57: From Engineer to COO with Mike Quigley, WB Engineers

Mike Quigley is the Chief Operating Officer of WB Engineers and Consultants. He has been with the company since 2001 and has played a key role in its growth and success. With a background in electrical engineering, Mike has risen through the ranks at WB and now oversees the company's operations and strategic initiatives.

Mike Quigley, COO of WB Engineers and Consultants, shares his career journey from electrical engineer to principal and then to his current role. He discusses the company's focus on providing value to clients and the importance of being engaged and present in projects. Mike also talks about the expansion of WB's offices and the shift towards a more geographically diverse team. He emphasizes the importance of hiring and developing the right people and creating opportunities for upward mobility within the organization. Mike highlights the company's transition to an ESOP and the positive impact it has had on the team and culture. He also discusses the future of the industry, including the potential of automation and AI, and the importance of energy and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• WB Engineers and Consultants is all about providing value to clients and actively engaging in projects.
• The company has been expanding its offices and is aiming for a more diverse team across different locations.
• Hiring and developing the right people is a top priority for WB, and they're focused on creating opportunities for career advancement.
• The shift to an ESOP has made a positive impact on the team and culture.
• Looking ahead, the industry might see more automation and AI, along with a focus on energy and sustainability.

Mike Quigley also delves into the impact of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at WB Engineers and Consultants. He explains how the ESOP has aligned employees with the company's success and created a sense of ownership. The valuation of ESOP accounts has grown over time, showcasing the benefits of the program. Mike also emphasizes the importance of transparency and education in helping employees understand the valuation and how it can be increased.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of energy and sustainability. Mike highlights the importance of electrification, the challenges of increasing grid capacity, and the implementation of energy storage. He also explains the concept of retro-commissioning and its benefits in optimizing building performance. Mike mentions the role of WB in strategic decarbonization assessments for companies like Verizon, where they identify opportunities for energy savings and create master plans for transitioning to electric systems.

The discussion wraps up with a mention of the stretch energy code and the need for building owners to be aware of its requirements. M

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