Engineering Success

Most civil engineers solve the technical problem. Few also think about who has to pay for it, deliver it, and make money from it. Kym Wilkinson is the principal engineer at Wilkinson Shaw and Associates, a Brisbane-based civil engineering consultancy specialising in residential subdivision projects. With more than two decades of experience, she's built a reputation for balancing engineering rigour with commercial reality — because in her world, time, cost certainty, and practical decision-making matter just as much as technical compliance. In this episode, Kym shares how thinking like a developer changes every engineering decision on a project, and why the most successful engineers understand not just the technical requirements, but the commercial pressures their clients are actually facing.

What does it really take to grow an engineering business without losing control of quality, culture, and accountability? Shannon Neyland has built his career at the intersection of engineering delivery and executive leadership, starting on the tools and working his way through project performance, financial accountability, and team development, ultimately to become a senior leader. His focus has always been the same: building structured systems that support sustainable growth, not reactive expansion. In this conversation, Shannon gets into the realities of scaling in a competitive market, why growth without structure strains people and performance, and why discipline has to underpin every expansion decision. He also reflects candidly on the transition from hands-on sparky to a business leader; the shift from solving engineering problems to leading people, managing financial performance, and building real accountability into an organisation. If you're an engineering leader navigating growth or making the move into senior leadership, there's a lot here for you.

What does it take to keep a mine operating safely when the ground is unpredictable, and getting it wrong can shut down the entire operation? Tim Cartledge is the founder of Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics, a principal geotechnical engineer with decades of experience solving the mining industry's toughest stability challenges. After working with major consultancies including Coffey Geotechnics and GHD, he established his own specialist consultancy in 2015, supporting some of Queensland's most challenging coal mines. In this conversation, Tim explains how mining geotechnical work differs from civil engineering, shifting from rigid standards to a focus on geology, behaviour, and uncertainty. He discusses looking for opportunities alongside risks, pushing limits responsibly without compromising safety, and making critical decisions under intense pressure. Tim also shares the transition from technical expert to business owner, why integrity matters when advising clients, and how relationships and trust drive long-term consulting success. For engineering and industrial leaders navigating complex risk and difficult decisions, this episode offers an honest look at leading with confidence, integrity, and experience in high-stakes environments.

What happens when an engineer gets fed up watching projects fail because no one coordinates properly? Moussa Youssef started BMY Engineering in 2018 after years of witnessing costly mistakes that could have been prevented. Six years later, he made a bold move—merging with Prime Engineering to create Vanguard Consulting Engineers, a 24-person multidisciplinary firm with a reputation for never missing deadlines. In this conversation, Moussa shares the reality behind that merger: the first six months of chaos when communication broke down, how three partners learned to run decisions through one funnel instead of three, and why writing down roles and responsibilities saved the business. He talks about the systems that allow any team member to pick up where another left off, the weekly coordination meetings that keep projects on track, and the balance between over-committing to impress clients and burning out trying to deliver. You'll also hear why Moussa believes scaling culture is harder than scaling capacity, how early engagement with clients shifts the relationship from consultant to partner, and the long-term vision for building a firm where engineers want to stay for their entire careers. This is an honest look at the messiness of growth, the importance of having hard conversations early, and what it takes to build systems that actually work when the unexpected inevitably happens.

What does it take to start a business at 20, in the middle of a pandemic, and turn it into one of Australia’s leading fire compliance companies? Aleks Culic is the founder of Projects Fire, a passive fire compliance company he launched in 2020 while most of his peers were still at university. By spotting a gap in the market and backing himself, Aleks built a business that now employs over 20 people and delivers complex fire safety solutions across the country. Known for his strong technical capability and commitment to doing things right, he has earned a reputation for integrity and innovation in one of construction’s most safety-critical fields. In this conversation, Aleks shares how an early focus on emotional intelligence helped shape his leadership and decision-making from day one. He discusses what it means to build credibility at a young age, the lessons learned from rapid growth, and how he transitioned from working solo to leading a joint-venture team of 23. Aleks also opens up about the challenges of scaling systems, managing older teams, and maintaining quality as Projex Fire continues to grow. If you have ever wondered whether you are too young or too uncertain to start your own business, Aleks’s story is proof that belief, integrity, and a relentless work ethic can overcome any doubt. This episode is for every entrepreneur determined to do things the right way, even when no one is watching. Episode Highlights (00:00) Meet Aleks Culic: Founder of Projects Fire (10:00) Lessons from Mentorship and Emotional Coaching (12:00) Scaling Through Partnership and Trust (15:00) Managing Rapid Growth and Systems Under Pressure (25:00) Developing Processes for Quality and Compliance (28:00) Leading Older Teams with Confidence and Respect (33:00) Advice for Young Entrepreneurs Connect with Aleks Culic https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleks-culic-bb0756138/ Connect with Rick Merten https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmerten Subscribe to the Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-out-with-rick-6956089421838307328/

