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BUSINESS NEWS KEVIN BROWN JR. NAMED 2021 DELAWARE VALLEY YOUNG ENGINEER OF THE YEAR The Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia announced that Kevin Brown Jr., PE, a transportation construction manager at Urban Engineers , has been selected as the 2021 Delaware Valley Young Engineer of the Year. The annual award recognizes an outstanding engineer who is age 35 or under, has demonstrated leadership capabilities, and has made a recognized contribution to the engineering profession within the Greater Philadelphia region. Beyond the field of engineering, the recipient must also have contributed to and participated in charitable, civic, and technical affairs. In February, Brown was honored during Delaware Valley Engineers Week, which is part of a national engineering observance. “Kevin is an outstanding candidate to represent the Delaware Valley’s extraordinary group of young engineers,” said Bob Wright, chair of the Delaware Valley Engineers Week Committee. “He demonstrates his passion for engineering in his work with Urban Engineers, but especially in his dedication to mentoring and educating the upcoming generation of engineers through his volunteerism with the ACE Mentor Program.” Brown started his career at Urban Engineers 12 years ago as a transportation construction inspector in the transportation division. In his current role as transportation construction manager, Brown leads many projects working closely with contractors in the field and mentoring the inspection team. He recently earned a lead role in one of Urban’s major projects, managing and overseeing
all aspects of the I-76 Viaduct Rehabilitation project. To supplement his work experience, Brown is involved in professional organizations within the industry, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Construction Management Association of America, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the American Society of Highway Engineers. Brown also serves on the ACE Mentor Program’s advisory council in Philadelphia, an organization he participated in as a student in high school. This national program aims to excite and enlighten high school students in the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering by connecting local professionals with students in team settings. “Volunteering is important because if it wasn’t for my experience with ACE, I don’t think I would be receiving this honor,” said Brown. “As a mentor, especially with the diverse groups of students we work with, I can connect with them on a level that other mentors can’t. We experienced the same things, we look the same, and we talk the same. I believe by sharing my story as a young Black man in engineering, I can open their eyes to careers they may not have known were available or feel might not be attainable for someone who looks like them.” Having been recognized as the Delaware Valley Young Engineer of the Year, Brown said, “I know many people who have earned this recognition before me, and they have set the bar high. To see all of the great things previous Delaware Valley Young Engineers of the Year recipients have accomplished and to be a part of this elite group is an honor. I’m
excited to use this platform to help and mentor others.” A Philadelphia native, Brown grew up and currently resides in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus in structural engineering from Widener University. A part of National Engineers Week, Delaware Valley Engineers Week has been held since 1953 and honors the approximately 100,000 engineers locally and 1.6 million engineers nationally who work to protect our health and safety, restore and defend the environment, build factories, run and contribute to our economic future and more. Engineers Week informs the public on the value of engineers, celebrates engineering marvels, technology and innovation, and works to inspire youth to consider careers in engineering. The Delaware Valley Engineers Week Committee, a committee of the Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia, handles the planning, awards, events, and other aspects of Delaware Valley Engineers Week. Formed in 1877, The Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia provides a means for engineers to networkandshare information.TheClub’svision is to unify engineers and related professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region. It’s dedicated to relationship building and networking among technical professionals, communication and collaboration among engineers, raising the awareness of engineering in our society, and the professional development of its members. The Club has been organizing the celebration of Delaware Valley Engineers Week since 2008.
FUTURE FOCUSED, from page 7
a science. You have to ensure that people recognize their potential and help them to see their future. The greatest pitfall is lack of communication. You have to keep asking the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” It’s also important to hire a good lawyer. TZL: What unique or innovative pricing strategies have you developed, or are you developing, to combat the commoditization of engineering services? CH: We have a service fee option strategy to help clients visualize what they need. We provide a three-tier presentation communication tool. The tiers are: limited, optimal, and enhanced. We find that this system puts the client in control. Instead of sending out 7-10 page legal documents that they have to go through, this 1-2 page, bulleted document is easy to digest and understand. It’s graphically pleasing and has transformed how we communicate value. TZL: In one word or phrase, what do you describe as your number one job responsibility as CEO? CH: Drive trust, sense of purpose, and growth mindset. Future focus.
to work with us has to do with thought leadership and being a good partner. Our clients don’t just view us as a design facilitator. We also have a diverse market sector capability and varied design studios. Our advanced skill set also allows us to embrace controls, not just the design. We address wellness and sustainability simultaneously. “You have to ensure that people recognize their potential and help them to see their future. The greatest pitfall is lack of communication. You have to keep asking the question, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’” TZL: Ownership transition can be tricky, to say the least. What’s the key to ensuring a smooth passing of the baton? What’s the biggest pitfall to avoid? CH: We began that a long time ago. We have this down to
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THE ZWEIG LETTER APRIL 19, 2021, ISSUE 1388
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