Starting a new project can be both exciting and daunting. For me, it's a chance to put new skills to the test and challenge myself. I recently established Community Resilience Consulting, and in this blog post, I'd like to share what inspired me to take this monumental step.
The idea of a business has been in my mind for years. Like many people, I would toy with the idea of doing SOMETHING that would let me control my working environment. I have been an engineer for years, and I honestly enjoy it. There is something intensely satisfying about having a hand in creating something tangible in the real world, like building a Lego that people live inside. But at the same time, I was chafing under the regimented way engineers interacted with the world. Our clients want the same projects over and over again. There are only so many ways to build a sewer main, after all. In my spare time, I would study other topics many may consider engineering adjacent. Urbanism was an easy transition, and Jeff Speck was my gateway drug into New Urbanist thinking. I read his book, Walkable City Rules, on a weekend and haven't looked back. I began devouring books and online content from Strong Towns, Not Just Bikes, and Climate Town. I was so inspired that I began looking for ways to professionally branch out without taking too much risk.
My then employer, Weston Solutions, maintained a large contract with the EPA's rapid response units, which respond to various incidents, from wildfires and floods to the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. An excellent way to branch out from pure engineering was to get involved in response work. So, I signed up for a master's degree program in Disaster Science and Management from the University of Delaware.
CRC began while I was attending graduate school. Working with driven, educated students made me want to challenge myself, and starting a business had always been a long-term goal of mine. I realized that I wanted to do something to help me grow and positively impact others. I wanted to create something that would bring value to people's lives. I decided to combine my engineering background, disaster science education, and passion for improving the towns where we live and work. Community Resilience Consulting was born. I am proud of our company's inspiration.
Finally, I was inspired by the stories of other people who had started their own projects and businesses. My brother specifically has built a respectable financial management portfolio and has grown it into a thriving career. (also after transitioning away from engineering... weird, right?) Indeed, many people I have encountered during my personal and professional journey have started businesses doing what they love. I realized that if they could do it, so could I. I was inspired by their passion, determination, and creativity.
So, I decided to take the plunge and start my own company. It's still in the early stages, but I'm excited about the possibilities. I know there will be challenges, but I'm ready to face them head-on.
If you're considering starting a new project, I encourage you to go for it. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back. You never know where it might lead you.