Andrew Gall walked away from a secure engineering career to challenge the industry’s biggest perception problem: that engineers are box-ticking cost centres rather than creative partners in design. Andrew is the founding director of ARGALL, a structural and civil consultancy based in Melbourne, with over 15 years of technical expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset. He has positioned ARGALL as the partner of choice for progressive architects, developers, and councils across Australia. The firm is recognised for its next-generation thinking, combining sustainability, creativity, and operational maturity to deliver award-winning projects. If you’re an engineering leader looking to grow without losing your values, this conversation is a blueprint for scaling smart, building a team that thinks differently, and proving that structural engineering can deliver both creativity and commercial success. Episode Highlights: (00:00) Meet Andrew Gall: Founder of ARGALL (05:25) Next Generation Thinking in Practice (13:48) Scaling Argall Without Compromising Values (17:42) Transitioning from Technical Expert to Business Leader (33:10) Building a Strong Team with DISC Profiling (37:21) Future Vision and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Connect with Andrew Gall https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrgall/ Connect with Rick Merten https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickmerten Subscribe to the Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-out-with-rick-6956089421838307328/ Engineering Success is an InsideOut Group production. -------------------------------- Get our latest insights on marketing wisdom and SME success tips. Subscribe: https://insideoutgroup.com.au/#letstalk Our thinking: https://insideoutgroup.com.au/blog/ Our work: https://insideoutgroup.com.au/case-studies/ Join the conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insideout-group/ #b2bmarketing #sme #smallbusinessmarketingtips #businesstips #businesspodcast

Ray Keefe discovered that being a brilliant engineer wasn't enough when his business coach challenged him: "Are you any good? I don't believe your answer - prove it." This brutal honesty launched a transformation that saw his electronics manufacturing consultancy win over 60 awards and challenge how Australian businesses think about local manufacturing. Ray confronts uncomfortable truths about Australian business culture. Learning that Australia ranks dead last globally for business collaboration (181st out of 181 countries), he built Successful Endeavours on partnership and collaboration in an industry known for keeping trade secrets. His pricing philosophy provides a masterclass in value thinking. When a client brought failing $70 Chinese circuit boards, Ray charged $200 but eliminated $1,200 in labour costs and warranty failures. The client saved money overall and saw sales skyrocket. This illustrates his philosophy of designing for the total cost of ownership, not the unit price. Ray addresses what many engineering owners face but rarely discuss: he spent six years running "a job with tax benefits" because he had technical expertise but lacked business skills. His systematic approach to developing business acumen provides a roadmap for technically brilliant entrepreneurs struggling with commercial challenges. Rather than accepting that everything must be made cheaper overseas, Ray demonstrates how Australian manufacturers win through operational efficiency, customisation, and total solution value. His examples show that designing specifically for local capabilities often beats offshore pricing while delivering superior outcomes. The episode explores his "hot teams" philosophy - small groups of domain specialists tackling difficult problems - offering an alternative to the scale-at-all-costs mentality. This approach keeps businesses agile while building deep, specialised expertise. For engineering business owners struggling with pricing, positioning, or transitioning from technical expert to business leader, Ray's journey offers practical guidance and proof that Australian manufacturing can compete globally while creating local value.

