Meet Sean Garland of Pont Engineering in Marietta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Garland.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began to seriously think about starting an engineering firm back in 2008. At the time, I was the head of the structures department for a large engineering conglomerate out of Canada and Europe.

One of my job responsibilities was to assist in identifying local engineering firms that were ready to provide professional expertise on infrastructure projects. These opportunities allow small businesses to grow while participating in the development of their own communities.

Unfortunately, I found that locating companies that were ready to participate was difficult.

Finding firms that specialized in the structural design space of transportation infrastructure was limited. Identifying local structural firms that also included diverse ownership and/or leadership appeared non-existent. I decided if I consistently looked for that skill set – the skill set I actually had – the only reason I wasn’t providing it was the fear I would fail. Fear of failure is stupid. I started Pont Engineering, Inc. in 2010.

Since 2010 we have worked on some of the most interesting and challenging infrastructure projects in the state of Georgia. We worked on projects ranging from trails on the coast of Georgia to The Battery in metro Atlanta. We have worked on projects on every interstate in Georgia. Our clients include city governments, counties and Georgia DOT, federal entities, and some of the top engineering firms and contractors in the world. We’ve built strong relationships with our partners and sit at the table with some of the most well-respected engineers in country. We got to where we are today by providing skilled engineers and inspectors to adequately assure our clients’ needs are consistently met.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not been smooth but I knew the path to any real success was not going to be. I learned to embrace the challenge and attempt to prepare myself as much as possible for what I could most likely encounter. The largest initial struggle was convincing potential clients to give us an opportunity to show what we could do. Even though they may have been displeased with they’re existing partner, firms can be reluctant to change. Some partnerships have been bonded for decades. We chose to look at our competitors as potential partners. We would provide support to them if needed and take the opportunity to show our capabilities. I believe being flexible is one of the true advantages of being a small business.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pont Engineering, Inc. story. Tell us more about the business.
Pont Engineering, Inc. is local civil/structural/transportation design firm located in metro Atlanta. We are most recognized for our initial specialty in the design of transportation infrastructure — bridge inspection, retrofit, and design. We are known as one of the only local minority owned design firms in the state of Georgia that is prequalified by the Georgia Department of Transportation to inspect and design bridges. Over the past 7 years we have added more areas of expertise and partnered with some of the top infrastructure firms and contractors in the world.

What sets us apart is we’ve been able to combine diverse leadership with highly skilled professionals in a small business environment. It allows our clients access to top design professionals who are motivated to constantly earn their trust.

We at Pont Engineering are excited about whom we are and what we represent. We are situated in the metro of one of the most diverse and highly educated cities in the United States. We are less than 15 miles from one of the most elite engineering universities in the country. We are practically next door to a university with one of the top engineering technology programs anywhere. We have local, state, and federal partners determined to address the infrastructure issues everyone faces every day. Pont Engineering, Inc. is a local firm that looks to combine diverse, highly motived, and exceptionally skilled engineers with challenging projects. We are proud to work on projects that improve our communities.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I always looked at “back luck” as a specific directed challenge. I just need to find the reason for the challenge to make sure the lesson is learned. At one point, I was downsized from a large firm and shortly found an opportunity at a small design firm. I was out of my comfort zone and feeling like I was dealing with a series of challenging situations. I was working for one of the owners — a tough and demanding leader who challenged me daily. I never envisioned being in that position and found myself wondered if it was the right fit for me. As months went by he challenged me less but constantly raised expectations. I had grown to respect him so much I was not going to disappoint.

For the next decade, he would be my mentor. He constantly set the bar higher. When I told him about my goals, he encouraged me. He taught me about more than design — he let me see what running a business really meant. One of the significant situations of “bad luck” in my life introduced me to a mentor who challenged me to pursue my personal goals. Pont Engineering Inc. doesn’t happen without that stroke of “bad luck”.

Contact Info:

• Address: 885 Franklin Gateway
  Suite 305
  Marietta, GA 30067
• Website: www.pontengineering.com
• Phone: 770-499-1161
• Email: shgarland@pontengineering.com

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