Little Known Fact:

A desire to learn more about business and economics and to keep the Degenkolb business strong led me to earn an MBA in addition to my structural engineering degrees.

Design Philosophy:

I want to work with clients who value our services so that I can develop solutions tailored to their specific business needs. I try to solve the problem first, and then determine how it fits within the building code, rather than the other way around.

Virtues:

Being forthright and confident and not worrying too much what other people think about me. Not being afraid to ask “what if…” Knowing that engineering is more art than science, and questioning results until they make sense. Not being afraid to take calculated risks.

Vices:

Not filling out my timesheet on time, sometimes more than a week late. Spending too much of my retirement money and the kids’ college fund on fine wine and vacations. I do take the kids along, but they are too young to drink.

Favorite Project Story:

My favorite part of a project is the construction phase, and the best ones involve risk and something big, like a huge excavator digging a deep excavation, a diesel hammer installing a field of concrete piles, a precariously perched truck crane hoisting a tower crane boom, or erecting long-span steel trusses on the roof of an occupied convention center. I also have a healthy respect for electricity, but that is another story.

Special Interests:

Photography of the American Southwest, particularly the Utah National Parks and old ghost towns like Bodie and Grafton, exploring German and Italian castles and train stations and then relaxing at a nice hotel, growing the perfect rose, and learning how not to overcook asparagus.