What if the secret to growing an engineering business isn't just about technical excellence, but about completely redefining how designers and contractors work together? Adam Hull, Managing Director of Hullcon, discovered this revolutionary approach when he recognised the massive waste created by the traditional "us versus them" mentality plaguing the construction industry. After a decade at major consultancies and two years in government, Adam witnessed how poor communication was costing projects millions. His solution? Start an engineering consultancy that operates like a trusted partner rather than a typical service provider. The results speak for themselves – Hullcon has tripled in size every year since 2021. Adam shares how he's building something genuinely different in the crowded engineering space. Rather than competing solely on price, Hullcon embeds with contractors, sometimes providing services at cost during tender phases to build lasting relationships. This strategic approach generates consistent repeat work and referrals. One fascinating aspect is Adam's commitment to radical transparency with his team. In weekly meetings, he shares financial numbers most employees never see, believing an informed team is an empowered team. He's implementing an innovative profit-sharing bonus structure that rewards collective success, not just individual performance. Adam's insights into working "on" versus "in" the business will resonate with any technical leader. He candidly discusses how getting too involved in project delivery – even when clients specifically request him – leads to dropped balls elsewhere. His solution involves building an advisory board and systematically delegating technical work to his capable team. The episode reveals practical culture-building strategies, from Adam's organic mentoring approach to his method of staying involved as a silent advisor. Most intriguingly, Adam is challenging fundamental industry payment norms, exploring how to move from traditional lump-sum contracts toward retainer models for predictable cash flow – a change that could revolutionise engineering service delivery. For business development, Adam offers a refreshing perspective: focus intensively on existing clients who share your values rather than constantly chasing new ones. His experience shows that once you've built genuine relationships, price becomes less important and opportunities flow naturally. Whether you're scaling a technical business, building better client relationships, or challenging the industry status quo, Adam's story provides a masterclass in creating a values-driven engineering consultancy that puts relationships and transparency at the centre of everything.

Josh Robinson, founder of JR Hammer, is a story that turns everything you thought you knew about recycling upside down. When China slammed its doors shut to the world's recyclables in 2018, Australia's scrap industry panicked. Hundreds of tons of copper cables suddenly had nowhere to go. Most saw disaster. Josh saw opportunity. "Working in sustainability, if you're shipping things offshore just to ship them back again, you're defeating the purpose," Josh told me, with the clarity of someone who's found his mission. His ability to create value from what others threw away fascinated me. While everyone focused on the copper, Josh tackled the forgotten half of every cable – the PVC insulation typically sent to landfill. In an industry where recovery rates hover at a dismal 2-5%, Josh's innovations now achieve over 90%. The journey wasn't smooth. Italian technicians installing his equipment literally fled Australia with two hours' notice when pandemic borders closed, leaving Josh barely trained on complex machinery he'd have to operate alone for months. His persistence is changing an industry. JR Hammer has secured federal grants, pioneered Australia's first operational solar PVC recycling plant, and earned recognition that competitors can't match. Whether you're interested in circular economy innovations, spotting market opportunities others miss, or simply curious about turning environmental problems into commercial solutions, Josh's story offers a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship that actually works.

What does it take to move to a new city with zero connections, build a thriving engineering consultancy, and eventually become a company director? In this compelling episode, Derya Horasan shares how he transformed Scientific Fire Services' Sydney office from a two-person operation to a respected team of nine professionals. Rather than pursuing traditional networking, Derya built relationships with peers at his level who grew alongside him in their careers. His philosophy that "you're only as good as your last report" created a reputation that attracted clients without aggressive marketing. When you listen, you will appreciate Derya's candid insights about learning to separate emotions from business decisions and the power of declining projects that don't align with company values. His creation of an engineering management structure demonstrates how leadership must evolve as companies grow. From succession planning challenges to adapting relationship-building for younger generations, this episode offers practical insights for anyone building a sustainable industrial business based on quality, culture, and strategic relationships.

What happens when a former diesel mechanic decides to solve one of the construction industry's biggest hidden problems? After an injury ended his original career path, and his adventures took him from Australian mines to the mountains of Kazakhstan, Ben Horstmann spotted a critical gap in how construction and mining companies manage equipment safety and compliance. Eight years ago, he launched Consolidated Plant Services with a passionate refusal to hire any employees. Today, his team has assessed tens of thousands of pieces of equipment and is redefining industry standards across Australia. Ben’s journey from technical expert to business leader wasn't straightforward. In this episode, Ben shares candid insights about building a category-defining business. He explains why he fired customers who didn't align with his values, how he overcame his resistance to building a team, and his unconventional approach to growth, which prioritises long-term relationships over "sugar-hit" profits. Whether you're running an engineering firm, a technical services company, or any business where quality and reputation are paramount, Ben's insights on building a sustainable, values-driven organisation while maintaining technical excellence are invaluable. His story demonstrates how combining technical expertise with strong values and long-term thinking can create a unique and successful business model in a traditional industry. Join us to discover how combining deep technical expertise with strong values can create a unique and successful business model in a traditional industry.

What happens when a successful utility engineer trades job security for entrepreneurial freedom? In this compelling episode of Long Term Thinking for Business Success, Jonathan De Carlo reveals how his dream of a relaxed lifestyle business transformed into a thriving engineering consultancy. After two decades in the utilities sector, Jonathan launched Grid Power Design with visions of three-day weekends. Instead, he discovered the challenging reality of building a specialised engineering firm. His candid insights about maintaining quality while scaling, innovative approaches to competitor collaboration, and the ongoing struggle to step back from technical work offer valuable lessons for technical professionals considering entrepreneurship. Learn how Jonathan: Built a respected engineering consultancy from scratch Developed a unique "mum test" for technical documentation Created collaborative relationships with competitors Plans to transition from technician to true business leader This episode is for engineering professionals ready to build their own success stories.

