What does it really take to grow through mergers and acquisitions without losing who you are? In this episode, Justin Ramirez and Rod Finkle share how RTM’s “people-first” approach to M&A has shaped the firm’s growth. From honoring legacy to navigating fear and control, they walk us through why RTM chooses culture fit over deal count, and how integration becomes less about numbers and more about building something lasting together.
In this special episode, Aaron Burch and Dorrie McDonald share their 20+ year journey at RTM—from small-office beginnings to a thriving national firm. They reflect on pivotal moments like the Great Recession, the shift into new markets, and the challenges and opportunities of the pandemic. Along the way, they share stories of personal leaps, team resilience, and the culture of empowerment that’s kept them inspired.
This episode brings you inside RTM’s internship program through the voices of four of our summer interns: Shayla Johnson, Alex Scharfe, Anna Mattson, and Habiba Watfa. They share why they chose RTM, the projects and site visits that shaped their learning, and how mentorship has impacted their growth. You’ll hear about lessons learned, career insights gained, and the team culture that made their summer memorable — from triathlon training and Mario Kart tournaments to meaningful professional connections.
Business development doesn't have to mean "sales." In this conversation with Eric Rubottom, we explore how innovation, integrity, and execution are the real engines behind growth. Eric walks us through his journey from engineer to builder of new service lines within RTM, and how passion, clarity, and relationships—not pressure or pitch decks—have led to real impact. This episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to lead from where they are.
What if your career wasn’t just something you did but something you shaped, on your terms? That’s the theme of today’s episode. I’m joined by Jess Iversen and Dan Koelliker, two dynamic leaders at RTM who share how autonomy, mentorship, and culture have allowed them, and many others, to thrive in their roles.
From starting new studios to launching people development programs, this episode is full of insight, candor, and inspiration.
In this episode of Beyond Engineering, we sit down with two of RTM’s newest Principals—Maggie Motto and Courtney Leaf. Though their paths to leadership were very different, both share a commitment to mentorship, a passion for people, and a deep appreciation for RTM’s culture of trust and support.
Maggie reflects on her transition from boutique firm co-founder to RTM leader, while Courtney shares how her journey began as an intern and evolved into shaping a growing team. Together, they discuss the pivotal moments, leadership lessons, and what it means to build others up while continuing to grow themselves.
What happens when you find the right fit?
Jennifer Luce, John Miller, and Rich Clark each led successful firms before choosing to merge with RTM. In this conversation, they open up about why they made the decision, how the integration unfolded, and what it feels like now—years later—to be part of something bigger. From culture and trust to leadership and legacy, this episode is a reflection on what it means to come home to the right professional family.
The engineering industry has evolved over the years, but what is it like for women in the field today? In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen Knutson, Calisse McPherson, and Morgan Erickson—three engineers at different stages in their careers—to explore the changing landscape of engineering for women. They share insights on mentorship, leadership, and how RTM’s culture fosters long-term career growth. From overcoming challenges to celebrating progress, this conversation highlights the strides being made and what’s still to come.
The People-First Approach to Mergers
Mergers aren’t just about growth—they’re about people. In this episode, Justin Ramirez, Director of Strategic Growth at RTM, shares how RTM takes a relationship-driven approach to expansion. From finding the right cultural fit to ensuring long-term success, he breaks down what firms should consider when exploring a merger and how RTM helps leaders make the right move for their team.
Starting off this season of Beyond Engineering, our new host Catherine Jelinek debuts with an inspiring conversation with Tony Mirchandani, CEO of RTM Engineering Consultants. They reflect on RTM’s monumental year in 2024, from welcoming over 100 new team members and completing four mergers to surpassing their ambitious revenue goal a year ahead of schedule. Tony offers a behind-the-scenes look at RTM’s evolution, including their new Centers of Excellence model and their commitment to maintaining a culture of trust, collaboration, and empowerment. He also reveals how RTM is harnessing AI and innovation to create greener buildings, faster processes, and a better quality of life for their teams and clients. With fresh perspectives and thoughtful insights, this episode is a dynamic start to an exciting new chapter for RTM and the Beyond Engineering podcast.
How can you recognize a strong company culture? When company values guide decisions both big and small. In this episode, we’ve compiled insights from three RTM Principals from across the country. Randy Moss, Jeff Hancock, and Rod Finkle share stories from their day-to-day experiences as leaders in RTM, making decisions which reflect RTM’s CORE values.
While some might dread facing down a new challenge, for many problem-solving provides the variety and challenge which keeps them engaged in their careers. In this episode, Dave Piluski, Principal at RTM Engineering Consultants, sits down with senior engineer Adam Marks. The two discuss Adam’s early passion for engineering, how he discovered RTM, and how tackling new challenges daily in his current position keeps him energized and engaged.
This special miniseries takes a deep dive into the Civil Engineering practice at RTM Engineering Consultants. Follow along as we trace the career paths and mentorship relationships of several RTM civil engineers, explore what drew them to RTM and why they’ve stayed, and finally showcase several fascinating civil projects. Through multiple generations of mentors and mentees, we examine the CORE values and seasoned leadership that enables our civil engineers to provide technical expertise with both a national reach and local attention.
To the untrained eye, many crucial elements of a given engineering project may be invisible. In this episode, RTM Civil Engineer Matt Whisler sits down with fellow Principal Dave Piluski to continue their conversation about how RTM civil engineers tackle those critical but invisible elements and reflect on how RTM earns project partners' trust.
Weathering life’s storms takes teamwork, strong relationships, and creative stormwater management. In this episode, Civil Engineer Matt Whisler sits down with fellow Principal Dave Piluski to discuss the collaborative communication that makes RTM’s civil engineering team unique, through the lens of two specialized projects.
We gain wisdom as the sum of our experiences, and just like in civil engineering, it is the inner work that is important. In this episode, Principal and Civil Engineer Matt Whisler sits down with Head of Talent Acquisition Jen Mikulski to trace his career path. From his start building skateboard ramps, Matt shares how he built the career of knowledge that he brings to his position as principal at RTM today.
Both careers and buildings start with simple concepts and grow into impressive constructions. In this episode, Jeff Hancock sits down with Jen Mikulski, head of talent acquisition, to trace how he built his career and elaborate on the skills guiding his continued growth as a principal in RTM’s Dallas office.
When an office runs smoothly, what does it look, sound and feel like? In this episode, Jen Mikulski, Head of Talent Acquisition for RTM Engineering Consultants, sits down with Jeff Hancock, Principal & Office Leader of RTM’s Dallas office. Jeff shares how, as an office leader, he monitors morale, facilitates communication, and balances assignments to keep his team collaborating cohesively.
Our values shape our vision of success and provide the template for pursuing it, and shared values lead to shared victories. In this episode, Rod Finkle, director of corporate development, sits down with fellow RTM Principal Dave Piluski to share how intentionality, connection, and shared passion help him build strong relationships with partners and teammates in his day-to-day work.
What happens to your career, your team, and your day to day happiness when the position is optimized to fit the team member, not the other way around? In this episode, Director of Corporate Development at RTM Rod Finkle sits down with fellow Principal Dave Piluski to share the story of how he discovered RTM, and—more importantly—why he stayed.
