Contributors

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Host

Jen Newman, FSMPS, CPSM

With over 25 years of experience transforming how A/E/C firms grow and thrive, Jen Newman, FSMPS, CPSM, brings her expertise to the mic in her new podcast. As a trusted advisor, strategic planner, and business development expert, Jen has helped countless firms create sustainable growth roadmaps, build high-impact BD programs, and align teams for long-term success.


Beyond her professional expertise, Jen’s journey is one of resilience and passion. A cancer survivor, dedicated industry advocate, and proud mom to two engineers, she knows firsthand the importance of perseverance and vision. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an emerging leader, this podcast will equip you with the tools, confidence, and motivation to elevate your career and your firm.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elevateaec/
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Producer

Mhari Thomas

Mhari is a Marketing & Management graduate from King University who recently relocated to Salt Lake City with her husband, Bryson - a Civil Engineer. In January 2024, Mhari joined Elevate Advisors and has enjoyed diving into the AEC sphere, expanding her expertise in marketing and strategy. Outside of work, Mhari has a passion for traveling, hiking the National Parks, and photography. When back home in Virginia, she never misses a chance for super competitive pickleball matches with family. With a love for creativity and exploration, Mhari brings energy and enthusiasm to every aspect of life.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhari-reid-thomas-02b008193/

Guests

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Guest

Brian J. Sielaff, P.E., S.E., P. ENG.

Founding Tamarack Grove Engineering out of a love for design and problem-solving, the opportunity to serve a need within the industry, and a desire to lead with purpose, Brian gets to live his “why” every day. With more than 20,000 projects under his belt and 25+ years of experience, he successfully balances the operations of his 45-person structural engineering firm with delivering the ultimate client experience.

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Greg Horejs

With over 24 years of experience in the land development industry, Greg Horejs, P.E. combines technical expertise with a passion for building strong, dynamic teams. In 2016, he founded CAGE Engineering, Inc., with a mission to elevate the engineering consulting industry by delivering an unmatched level of service and expertise to clients tackling complex engineering, land surveying, and construction management challenges. He has cultivated a culture that balances support with challenge, enabling team members to grow their careers while consistently exceeding client expectations. Today, CAGE has expanded into a thriving firm with offices in Illinois, Colorado, Arizona, North Carolina, and Florida, delivering top-tier consulting services nationwide. When he's not leading his team or giving back to his community, Greg is fully immersed in family life. With four active kids, he's often found cheering them on at their sporting events.

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Jeff Gilliland, PE

Founding principal of J2, a multi-discipline engineering firm based in Virginia. While he has experience in all aspects of land development including planning; site feasibility analysis; rezoning; hydrology and hydraulics; and roadway design, he is best recognized for his diverse experience with mixed-use planned developments. A true engineer, he enjoys diving into the engineering side of things, but also relishes the opportunity to reinforce J2’s culture. He has been chiefly responsible for building the firm to over 85 employees in five offices in Northern Virginia. Jeff deftly manages both the engineering and business sides of the firm because he is passionate about the industry, the people, and the work.

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Rob Matthews MSCE, PE

Rob has built a thriving company by establishing solid, long-term partnerships with his clients through integrity, honest communication, and dependability. Rob serves as an advisor and principal-in-charge on every project, taking a personal interest in ensuring that project schedules and budgets are met, and clients receive high-quality deliverables. With a master’s degree in civil engineering from Clemson University and over 25 years of experience in land development, Rob provides an innovative approach and expertise to all phases of land development, civil engineering, and environmental and regulatory permitting.

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Roseann Schmid

Roseann graduated from Clarkson University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Her extensive experience spans multiple disciplines within civil engineering, including structural, environmental, transportation, and traffic engineering, as well as planning, design, and construction management. This diverse background has equipped her with both strong technical expertise and exceptional communication skills. A licensed Professional Engineer in New York State, Roseann has dedicated over 18 years to Fisher Associates, serving in key leadership roles such as Project Manager, Highway Group Manager, and Director of Transportation. Since January 2018, she has served as CEO of the firm. As CEO, Roseann drives the firm’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with its core purpose, mission, vision, and core values. She is passionate about cultivating a culture that focuses on open communication, transparency, and employee growth and development. 

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Ryan Schmitt

100% Owner, Founder and President of Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, Inc. Ryan has over 32 years’ experience in the civil contracting industry with the last twenty-seven in senior management. A proven leader in the civil construction industry bringing a consistent history of corporate and association leadership, his areas of expertise include strategic planning, organizational design, process development and implementation, recruiting and staffing, motivating work force, safety design and implementation, estimating, project management, equipment acquisition and managerial accounting. 


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