In this episode, with Michael Grogan, one of the directors at Birzulis Associates, a consulting engineering firm that's been shaping Australia's structural landscape since 1989. Michael's journey from a laid-back surfer and cinema ticket-taker to becoming a key leader in one of Sydney's respected engineering firms is entertaining and inspiring. What stands out is Michael's refreshingly honest account of his accidental entry into engineering. Picture this - a fresh University of Newcastle graduate who only applied for the job to get his father off his back, then cheekily told the 67-year-old interviewer that he looked close to retirement or death! That bold move surprisingly landed him his first and only job since graduating. The conversation takes fascinating turns as Michael shares how the firm evolved from a 12-person operation to their current success with offices in Sydney and Newcastle. He provides invaluable insights into maintaining quality while growing, including their innovative "pod" system for project management and unique hiring approach, where personality fit often trumps technical brilliance. Michael's candid discussion about the challenges of transitioning from engineer to leader makes this episode particularly valuable for business owners. His struggle with letting go of technical work to focus on management and how he eventually found a balance that allowed him to return to his engineering roots while leading the company offers practical lessons for anyone facing similar challenges. Michael's straightforward discussion about their commitment to quality over profit, even when it means standing up to powerful clients, demonstrates how strong principles can drive sustainable business success. Whether you're an engineering professional, business owner, or simply interested in how successful businesses navigate growth while maintaining their values, this conversation offers actionable insights and authentic perspectives on building a sustainable professional services firm.

In this episode, Larry Narunsky shares his 28-year history as the technical director and founder of Convergent Water Controls (CWC) and how his company has become a cornerstone of Australia's water treatment industry over the past 28 years. Larry's story is a testament to the power of technical expertise and strategic business acumen. After migrating from South Africa with an engineering background, he transformed a small electronic services business into a thriving enterprise that now employs 15 people and serves as a crucial solutions provider in the water treatment sector. What makes Larry's journey particularly fascinating is how he navigated significant industry changes, including a pivotal moment following a tragic incident at Melbourne Aquarium that reshaped safety standards in cooling tower maintenance. Throughout our conversation, Larry shares invaluable insights into building a sustainable business alongside his brother, emphasising the importance of clear role division and systematic documentation. His approach to hiring - prioritising engineering expertise over pure sales experience - has proven instrumental in building lasting client relationships based on technical competence rather than traditional sales tactics. One of Larry's most compelling aspects of his leadership philosophy is his commitment to systematic processes and quality assurance. Under his guidance, CWC has developed robust internal systems that allow the business to operate efficiently while maintaining high service standards. The candid discussion about the challenges of stepping back from day-to-day operations and the importance of building a sustainable organisation offers practical wisdom for business owners contemplating their succession planning. Whether you're an engineering business owner, an industrial sector entrepreneur, or simply interested in building a sustainable business, this episode offers rich insights into the delicate balance of technical excellence, systematic growth, and exceptional customer service. Join us as Larry shares his journey from a one-man operation to leading a respected player in Australia's water treatment industry.

Join us for an insightful episode of "Long Term Thinking for Business Success" as we delve into the journey of MEX Engineering Group with its founder and CEO, Russell King. In this episode, Russell shares the transformation of MEX Engineering into a people-driven organisation and its vision to become Australia's leading engineering service provider. Discover how Russell and his team have cultivated an enjoyable and sustainable culture by prioritising people over profit, safety, and quality. Gain valuable insights into their unique approach to hiring based on cultural fit and the "hungry, humble, and smart" framework. Explore the challenges and triumphs of creating a sustainable business that lasts decades and learn about the founder's pivotal role in driving continuous change. Uncover the secrets behind MEX Engineering's client engagement strategies, from building lasting relationships to prioritising impactful activities. Take advantage of this engaging conversation as Russell King shares his wisdom on leadership, strategic initiatives, and the art of creating a best-in-class team. Tune in to gain inspiration for your business journey and learn how to foster a thriving, people-centric organisation.

