Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Coombs.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jerry. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I worked for several other companies as an on-staff structural engineer. Mostly consulting firms but a couple of product/manufacturing firms. In 2009 after experiencing another “downsizing” I decided to start my own firm. Early successes got me in with a few niche markets and I expanded from there. I first worked out of my home in Wylie, to a small office in Wylie, then to a larger office in Wylie where I hired two staff (a full-time engineering intern and part-time administrative assistant). We recently moved to a new larger office in East Plano.
We now cater to architects; providing a structural design for high-end homes, offices, commercial facilities and industrial facilities. We help owners with additions and rehabs to homes, businesses, and industrial buildings. We assess existing buildings for the cause of failure and even provide consultation on small home foundation problems.
Our business focuses on providing high-quality service rather than competing for the lowest price. We want to make sure it’s done right. We work equally well with all client types and all types of structures, but we keep it mostly to relatively small projects. We design with concrete, wood, steel to end up with what the customer wants.
We have satisfied clients in all sectors, from small home additions to large commercial buildings. Our experience with luxury home designs has allowed many architects to express themselves through their unique designs.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve decided to take growth on a slow and steady route, so it’s been smooth, though lean at some times. For quite a while it’s been very busy so I decided to expand. It’s always toughest adding the first full-time employee. everything changes, but revenue stays the same. At least for a while.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The structural engineering business is not one most people are familiar with. Our work mainly stays hidden behind the architect’s coverings. We hold it all up; make sure it works. Architects can come up with some pretty cool ideas. We’re there to make sure it stays in place.
Many businesses become profitable by doing as many projects as they can do, and doing it quickly. We want to spend more time and make sure it is right. We try to get to know the clients and help them with what they want and give them what they need. We’re not usually going to have the lowest fee proposal because we don’t compete that way.
When it’s getting built, we want to make sure there are a few problems as possible, and that it gets finished on time. We help to address the issues before they arise. Our small office operates as a team. We take time to discuss options among all of us. We help each other with issues as they arise.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Right now the Dallas area is a structural engineer’s dream. Something is being built everywhere. New projects are opening up on a daily basis. New ideas and new ways of addressing them are always on the horizon. It’s a matter of connecting with the right people and making it come alive.
For someone wanting to get into it here, one just needs to decide on the market and jump in.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2000 North Central Expressway Suite 108
Plano, Texas 75074 - Website: www.coombsengineering.com
- Phone: 972-423-4444
- Email: Info@coombsengineering.com
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