Between Two Shovels Ep.9: Glenn Armstrong (BKF Engineers) - Civil Engineering Industry Lessons

Join Derek Minnema as he sits down with longtime friend and BKF Engineers' Glenn Armstrong to discuss 25 years of changes in the civil engineering industry. From their Sacramento State days getting through structures lab together to navigating today's funding landscape, this conversation covers the real challenges facing engineers today.Glenn shares insights on the shifting priorities in transportation funding, the concerning trend of new graduates avoiding professional licensing, and what it takes to build lasting client relationships in consulting. The discussion touches on everything from active transportation projects to the importance of networking with your college classmates who become tomorrow's decision makers.Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your engineering career, this episode offers practical advice on career development, project management, and adapting to an evolving industry.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction and Sacramento State memories2:33 - Glenn's transition from banking to civil engineering4:32 - The importance of communication skills in engineering7:19 - Preparation strategies for meetings and presentations11:42 - What motivates Derek's content creation13:11 - Glenn's career focus on roadway design16:08 - The funding environment and "hungry hungry hippos" approach18:25 - Active transportation projects and ATP funding24:15 - Career advice for new civil engineering graduates27:44 - Public vs private sector career paths30:29 - Notable projects and what makes them fulfilling35:15 - Professional licensing trends among new graduates41:17 - Industry consolidation and firm sizes44:16 - Leadership development and mentoring approachesSubscribe for more insights from transportation and infrastructure leaders.Learn more about Connector JPA: https://connectorjpa.com Guest: Glenn Armstrong - Regional Transportation Lead at BKF Engineers - https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennarmstrong/