In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Project Manager Dustyn Ritchey), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.
Describe what you do at Warfel: As a Project Manager, I am a part of the team responsible for carrying out our Clients for Life mission to manage scope, schedule, and project financials, accompanied by a high degree of quality and safety our Clients and partners deserve. It is important in the role to be sure the team has the resources needed to promote project success and to be a conduit for information between all the stakeholders of the project, internally and externally.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management with a focus in Mechanical Engineering
Why did you choose that course of study/degree? With not going to college immediately after high school, I wanted to capitalize on both the career in construction I had already started and the academic strengths I was fortunate to uncover from a young age – math and science. Engineering was the right fit. The management component of the degree came from my appreciation for leadership and a passion to hopefully one day make a difference.
How long have you worked at Warfel? One year in April
What did you do before you came to Warfel? Project management for an architectural, engineering, and construction company.
What is your favorite part of your job? The single most satisfying attribute of the job is watching a project come to life from what is originally just an idea in the mind(s) of our Clients. Solving complex problems, meeting new people, and achieving overall “project success” with the project team is just a glimpse into a great day in construction.
What is the least favorite job you ever had? I am fortunate to say that I cannot think of a “least favorite” job.
What is your most exciting accomplishment? Graduating from college and getting the “yes” from my now wife to marry me.
What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Never. Stop. Learning. Put in the work, be humble, and find passion in what you do. The opportunities are truly limitless.
What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? You are surrounded by incredible people – ask questions, seize opportunities, and always set the bar higher! Prepare yourself to be part of something bigger than construction.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Never underestimate what you are capable of.
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? Country music artist. I’ll pretend it has nothing to do with lacking talent and more with the fact the “right” ears have just not yet heard my voice.
What do you wish people knew about engineering? Engineering is a lot less of coming quickly to an answer and a lot more about using simpler tools, principles, and formulas in the right methodology to solve bigger problems or goals. Breaking complex things into simpler parts is the key to resolving otherwise complex questions or challenges.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Logging miles on the bike, reading a book, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
