E&A Consulting Group, Inc. is a 68 person civil engineering, planning and survey firm with offices in Omaha, Lincoln and Phoenix. They specialize in land development services, civil site engineering, environmental services, structural engineering, landscape architecture, construction management and all types of survey services. For over 45 years, E&A served the Greater Omaha Area and continues to strive for excellent service in their industry. Jason Thiellen is a shareholder and the Land Planning Department Manager, and has been with E&A Consulting Group, Inc. since 2006.
How did you get started in the business? – I became very interested in real estate and development and naively set out to become a developer. When I realized how much money you need to have to be a developer, I settled on working for them instead.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I would have to say having to prove my value as a non-engineer in an engineering industry. Let’s just say that working with engineers (in general) can be “challenging” and when you’re not an engineer you have to work a little harder to prove that you understand things like gravity, soils, streets, utilities, grading, etc.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I probably have two, the first is creating and leading E&A’s planning department from the ground up, and the second was being asked to be a shareholder at E&A.
Tell me a little about your family. – I have been married to my lovely wife and best friend Jenny for over 10 years. We have 4 children: Jacob (8), Identical Twin Daughters Samantha and Sara (4), and Nathan (3).
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golf, golf, and more golf…I might have a problem! Oh, and hanging out with my lovely family, obviously that should be #1!! The first step is admitting you have a problem!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I was a published poet in high school.
What are you the most proud of? – I am most proud of receiving my master’s degree from UNL in Community and Regional Planning.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Sometimes you just have to build a bridge and get over it. Worry about what you CAN control.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Passionate!
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The ability to absorb the power of other superhero’s, then I’d have them ALL!!!
Which talent would you most like to have? – To be able to play the guitar or drums.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A successful rock star…for obvious reasons!!
What is your favorite movie? – Braveheart
What is your favorite TV show? – Suits
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Feta’s on 114th Street. That should get me a free Gyro!!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would have dinner with Eddie Murphy. I’d have him bring along his brother Charlie, and maybe even Rick James!! How much fun could you have in one night?!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – They can contact me at jthiellen@eacg.com or at www.eacg.com.