Weston Stidham

Weston Stidham is a forward-thinking civil engineer based in Birmingham, Alabama, with a rich background in both academia and practical application, holding degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Known for his dedication to sustainable urban development and his commitment to professional growth, Weston is on a quest to achieve his Professional Engineer (PE) license, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence in his field. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a devoted family man who cherishes time spent with his loved ones and actively contributes to his community through volunteer work, particularly with Little Hands Serving Hearts. His passion for eco-friendly initiatives extends into his personal life through sustainable DIY projects, blending his engineering expertise with a creative touch. Weston’s career is a testament to his belief in continuous learning, innovation, and the positive impact of engineering on society’s well-being.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My day begins early with some quiet time for planning and reflection, ensuring I’m clear on my priorities. I balance my day between work responsibilities, family time, and personal interests. Productivity comes from strict time management and setting realistic goals for both professional and personal projects.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life through collaboration, sketching, and modeling. For engineering projects, I rely on software tools to simulate designs. For personal DIY projects, it’s about trial, feedback, and iteration. I believe in sharing my ideas with colleagues and family for input, which often leads to improved outcomes.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Sustainable development in civil engineering excites me. The trend towards more eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs is not only good for the planet but also challenges us to innovate and think differently about how we build our future.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Setting aside time for uninterrupted work. I often wake up earlier than the rest of my household to enjoy a few hours of focused work. This habit has been crucial for tackling challenging tasks and maintaining productivity.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to worry less about the perfect path and more about the journey of learning and growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that traditional craftsmanship and modern technology can coexist in construction and design. While many see them as opposites, I see them as complementary, with each enhancing the value and sustainability of our built environment.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Continuously learn and adapt. Whether through formal education, self-study, or hands-on projects, ongoing learning keeps you relevant and innovative in your field and personal life.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I’ll usually hit the gym to help clear my mind and gain some perspective.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Connecting with others has opened doors, provided mentorship opportunities, and allowed me to contribute to my community in meaningful ways.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

I once took on a project that was beyond my scope at the time, leading to mistakes. I overcame this by seeking help, learning from those mistakes, and using the experience to grow. It taught me the importance of asking for help and the value of continuous learning.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A platform that connects retired engineers with young professionals for mentorship and project collaboration. This could foster knowledge transfer, innovation, and bridge the gap between generations in the engineering field.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Google calendars keeps me on schedule and allows me to track all my tasks and meeting, and provides reminders so I don’t miss a thing.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

How to win friends and influence people, a classic book by Dale Carnegie that has changed my view on how to make relationships and find success with people.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

“Abstract: The Art of Design” on Netflix. It showcases the creativity and thought processes of designers from various disciplines, providing a fascinating glimpse into how innovative design impacts our world. It’s inspiring and broadens my perspective on problem-solving and creativity.

Key learnings