2021 Ones to Watch: John Chalkias, Elite Builders and Management

Name: John Chalkias

Title: Chief of Design

Company Name: Elite Builders and Management

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be an engineer. I have always been fascinated with how things work in general. I was one of the kids you would find building sandcastles, putting together Legos, or solving puzzles for hours each day. My interest in engineering gradually changed as I got older, going from bioengineering to chemical engineering, then to civil engineering.

What led you to your current profession?
Engineering has always been my passion. I particularly am intrigued about civil engineering is because it makes a tangible difference to people’s lives. There’s always this swell of pride and sense of accomplishment when I see something go from a scribble on a paper to a 2d blueprint, and finally a towering structure. We build for the people, our community, and we are passionate about our work.

Favorite quote:
“Chasing your dreams is exhausting. Just ask them to pin their location and meet up with them later.” -John Chalkias