In this Long Term Thinking for Business Success episode, I sit down with Paul Wehbe, Managing Director of Infrastructure Engineering Group (IEG). With over 20 years of experience in the electrical infrastructure industry, Paul walks us through his transition from a corporate role at Ausgrid to starting IEG, which focuses on delivering innovative, client-centered utility solutions. What began as a side business offering 3D design and modelling services evolved into a fully-fledged consulting company specialising in high-risk utility infrastructure projects. Paul shares the early challenges of managing a small business and learning how to deal with demanding clients, quoting uncertainties, and avoiding scope creep. He reveals that becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t originally planned, but his passion for pushing boundaries and trying new things made it a natural transition. One of the early lessons Paul highlights is understanding how to manage risk and uncertainty while ensuring clear communication with clients. He believes success comes from delivering great work and building lasting relationships through trust and transparency. As we delve deeper into the discussion, Paul discusses the importance of company culture and personal branding for himself and his team. He emphasises the idea of being selective with clients, focusing on alignment with their values and leadership, which has been critical to IEG’s growth. Paul also discusses building trust and accountability within a team, sharing stories from his leadership experiences to set the right example. He believes that employees should reflect the company’s values and build strong personal brands so that clients remember them for their excellent service. Paul is proud of the team culture at IEG, particularly the feedback they receive from clients who request specific team members by name, even if they weren’t initially assigned to a project. He notes that this kind of client loyalty comes from consistently providing a "red carpet experience," which has helped IEG establish a reputation as a trusted advisor in the utility infrastructure space. One of Paul's top insights is the importance of strategic hires in scaling a business. He realised early on that to achieve stability and growth, he needed to hire a team he could trust unconditionally. He also highlights the need for flexibility and a "flex strategy" when scaling to handle surges in demand. This approach has helped IEG manage periods of rapid growth without compromising on quality.

Dario Valenza's innovation journey is a captivating narrative of perseverance, creativity, and strategic vision. From his early career in yacht racing to pioneering advancements in uncrewed aerial systems, Dario's trajectory embodies the essence of a true innovator. His passion for design and performance excellence has been a driving force throughout his life, evident in his contributions to America's Cup teams and his relentless pursuit of technological advancement. As the founder of Carbonix, he has led the charge of developing high-performance aerial systems that capture high-resolution data over large geographic areas and complex terrains. This endeavour has revolutionised workflows, reduced costs, and significantly lowered carbon emissions, underscoring Dario's dedication to environmental sustainability. The conversation with Dario delves into the intricacies of his journey, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a technology-driven business from the ground up. His experiences in securing strategic partnerships, navigating the complexities of hardware development, and the pivotal role of customer-driven innovation provide a rich tapestry of lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts alike. Dario's story is one of resilience and adaptability, marked by the fusion of his expertise in design thinking with a keen understanding of market dynamics. His unwavering pursuit of excellence and his ability to transform visionary ideas into tangible, real-world solutions inspire those embarking on their own innovation odyssey. Join me as we explore Dario Valenza's story of innovation and delve into the intersection of vision, technology, and business success.

In this insightful episode, Pete Sackett, the Founder and Director of CDE Design Solutions, shares his wealth of experience and knowledge on building a sustainable engineering business. He started CDE in 2001 after spending several years working in various engineering roles. His initial vision was to provide drafting and factory-related mechanical engineering services to local food manufacturers. Pete shares the challenges and pivotal moments that have shaped the company's trajectory. He emphasises the pivotal role of having deep expertise in his team to build specialisation and create a unique market position We explore Pete’s approach to fostering open dialogue within the company and with clients, emphasising the value of regular discussions to gauge progress, address challenges, and ensure smooth operations. Over the course of 20 years leading CDE, Pete has accumulated a collection of captivating anecdotes and real-world examples that he generously shares with us. He takes the opportunity to explore key moments in CDE Design Solutions' history, including fundamental decisions that have greatly influenced the company's trajectory. Pete's candid storytelling and practical wisdom make this episode a great listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of sustainable business practices and long-term success.

In this episode of the Long Term Thinking for Business Success podcast, I sit down with Nina Kilpinen, the Managing Director of Seed Engineering, a specialist engineering consulting firm. Nina's career journey is anything but conventional. After spending almost, a decade as an engineer, she left the industry to build a shoe retailing business. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her back to engineering, where she now brings a unique perspective to project development and management. In this wide-ranging conversation, Nina shares her insights on overcoming barriers, the importance of project management, balancing engineering and entrepreneurship, and the value of career flexibility. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry. Whether you're an engineer, an entrepreneur, or a business owner, there's something for everyone in this episode. Nina's story is inspiring, her insights are valuable, and her passion for her work is contagious. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation with Nina Kilpinen.