HOGLUND

Matt Hoglund
Plays his cards with confidence
30, Construction Manager
Hardin Construction
Austin, Texas

Matt Hoglund learned at an early age that sometime life throws curveballs, and when it does, trusted mentors can make a big difference in helping one through turbulent times. "I had strong family support instilled in me to play the cards I was dealt, to stay positive, to not take anything for granted, and along the way to ask questions and learn something every day," Hoglund says. "If you look at where I am now, that has crossed over, and I took it from personal to professional." Within four years of joining Hardin in 2003, Hogland became a senior project manager overseeing $130 million of retail construction in Texas and Pennsylvania. He helped Hardin establish a firm foothold for its new central Texas office in 2007, landing significant projects. Hogland serves on the executive board of the Associated Builders and Contractors' Central Texas Chapter. For the past two years, he has raised $10,000 for the Austin Sunshine Camps for underprivileged kids and also volunteers with Homes for Our Troops in San Antonio.

HUTSON

Alan Hutson
Thrives on new challenges and collaborative solutions
37, Associate
Freese and Nichols
Fort Worth, Texas

A leader in pipeline and pump station design, Alan Hutson enjoys managing large teams on a variety of complicated, multimillion-dollar projects that affect municipal water supply. "It's satisfying to see projects constructed and operating; you know you have accomplished something good for the community," he says. Since 2006, Hutson has designed and managed more than 20 projects totaling $334 million in construction value. He helped develop and implement processes that have strengthened Freese and Nichols' performance, facilitated multidisciplinary collaboration and smoothed the way for innovation. Hutson mentors fellow employees, and clients frequently seek his advice on matters beyond specific projects and services. Highly regarded by his fellow engineers, he was recruited to serve as a member of the technical committee in the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure's project to forge a vision of sustainable infrastructure that includes a new LEED-like rating system. He also has co-chaired the firm's six-figure United Way fundraising effort and is a deacon in his church.

MELLEN

Andrew L. Mellen Jr.
Helped double company earnings
35, Civil Engineering Manager
West Co. of Midland
Midland, Texas

Land development engineer Andrew Mellen Jr. learned back in eighth grade the joy of building things and leading his peers. With family support, he has pursued his dream and seized opportunities when they arose. "Never sell yourself short," Mellen says. "If you can't handle a job, say you can do it and find out how. That's been the secret of my success." Mellen aims to make it easier for up-and-coming engineers through mentoring. He volunteers with MATHCOUNTS and is working to form an ACE Mentor chapter in Midland, with hopes of interesting local young people in the field. He also serves as treasurer for the American Society of Civil Engineers' West Texas Chapter. Mellen aims to help clients figure out the best ways to produce revenue on their properties. His attention to detail and client-oriented attitude helped the firm gain many repeat customers and double its engineering profits in 2011. "The client is always right, and we do whatever it takes to make the client happy," Mellon says. "That's the secret to success for anybody."