2019 Ones to Watch: Kevin Peterman, Key Civil Engineering

Name: Kevin Peterman

Title: Assistant Project Manager (APM)

Company Name: Key Civil Engineering

Year that you entered your current field? 2009 – intern ; 2013 – full time

What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry?

My father once said: “Take the best part of every person around you. Take their knowledge, their problem solving, their intuition, and absorb all you can. Use these to evolve who you are, as a person and as an engineer.” An important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to surround yourself with industry leaders. Search for the best of the best; learn what you can from them–understand it and apply it. Be consistent. Be determined. Be eager. Have thick skin–don’t take criticism personally.

How have your life experiences impacted who you are professionally?

Though I’m only 27, I’ve learned a great deal from what life has offered me so far Life is precious, and can be taken at any moment. Enjoy it while you have it. Strive to live your life without regrets – even in the workplace. The sense of accomplishment feels the sweetest upon the defeat of challenge. I’ve learned not to shy away from the difficult projects, but to embrace them – to solve the problems, learn what I can and add them to my tool belt.

If you have a mentor, who is it and how have they influenced your personal & professional growth?

I’ve had several mentors that have contributed to my personal and professional growth. Currently, I have the pleasure of being mentored by two of the industry leaders in land development: Jackie Peranteau, P.E., and Marc Pilotta, P.E. These two seasoned engineers have taught me the “ins and outs” of land development, including the best and most strategic ways to navigating municipal permitting in NYC, Westchester County, and on Long Island. Additionally, the engineers at Louis K. McLean Associates (my first engineering firm) and my father, James Peterman, PE provided me with solid roots for engineering principals and design.

Who or what do you attribute to your success?

Success can be tricky to define. For some, success is measured by how much money you make, what your house looks like, or what kind of car you drive. For me, success is achieving the goals I’ve set for myself. Having realistic goals and identifying the critical path of achieving those goals has been key in my success; not to mention the countless hours of hard work, determination, and support of my family and friends.