Meet The Team: Civil Edition
Step into the world of infrastructure and urban development with our dedicated Civil Department team. Introducing the members of the civil department -
Robert Johnston: Civil Department Lead
What first interested you in the construction industry/engineering world?
Growing up on a farm exposed me to many aspects of engineering, from erosion and drainage of the land to machines and structures that went into the operation of a farm. There is always things needing repairs or opportunity to optimize for better efficiencies. From there came the love of tinkering and converting ideas into solutions.
If you could be anything other than what you do now, what would it be?
I'd like to be a millionaire if I wasn't a civil engineer.
What skill/s are you looking to improve next? Drafting skills
What is one piece of advice you would give someone interested in getting into the engineering/construction world?
There are so many different aspects to engineering that you can find what you are most passion about and work towards it.
If you were stuck on an island, what are the 3 things you would take with you?
A multi-purpose tool, reliable water filtration system and A waterproof tarp for shelter. Could "engineer" and make it a home with those items to start
If you could have dinner with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Elon Musk. He is a visionary entrepreneur known for his work in technology, space exploration, and renewable energy. I would be fascinated to discuss his innovative ideas, his approach to problem-solving, and his vision for the future. Having dinner with Elon Musk would be an opportunity to gain insights into the cutting-edge developments shaping our world today
If I had a superpower it would be - Flying for getting around efficiently
If I could go anywhere I’d go to - Europe it has such beautiful architecture and landscape!
Favourite Movie - Ocean’s Eleven
Pets - A cat that we found abandoned on the side of the road
Looking forward to - Travelling with my 1 year old twins
Cities I’ve lived in - Toronto, London (Canada)
Ben Gibson: Civil Engineering Technologist
What first interested you in the construction industry/engineering world?
Architecture and Art
If you could be anything other than what you do now, what would it be?
Play music
What skills are you looking to improve next, and looking forward to doing in the upcoming year?
Technical skill in Revit and learning more coordination techniques to improve inter-divisional communication. I am looking forward to growing the civil divison!
If you were stuck on an island, what are the 3 things you would take with you?
My partner, Grace, and our two dogs.
What is something about you that surprises people?
I am pretty good at singing and playing guitar!
What is your favourite Quote?
"... All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - Gandalf
Other fun facts or things you enjoy doing?
I love watching baseball & soccer. I also like being as active as I can be.
If you could have dinner with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jack Johnson - I would have a lot to ask him about his singing and songwriting.
If I had a superpower it would be - Super strength
If I could go anywhere I’d go to - Hawai'i
Favourite Movie - The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Pets - My Partner and I have two dogs - Luna and Bruce
Hero/Role Model - Jack Johnson
Cities I’ve lived in - Saugeen Shores, Toronto, and London (Canada)
Leo Rohde: Civil Engineering Technologist
What first interested you in the construction industry/engineering world?
I've always enjoyed learning about how things work and how they're built. This led to an interest in exact sciences and the constructed world around me.
If you could be anything other than what you do now, what would it be?
If I couldn't work in engineering, I would likely work in land surveying or in contracting. It would have to be skilled work in construction.
What skills are you looking to improve next?
I am always looking to improve my CAD skills, as well as my administrative skills.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone interested in getting into the engineering/construction world?
Try to explore the many career options available in construction. Enjoying the construction or design process is critical to a successful career in our field.
Do you have a hero or role model?
No one is bigger to me than my dad. He came from very small begginings and achieved more in both his family and professional life than most people can.
If you were stuck on an island, what are the 3 things you would take with you?
A Satellite phone, A knife and a tarp.
What is your favourite Quote?
"Well done is better than well said." - Benjamin Franklin
If you could have dinner with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Ayrton Senna, he was a champion F1 racer. Aside from his accomplishments in driving, he was an exceptional human-being. He did wonders to help the under-privileged in Brazil and left an immense legacy in the sports world.
Looking forward to - Getting back into Jiu Jitsu competition.
If I had a superpower it would be - Faster recovery for better sports performance
If I could go anywhere I’d go to - Swiss Alps
Favourite Movie - Breaking Bad
Pets - Cockapoo named Eevee.
Other fun facts - I have been a jiu jitsu practitioner for 7 years and competed numerous times.
Cities I’ve lived in - Horizontina (Brazil), Porto Alegre (Brazil), Bettendorf (USA), Santiago (Chile), London (Canada).
Travis Parker: Principal
What first interested you in the construction industry/engineering world?
Well, it all started with something as simple and yet infinitely inspiring as LEGO. As a child, I was captivated by the endless possibilities that came with those colorful interlocking bricks. Building with LEGO wasn't just a pastime; it was a passion that fueled my imagination and creativity. As I grew older, my love for building never waned. It was only natural that this early fascination with construction and design would lead me to pursue a career in engineering. Today, as an engineer, I still approach every project with the same sense of wonder and excitement that I had as a child playing with LEGO.
If you could be anything other than what you do now, what would it be?
I have a great many of interests and things that would fulfill me. I can't imagine myself anywhere else but with the great people of co-elevate.
Do you have a hero or role model?
John D. Rockefeller - He was loved by those clostest to him and his philothrampic efforts are still being felt to this day.
If you could have dinner with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be?
Isaac Newton
If you were stuck on an island, what are the 3 things you would take with you?
Knife, tarp and cordage. It won't be a vacation
What is your favourite Quote?
"Failure is a learning experience. You can either turn it into a tombstone or a stepping stone" - John D. Rockefeller
If I had a superpower it would be - Flying being able to go basically anywhere without limitations seems very intriguing
Favourite Book - Never Eat Alone
Favourite Movie - Forest Gump
Favourite TV Show - The Office
Cities I’ve lived in - London (Canada)
Taylor Keck: Partner & Senior Technologist
What first interested you in the construction industry/engineering world?
Being able to contribute to the development and improvement of our community. It gives the opportunity to make a difference, with tangible results!
If you could be anything other than what you do now, what would it be? Firefighter
What is one piece of advice you would give someone interested in getting into the engineering/construction world?
One valuable piece of advice I'd like to share is this: every ounce of effort you invest, will be rewarded twofold when you experience the sense of accomplishment that follows the design stage!
Do you have a hero or role model?
My grandfather - without him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
If you were stuck on an island, what are the 3 things you would take with you?
Lifestraw, a knife and a blanket - I think I could survive with those items!
Why did you join co-elevate?
I've been with co-elevate for over 7 years now, and what initially attracted me to join was the caliber of people I would be working with. The culture at co-elevate was exactly the type I wanted to be a part of – one where I not only felt at home but where I knew my contributions would make a meaningful difference. You're not just a number here, you're family!
What is your favourite Quote?
”Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde
If you could have dinner with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Marilyn Monroe - living in her time, how she was portrayed... I would like to know who she really was as a person.
Looking forward to - Cottage trip up to Manitoulin Island with the family!
If I had a superpower it would be - Time travel
If I could go anywhere I’d go to - Scotland - to see the highlands
Favourite Book - The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
Favourite Movie - The Sweetest Thing
Favourite TV Show - Outlander
Pets - One dog, a Brittany Spaniel - Nash!
Cities I’ve lived in - Toronto, London, Leamington, Kingsville and Windsor (Canada)
Our Civil Team is more than just a group of individuals, each member brings something unique to the table, allowing us to offer the best possible service to our clients. We're excited to continue growing and learning together!