2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Joe DiPompeo, Structural Workshop

“Joe DiPompeo is not only a strong leader in the structural engineering industry, but also someone who is genuinely great to work with. He brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to complex challenges and makes collaboration easy, which is what truly sets him apart.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

We recently began integrating AI into our processes after seeing real value emerge about six months ago. It now supports plan reviews by checking drawings against codes and coordinating across disciplines, improving quality and reducing risk. We also use it for reports, proposals, and field tools. The result is greater efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings, including less reliance on third-party software.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you?

When business is strong, it’s easy to lose discipline. For a long time, our focus was on growing the top line. If we were busy, we assumed things were going well. But that’s exactly when you need to pay closer attention to overhead and expenses, as they can grow quickly and often go unnoticed. Regardless of workload or revenue, maintaining control over costs is essential.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership?

Podcast/audiobook addict; currently hooked on Acquired’s deep dives into business and leadership.