Growing up, Paul Bryan couldn’t pass a construction site without wanting to get up on the big equipment and see the view from on high. Needless to say, he spent hours with Tonka® trucks in the sandbox. Later, the fascination turned to more significant objects: bridges and roller coasters. He used these as a topic for a science fair or research study in his physics classes on more than one occasion. Coupling these technical interests with the love of the outdoors that he garnered on the way to becoming an Eagle Scout, it was evident that Paul was destined to become an engineer. However, Paul was never the typical, introverted engineer. As a boy, he went door-to-door to sell popcorn and peanuts to raise money for the Boy Scouts. He was voted “Friendliest Male” by his high school class and, in college, led a student public relations staff that regularly interacted with visitors, elected officials, and the media.

While pursuing his degree in civil engineering at Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Paul interned with F&R during two summer breaks as an engineering technician, working in both concrete and soils by providing laboratory and field testing. After graduation, he came on board as a full-time staff engineer and managed testing and IBC special inspections for vertical and horizontal projects in both the public and private sectors. During these years, though, Paul could not resist the opportunity to do more than just the day-to-day engineering duties, so he began interacting with current and prospective clients on a non-technical level. In 2008, Paul became the Business Development Manager for F&R’s Roanoke branch.

The new position came with a baptism by fire, as his arrival was followed one month later by the global financial collapse, the effects of which were felt far and wide by the engineering and construction community. Not one to back down from a challenge, Paul dug in and assisted the office in finding new client relationships to sustain the business level. As a result of his efforts, Paul’s responsibilities expanded to include F&R’s Crozet branch in 2012, and he was recognized as F&R’s Business Development Professional of the Year three times in seven years. Paul has since advanced to Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, overseeing the activities of these respective groups across the entire F&R footprint.