2020 Ones to Watch: Fran Coffey, Principal at WB Engineers+Consultants

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game-changer” in the advancement of your career? Definitely, Kronos. At the time it was the largest real estate deal in Greater Boston area. This was a perfect culmination of the importance of having great relationships. I had done a lot at the Cross Point Towers with the Anchorline folks and with Packard Design (now Perkins Eastman) which positioned us well to win this huge project.

What led you to your current profession? It all started with my high school woodshop teacher. We were tasked with building a wall clock and most everyone just ordered a kit with the components and plans. I was luck to have my teacher Mr. Gautreau (or as we called Mr. G) really push me. Mr. G was like, “I think I have some extra components, why order a kit when you can just use these and design a clock?!” So I went to the boards (yes I am old enough to work on drafting boards) and design a clock that my mom still has in her kitchen, the rest they say, is history! 

Who or what inspires you? Our COO Mike Quigley – anyone who knows Mike, knows he is the best. I wouldn’t be where I am at without Mike’s leadership. Mike and I have worked together for almost 13 year and he constantly make me a better person and WB’er.

What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry? Going to Northeastern I had the opportunity to test out a couple other industry while on CO-OP and studying mechanical engineering. I thought for sure I was going into the medical device R&D field. Things didn’t work out and I stumbled into the MEP engineering design field. I love or industry, it is such a fun, social and energetic group of people. I am social person, so I love that there’s always different commercial construction industry events going on.