May 25, 2017

Leaders Must Keep Quality Top of Mind, with Guy Neal

Episode 81:

With 30 years of leadership experience, Guy Neal serves as President of PBS Engineering and Environmental, recognized as a Top 500 Engineering Firm by Engineering News-Record. Guy’s engagement with the firm began 24 years ago as one of PBS first civil engineers. His unique background blends engineering with environmental science, assisting clients with the challenges of meeting regulatory standards as they expand. He later became Principal of PBS Engineering Division, overseeing environmental, geotechnical, and civil engineering services.

As President, Guy’s leadership has played an important role in assuring the growth of PBS amidst an economic recovery which heavily impacted the engineering design industry. Now in its 35th year, the firm has emerged as one of the Northwest’s premier engineering and environmental practices, with a well-diversified client base and expanding geography. Guy leads the firm’s efforts to reinvest in the local community through sustainable practices, environmental volunteerism, and participation in STEM education programs that support a new generation of engineers.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • Guy’s focus on giving back and ushering in the next generation of engineers
  • The importance of diversifying your client base
  • The benefits of a culture where your team always asks “why?”
  • PBS’ formal feedback process every employee goes through
  • Quality: why this must be top of mind for engineers entering into a leadership role
  • Filling your team with quality people
  • How “A Players” inside PBS define themselves
  • Strategies PBS uses to retain their talent
  • The challenges of keeping up with new technology (like PBS’ recent use of drones)
  • Why you need to spend more time with your team

Ways to contact Guy: