigan State University, her initial goal was to become a research chemist. However, her exposure to engineering through MSU’s STEM program ignited a new passion, leading her to make a life-changing decision. In a twist of fate, Kim literally flipped a coin to decide between Civil and Chemical Engineering - The coin landed on Civil Engineering, and the rest, as they say, is history. The Road to Success Throughout her college years, Kim’s determination was unwaverin

It's that time again - Welcome back to yet another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Join us for episode 85 as we sit down with Chris Stermer, WGI's Senior Utility Coordinator Manager in Tampa, Florida - From his early days in Pompano Beach, FL, to his long-standing dedication to service, Chris’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Exploring a Life of Service and Leadership Although he was born in Norfolk, VA, Chris' early childhood was spent in Pompano Beach, FL, growing up in a time before the bustling I-95 corridor in South Florida was even constructed. His passion for service was ignited early in life, leading him to join the Navy at just 17 years old in the year 1979. Chris spent an impressive 27 years in active service, most of which took place on the flight deck of aircraft carriers as a jet engine mechanic. His Navy career took him around the globe, with Cairo, Egypt standing out as his favorite destination. During his time in service, Chris also seized the opportunity to further his educ

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! For our 84th episode, we sat down with Coriann Salas, WGI's Corporate Program Manager in our Fort Lauderdale, Florida office! Coriann’s journey began in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before relocating to Florida at the age of ten. Now, with over two decades spent in the Sunshine State, she proudly considers herself a “Native Floridian.” Having spent her formative years in the sun and sand, it's no surprise that her academic path led her to the University of Central Florida during the exciting Dante Culpepper days. Finding Her True Calling in Engineering Coming from a family of engineers, Coriann initially chose to study environmental sciences, hoping to carve out a different path than that of her relatives. However, her natural aptitude for mathematics and an interesting piece of advice from a professor quickly guided her back to engineering. This switch, small as it may seem, not only aligned with Coriann's strengths but also equippe

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! In our 83rd episode, we explore the story of Andrew Miller, WGI's Senior Client Manager in our Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering (MEP) department. Andrew's journey from a young engineering enthusiast to a key figure at WGI showcases his dedication, passion, and diverse range of interests. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into his life, career, and the hobbies that have helped shape him into the professional he is today! Laying the Foundation Andrew, who was born in Orlando, Florida, grew up in the greater Tampa Bay area. Unlike many kids who grew up with LEGO sets, Andrew found himself drawn to K’nex. He enjoyed assembling and disassembling the pieces in unique and creative ways, and with this early fascination with "how things work," it was clear that Andrew was taking his first steps into the world of engineering. A pivotal moment in Andrew's youth came in the form of a TV commercial, which sparked his interest

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! In our 82nd episode, we sit down with Melissa McKinlay, VP of Government Relations, from our West Palm Beach corporate office. From early childhood roots in the Northeast to becoming a key player in Palm Beach County’s political landscape, it’s safe to say that Melissa’s journey is nothing short of riveting. From New York Beginnings to Florida Roots Melissa’s story began in Sarasota, Florida, where she relocated from the Northeast with her family when she was just six years old – But it didn’t take very long for the Sunshine State to win her over and become home. For the past 20 years, Melissa has called Palm Beach County her home, deeply embedding herself in the community and working to make a difference along the way. Academic and Early Political Aspirations Melissa’s passion for politics took root during her high school years when she ran for class president, with her ambition leading her to Florida State University (FSU), where she

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! In episode 81, we had the privilege of sitting down with Todd Polk, Director of Federal/Water Management Business Development, from our West Palm Beach corporate office. From growing up in Cincinnati, OH, to serving in the US Army and ultimately bringing his expertise to WGI, it's safe to say that Todd's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Finding Purpose Through Service Although eventually answering the call to service, Todd's initial path to the military was far from straightforward. After attending the University of Kentucky on a swimming scholarship and majoring in communications, Todd found himself uncertain of his career path and future. However, after further immersing himself in the ROTC program, Todd found his calling as he swore into the US Army in 1999 and ultimately found his passion as a combat engineer. Rising to Challenges Throughout his military career, Todd faced numerous challenges, from injuries during tr

Welcome back to another episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the remarkable journey of Edgar Segovia, a seasoned Civil Engineering Project Manager hailing from the vast landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Buckle up as we unravel the unique story of Edgar's life, from humble beginnings to becoming a mentor and leader at WGI. Edgar's roots trace back to the heart of nowhere – the rural landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley. Growing up in challenging circumstances, Edgar's determination and resilience shone through. Our protagonist's educational journey led him to UT Pan American, now known as UT Rio Grande Valley, where he pursued a degree in mechanical engineering. Edgar's insight into the world of engineering echoes his belief that you don't fully understand it until you immerse yourself in the field. The story takes an adventurous turn as Edgar found his first job opportunity in Civil Engineering in Laredo, Texas, where he lived with his best friend for two years. It wa

In the highly-anticipated 76th episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, we had the distinct pleasure of engaging in conversation with Jeff Brophy, WGI's accomplished Vice President of PLACE. With an impressive resume that includes over 20 years of experience, an esteemed license, and an education abroad, we could not have been any more excited to feature Jeff on the latest episode of WGI Unleashed. During our compelling conversation, we uncovered that Jeff is actually the second guest of WGI Unleashed, hailing from the picturesque environment of Southern Ontario, Canada. It was in this region that he proudly earned his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the esteemed University of Guelph. Following his graduation, Jeff embarked on a journey that took him from the eastern expanse of Southern Ontario to the western beauty of British Columbia, traversing the American north and taking in the scenery of the surrounding areas. Recognizing the financial challenges of this venture and spurred by some 'words of encou

On the 74th episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, we head down to our corporate office in West Palm Beach, FL, to chat with Keegan Larson, our VP, Transportation Operations Manager. Keegan began his professional career with WGI in our Transportation Engineering Division and is steadily approaching his 20-year anniversary with our firm. Tune in as we learn about Keegan's original roots in the Pacific Northwest, spending the first several years of his childhood in Seattle, WA. However, with his father working as a consulting engineer on large-scale transportation projects, Keegan found himself relocating around the nation as he grew up, spending time in New Jersey as well as Tallahassee and Orlando, Florida. With a passion for engineering, like his father, and a yearning for a true "college town" experience, Keegan packed his bags and headed to Purdue University in Indiana, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. Be sure to listen

On the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we get to know Mark Topping, a Geospatial Technology Specialist III based out of our Huntsville, AL office. Mark, a member of the WGI Geospatial division, joined our team a little over a year ago as part of WGI's acquisition of The Atlantic Group, LLC. In this unique episode, Mark gave us the privilege of being WGI Unleashed's first international guest, as we discovered that he resides in Canada for the majority of the year when not traveling for work. Getting to know Mark throughout our conversation, he expressed what it was like to grow up in the second-largest country in the world, just outside of the dynamic metropolis of Toronto, and also shared some of the geographical and cultural likenesses and differences between living in Canada versus the United States. Referring to himself as your "stereotypical Canadian," he jokingly shared that he was born with hockey skates on and grew up participating in all of the winter sports that the country had to offer