2019 40 Under 40: Karl Fenstermaker, PE; 38
Principal Engineer, Southland/TCM Corp., Portland, Oregon BS Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Fenstermaker began at Southland/TCM in his current position as principal engineer in 2015. When he started at the company it was transitioning from a build-only mechanical contractor to a design-build contractor. He was responsible for building an engineering team from zero to a full department in less than three years while having the patience required to find the right staff that adhered to the core values of the firm. Fenstermaker was a key player in the integration of the operations team with the design staff, helping each side understand the challenges and benefits of the other, which ultimately leads to building better buildings. Since then, he has taken on the management of two additional departments: estimating and detailing. In these roles, he manages an umbrella of more than 40 people and is involved with the entirety of the construction cycle from project acquisition to field execution. Most recently, his proficiencies are in data centers and industrial facilities, though he also oversees designs in health care, hospitality and office buildings. Fenstermaker regularly spends time outside of work hours mentoring employees and others within the industry. He has been an active participant in the Design Build Institute of America helping to spread awareness within the community. He also is an active supporter of the Columbia County Child Abuse Assessment Center, participating in and recruiting for fundraising events such as auctions and races. Most of Fenstermaker’s time spent out of work involves turning every day actives into full-on family adventures with his wife and two daughters, ages seven and one. In the warm months, he spends time gardening with his family. In cooler months, he enjoys reading, alternating between leadership/business related books and science fiction/fantasy novels.
Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.
