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Employee-Owner of the Year, Shane Brown, on Collaboration, Mentorship

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Each year Parametrix selects an employee-owner who goes above and beyond to exemplify our core values. Shane Brown, a Senior Engineer with our Bridge & Structures group based in Portland, OR was named the 2024 Parametrix Employee-Owner of the Year.

He was selected by his fellow employee-owners and our Enterprise Leadership Team based on his strong collaboration, commitment to mentorship, and track record of successful project delivery. As Employee-Owner of the Year, Shane will have the opportunity to sit in on our Board of Directors meetings as an employee-owner representative for the next year.

Shane Brown headshot

He answers questions about his career, mentorship, and successful collaboration.

 

Tell us about your career. What brought you to Parametrix? What has been your experience at Parametrix?

After completing my Bachelor of Science degree at Oregon State University, I sought a position in structural engineering. At a career fair in late 2006, I spoke with Steve Aisaka at the Parametrix booth. After reviewing my resume, he enthusiastically stated, “We are going to hire you!” It was a thrilling moment. Although I had interviews lined up with several other firms, I felt a strong connection to Parametrix due to:

  • My positive initial interaction with Steve, which made me feel valued.
  • Parametrix’s status as a 100% employee-owned company.
  • The firm’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
  • The opportunity for career growth and mentorship necessary to achieve my goal of becoming a licensed Structural Engineer.

I joined the Bridge and Structures group at Parametrix in February 2007 as an engineer II. Over the past 17+ years, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, including bridges, buildings, retaining walls, and marine structures, collaborating with numerous project managers and clients across various regions and business sectors. Early in my career, I focused on gaining the experience needed to obtain my structural engineering license, serving primarily as a project design engineer responsible for structural calculations and plan development.

As I progressed, I was promoted to engineer III, IV, and eventually senior engineer. I earned my Professional Engineering (PE) license and, four years later, my Structural Engineering (SE) license—an achievement that fulfilled a long-standing goal of mine. In recent years, my role has shifted to mentoring emerging professionals, ensuring project quality, building client relationships, and marketing for new projects. Currently, I serve as the Deputy Project Manager for the SH-16 Phase 3 Extension in Idaho.

A truck drives unde3r an overpass in construction

 

One major theme mentioned in your nomination is collaboration. What has been the key to successfully collaborating across offices/regions?

Collaboration hinges on a genuine commitment to your work and responsiveness to the needs of both the client and the project team. Every project is unique, presenting its own challenges and desired outcomes, and no single individual can manage everything alone. To ensure project success, each team member must actively contribute and function effectively within the group.

When collaborating across offices or regions, frequent communication is essential to stay aligned with the evolving needs of the project and the client. Regular check-ins and honest, direct conversations are vital for successful collaboration. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow through on your commitments; this reflects your dedication to the work and your team.

Personally, I find it easy to engage directly, whether it’s picking up the phone or meeting face-to-face with clients, architects, contractors, suppliers, engineers, or subcontractors. I encourage everyone to reach out for information rather than waiting or assuming tasks are being managed. Clear communication is key to ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

 

Over the past two years, you’ve led the delivery of four bridges while also mentoring others. How do you maintain balance between delivering projects and mentoring staff?

Mentoring is truly enjoyable for me. I was fortunate to have an outstanding mentor who inspired a strong desire for excellence, and I strive to pass that on. When another employee-owner reaches out for assistance, I feel a sense of excitement and often share much more than they initially sought. It’s not unusual for me to give an in-depth explanation, complete with sketches and notes created on the spot in Bluebeam, which they can reference later. I’ve been frequently encouraged to consider teaching, which is a testament to my mentoring approach.

Balancing mentoring with project delivery does require extra effort. I won’t deny that I often put in additional hours during the week to ensure project timelines are met, especially since I dedicate a significant amount of time to mentoring. However, I genuinely enjoy both aspects, and that passion makes it easier to invest those extra hours. Plus, once I’ve mentored someone, I feel confident in their abilities, making it easier to delegate tasks on future projects.

 

What do you enjoy most about being an employee-owner at Parametrix?

The projects we undertake and the people we collaborate with truly make this a wonderful place to work. Each project presents unique challenges and opportunities that allow us to innovate and grow, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in our work.

What I find most rewarding, however, is the daily interactions I have with my fellow employee-owners. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose here at Parametrix. Whether it’s brainstorming solutions during a project meeting, celebrating a team milestone, or simply catching up over coffee, these connections enrich my experience and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Being part of a team that values collaboration and mutual support makes every day enjoyable and motivates me to give my best. It’s the combination of exciting projects and the supportive community that truly defines what makes Parametrix awesome.

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