Breaking Ground: Insights from Brent Wilkins on Building a Career in Construction

Meet Brent Wilkins, Associate Vice President and CEI Area Leader at RS&H, whose career journey exemplifies the dynamic possibilities within our construction management team. Born and raised in Central Florida, Brent’s path from engineering student to industry leader exemplifies how dedication, relationship-building, and strategic career moves can lead to exceptional professional growth. 

Through our conversation with Brent, we explore the realities of building a career in construction management, the pivotal projects that define success, and the industry insights that drive continued passion for this ever-evolving field. 

What initially drew you to construction management? 

In college, I worked as a consultant for a while, conducting geotechnical inspections, and then secured a job with the City of Tampa Water Department. I worked as an engineering technician with them for almost two years while I was finishing up college. 

After graduating, I began my career with a construction firm specializing in heavy civil projects. It was a deep dive into the world of construction, where I quickly gained firsthand experience in managing and executing large-scale transportation projects. 

Your career didn’t begin at RS&H. What factors influenced your move to RS&H? 

The company I worked for before RS&H sold my division to another contractor. Around that time, I was looking for a change and had worked with RS&H when I was a contractor, and RS&H was a consultant on one of the projects I was managing. I also had a friend who worked for RS&H at the time, so I asked him what he thought of the firm and how he liked it. It was a “right place at the right time” scenario, and I haven’t looked back since. 

Can you share a pivotal project that accelerated your career development? 

In 2020, we were selected to do CEI services for North Sunlake Boulevard Segments 1-3. It ultimately became a substantial project, involving approximately 4.3 miles of new construction, including 9 bridges. 

More importantly, this project was our first stand-alone project in this area in some time. Beyond being a great win for our team, the project created growth opportunities, not just for me, but for others on the team as well. 

What distinguishes RS&H’s culture from other firms?

I’ve witnessed several mergers and acquisitions during my time at previous companies, providing me with a firsthand look at how these transitions impact a company’s culture and shape executive leadership’s perspective on employees as a collective. 

At RS&H, I feel that regardless of your career stage, you have a voice within the firm. You’re not viewed as just an employee number. I can go to one of my team members now and ask them for their employee number, but they couldn’t tell me. 

How necessary is field experience for career development? 

One of the things I truly admire about RS&H is how they prioritize hands-on experience for our construction staff, particularly young associates. We ensure that new associates start their careers in the field, getting their hands dirty and concrete on their boots. By not overlooking this crucial step in an associate’s career path, our associates witness firsthand what it takes to bring large-scale projects to life. 

How does industry involvement enhance career development? 

I love the fact that RS&H encourages our associates to be involved with industry organizations that have a voice with our clients and influence how projects are built. To me, that’s what’s always fun about what we do: being part of a firm with a voice in the industry and constantly looking for ways to become more efficient, complete projects more successfully, faster, and within budget. 

Your Path Forward in Construction Management 

Brent Wilkins’ career journey illustrates the exceptional opportunities available in construction management for dedicated professionals. His progression from engineering technician to Associate Vice President demonstrates how strategic career moves, relationship building, and commitment to excellence create sustainable success. 

The construction industry needs passionate professionals who can navigate complex challenges while building lasting relationships. Whether you’re considering your first role or planning your next career move, construction management offers the opportunity to shape communities, solve meaningful problems, and build a rewarding professional legacy. 

Explore our open job positions and find out how you can build your future with RS&H.