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This is inspired by Vito Rotondi's story and his statement "I think many students want to graduate, get their licenses and one day have the dream of owning their own firm." from the discussion on the pros and cons of big vs small companies. I always want to be an engineer, but I could not remember  I aspired to obtain my P.E. and the impetus [Side Note: I typed "impetus" and then had to make sure it meant what I thought. My favorite songs growing up have words that I thought I understood, so I am starting to doubt EVERYTHING I believed! For years, I sincerely thought that Rick James song was a love song.] . I started my own company out of necessity as a stay-at-home dad with a P.E. and being asked for assistance. 
When and why did you start your journey to professional licensing? 
If you are considering or currently have your own engineering company/firm, at what point along your journey did the urge hit you and what was the impetus?




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James Williams P.E., M.ASCE
Principal/Owner
POA&M Structural Engineering, PLC
Yorktown, VA
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In my undergraduate program, we were talked to on multiple occasions from the time we were freshman to graduates about the importance of licensure. At one of our ASCE or Chi Epsilon student chapter meetings, we had a representative from the State licensure board come to speak with us about the requirements and benefits of licensure. So, for me, there was very little difference between deciding to be a civil engineer and deciding to pursue licensure. Licensure seemed to be the logical progression of where I was headed. Then, when I was given my full-time offer from our firm, it was noted in the offer that it was expected that I was headed toward licensure. 

Regarding starting a firm, that's never really been on the radar. I've planted my roots in the firm where I had my first internship, and I'm dedicated to continuing to make this one of the best places someone could work. There are some real advantages to the momentum that was set in motion by our founder and the principals that have followed him. He had a passion for ensuring that there was a plan for the transfer of leadership for the longevity of the firm, and I'm grateful to be a part of that.

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Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
Tulsa, OK
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2022 11:14 AM
From: James Williams
Subject: When and Why: P.E. and/or Own Firm Aspirations???

This is inspired by Vito Rotondi's story and his statement "I think many students want to graduate, get their licenses and one day have the dream of owning their own firm." from the discussion on the pros and cons of big vs small companies. I always want to be an engineer, but I could not remember  I aspired to obtain my P.E. and the impetus [Side Note: I typed "impetus" and then had to make sure it meant what I thought. My favorite songs growing up have words that I thought I understood, so I am starting to doubt EVERYTHING I believed! For years, I sincerely thought that Rick James song was a love song.] . I started my own company out of necessity as a stay-at-home dad with a P.E. and being asked for assistance.
When and why did you start your journey to professional licensing?
If you are considering or currently have your own engineering company/firm, at what point along your journey did the urge hit you and what was the impetus?




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James Williams P.E., M.ASCE
Principal/Owner
POA&M Structural Engineering, PLC
Yorktown, VA
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Love the Rick James reference. But I guess you're not thinking of "Super Freak."
I didn't plan to start my own company, not wanting to deal with the paperwork side. When my wife and I did start one, it was mainly for tax savings. Then we found an existing company that treated us very well and we started running all our work through them. We don't make as much but it saves us the administrative burden and worries, which is worth it to us.

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William McAnally Ph.D., P.E., D.CE, D.NE, F.ASCE
ENGINEER
Columbus MS
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-27-2022 11:14 AM
From: James Williams
Subject: When and Why: P.E. and/or Own Firm Aspirations???

This is inspired by Vito Rotondi's story and his statement "I think many students want to graduate, get their licenses and one day have the dream of owning their own firm." from the discussion on the pros and cons of big vs small companies. I always want to be an engineer, but I could not remember  I aspired to obtain my P.E. and the impetus [Side Note: I typed "impetus" and then had to make sure it meant what I thought. My favorite songs growing up have words that I thought I understood, so I am starting to doubt EVERYTHING I believed! For years, I sincerely thought that Rick James song was a love song.] . I started my own company out of necessity as a stay-at-home dad with a P.E. and being asked for assistance.
When and why did you start your journey to professional licensing?
If you are considering or currently have your own engineering company/firm, at what point along your journey did the urge hit you and what was the impetus?




------------------------------
James Williams P.E., M.ASCE
Principal/Owner
POA&M Structural Engineering, PLC
Yorktown, VA
------------------------------