Just after completing his Master of Science degree, Paul Gonzales was fortunate to be hired by a relatively small civil engineering consulting firm. He learned a lot about the entire business of engineering from client and business development through design and construction observation. It gave him a great background and opened many doors for him, the latest leading him to his position at E & A Consulting Group. For over 40 years, E&A has been dedicated to helping their clients’ visions become reality. E & A Consulting Group, Inc. is an engineering, planning and field services firm with offices in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska and Phoenix, Arizona. They specialize in civil and site engineering, construction management, land development engineering, bridge and structural engineering, transportation engineering, erosion control management, and land surveying for all facets of a project.
Tell me a little about your family.
My lovely bride and I have been married 18-plus years. We have two daughters, 14 and 11 years old. All of us have very busy schedules between their school and extra-curricular activities and our civic and philanthropic activities. We are busy with one or two events just about every day of the week.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Personally, it has to be when the first daughter was born. Professionally, it has to be that first job after college.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
If the weather is nice, it has to be a day at a golf course.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I am a Shriner and the current Commander (President) of the Tangier Shrine Bowl Unit. These are good and generous people. The Shriners Hospitals for Children do awe inspiring work in the fields of orthopedics and burn recovery for children.
What are you the most proud of?
My two daughters. I really enjoy their zeal and dedication to their extra-curricular activities – show choir and soccer.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
I would like to visit the Epinal American Cemetery in France. I was named after my father’s uncle. He was laid to rest there.
What are your plans after retirement?
Find a warm climate, with a number of affordable golf courses, somewhere near where my daughters end up.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to pilot an aircraft.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
I don’t have a favorite as my interests will vary. I am a fan of non-fiction. I am reading Elvis: My Best Man by George Klein, now. A good book? I suggest Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water by Marc Reisner.
What is your favorite movie?
1941 for its general mayhem and irreverence to the war movie.
What is your favorite TV show?
Breaking Bad
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Anthony’s Steakhouse, great food and an awesome staff.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Elvis Presley
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Please give us a call at the office at (402) 895-4700. You can also visit E&A’s website at www.eacg.com.