2024 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Jeffrey LeBeau, Jr., P.E., Hancock Associates

Three skills that you use every day in your position: 

Prompt communication (in-person, phone or email), AutoCAD drafting & design, and cost estimating. 

Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: 

Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherley. 

Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: 

Lead by example and take responsibility for your actions. 

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? 

The design, permitting, and bidding assistance for a parking lot re-paving project for the Holyoke Elks Lodge. It was a rewarding experience helping them create a new pavement surface within a tight budget and assisting in the recommendation of a qualified contractor. 

What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? 

“Jeff has unmatched enthusiasm for his profession and craft, which has been contagious to the people around him. It is people like him that help create a positive work environment and make it fun to come into the office every day. Oh yea, and he’s a pretty darn good civil engineer.” - Gregory Gould, P.L.S., vice president, Hancock Associates.

What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it? 

One of my biggest challenges included being presented with a new project opportunity by a repeat client in the utility sector that stretched our capabilities and had a tight schedule for delivery. I had to hire a specialized subcontractor to collect the field data needed and had to reallocate staff to put more resources on the assignment. The end result was a satisfied client, and a new skill set acquired.