Bill Howard: Engineer and Senior VP of Cooling Tower Depot, Inc.

Cooling Tower Depot is getting personal! We want to share with all of you, one of our amazing leaders that we see every day in our corporate office. Bill has been with CTD for a total of 10 years. Discover Bill’s engineering journey and what makes him tick.

1)   When did you come to the conclusion that you wanted to be an engineer?

Going to school at CSU (Colorado State University) where I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. I was great at math, and had a passion for it, so I decided to refocus my career and transfer back to CU (University of Colorado) which, at that time, had the better engineering school.

2)   Why do like being an Engineer?

Structural engineering allows me to design and create structures that withstand known forces so the public is safe and the operation of the structure can be in place for years to come.

3)   Where do you look for inspiration?

First, God then coworkers, and then overachievers.

4)   What motivates you within your career?

Myself, to do the best I can at what I have been trained at doing. Yet I always try to keep it (my job) and life fun.

5)   In your opinion, what is the most important leadership skill to obtain being a leader within the engineering industry?

Listening and understanding coworkers concerns, ambitions and views.

6)   Do you have a favorite (historical or current) Engineering leader and why are they your favorite?

Fillipo Brunelleschi who designed the dome of the Florence cathedral. The cathedral was built in 1250 AD and no one could figure out how to design and build the dome so it sat for 150 years until Brunelleschi who studied and slept in the Pantheon (which was built in 100 AD) and determined how to design a dome for the Florence cathedral. He was an engineer, an architect and a bronze sculptor way, way ahead of his time, he began the renaissance style of architecture.

7)   Why do you enjoy your job at Cooling Tower Depot?

I get to do what I have a passion for and I get to do it with a great group of people!

8)   What is the best piece of advice you could give to a young engineer?

Try and find what you really enjoy and even have a passion to do because if that can occur, your job is no longer a job, it becomes your passion and you don’t have to go to work, you get to go to work.

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