Business development doesn't have to mean "sales." In this conversation with Eric Rubottom, we explore how innovation, integrity, and execution are the real engines behind growth. Eric walks us through his journey from engineer to builder of new service lines within RTM, and how passion, clarity, and relationships—not pressure or pitch decks—have led to real impact. This episode is packed with insight for anyone looking to lead from where they are.

What if your career wasn’t just something you did but something you shaped, on your terms? That’s the theme of today’s episode. I’m joined by Jess Iversen and Dan Koelliker, two dynamic leaders at RTM who share how autonomy, mentorship, and culture have allowed them, and many others, to thrive in their roles. 

From starting new studios to launching people development programs, this episode is full of insight, candor, and inspiration.

In this episode of Beyond Engineering, we sit down with two of RTM’s newest Principals—Maggie Motto and Courtney Leaf. Though their paths to leadership were very different, both share a commitment to mentorship, a passion for people, and a deep appreciation for RTM’s culture of trust and support.

Maggie reflects on her transition from boutique firm co-founder to RTM leader, while Courtney shares how her journey began as an intern and evolved into shaping a growing team. Together, they discuss the pivotal moments, leadership lessons, and what it means to build others up while continuing to grow themselves.

What happens when you find the right fit?
Jennifer Luce, John Miller, and Rich Clark each led successful firms before choosing to merge with RTM. In this conversation, they open up about why they made the decision, how the integration unfolded, and what it feels like now—years later—to be part of something bigger. From culture and trust to leadership and legacy, this episode is a reflection on what it means to come home to the right professional family.

The engineering industry has evolved over the years, but what is it like for women in the field today? In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen Knutson, Calisse McPherson, and Morgan Erickson—three engineers at different stages in their careers—to explore the changing landscape of engineering for women. They share insights on mentorship, leadership, and how RTM’s culture fosters long-term career growth. From overcoming challenges to celebrating progress, this conversation highlights the strides being made and what’s still to come.

The People-First Approach to Mergers
Mergers aren’t just about growth—they’re about people. In this episode, Justin Ramirez, Director of Strategic Growth at RTM, shares how RTM takes a relationship-driven approach to expansion. From finding the right cultural fit to ensuring long-term success, he breaks down what firms should consider when exploring a merger and how RTM helps leaders make the right move for their team.

Starting off this season of Beyond Engineering, our new host Catherine Jelinek debuts with an inspiring conversation with Tony Mirchandani, CEO of RTM Engineering Consultants. They reflect on RTM’s monumental year in 2024, from welcoming over 100 new team members and completing four mergers to surpassing their ambitious revenue goal a year ahead of schedule. Tony offers a behind-the-scenes look at RTM’s evolution, including their new Centers of Excellence model and their commitment to maintaining a culture of trust, collaboration, and empowerment. He also reveals how RTM is harnessing AI and innovation to create greener buildings, faster processes, and a better quality of life for their teams and clients. With fresh perspectives and thoughtful insights, this episode is a dynamic start to an exciting new chapter for RTM and the Beyond Engineering podcast.

How can you recognize a strong company culture? When company values guide decisions both big and small. In this episode, we’ve compiled insights from three RTM Principals from across the country. Randy Moss, Jeff Hancock, and Rod Finkle share stories from their day-to-day experiences as leaders in RTM, making decisions which reflect RTM’s CORE values.

While some might dread facing down a new challenge, for many problem-solving provides the variety and challenge which keeps them engaged in their careers. In this episode, Dave Piluski, Principal at RTM Engineering Consultants, sits down with senior engineer Adam Marks. The two discuss Adam’s early passion for engineering, how he discovered RTM, and how tackling new challenges daily in his current position keeps him energized and engaged.  

This special miniseries takes a deep dive into the Civil Engineering practice at RTM Engineering Consultants. Follow along as we trace the career paths and mentorship relationships of several RTM civil engineers, explore what drew them to RTM and why they’ve stayed, and finally showcase several fascinating civil projects. Through multiple generations of mentors and mentees, we examine the CORE values and seasoned leadership that enables our civil engineers to provide technical expertise with both a national reach and local attention.