Larry Simonson, P.E., Project Engineer

Who are you?

My name is Larry Simonson, and I have had the privilege of working with BLE for over seven years. During that time, I have worked primarily with our Solid Waste department while also getting the chance to work on projects for our Geotechnical department and our team in Asheville. I grew up in South Carolina, and went to school at Clemson University. Go Tigers!

What first attracted you to BLE?

I was first attracted during the interview process. I knew little about the company at that time beyond seeing their trucks driving to construction sites on Clemson University’s campus. What I found when I interviewed was a relatively small office where I met nearly everyone. It was clear even during the interview that BLE was composed of driven, technically-skilled and friendly people. I gained the sense from everybody at BLE that being there never felt like “just a job,” but that it was a real opportunity to do projects that were interesting, engaging, and would stretch my technical ability. That sense has since been proven. During my five years of being with BLE, there has never been a day where I have felt like a cog in a corporate machine.

How have you grown with BLE?

Such a great question! I started growing at BLE day one. My first few weeks at BLE were spent at a project site in North Carolina, training with one of our staff members on the ins and outs of construction quality assurance for a landfill project. From there, my first two years were spent primarily at project sites across the southeast region, watching and learning the construction process, performing quality assurance testing on soils and plastic liners.

After those two years in the field, I transitioned more into a staff and project engineer role, where I have assisted in managing technicians for quality assurance projects and performed calculations related to landfill geotechnical design. Over time, I’ve become more involved with slope stability related projects for the geotechnical design of landfills and for unstable slope mitigations. I’ve been involved in many challenging and rewarding projects now, and been given the opportunity to grow in my technical abilities.

What has been one of your favorite things about working at BLE?

The encouragement to continue our growth within our fields has been one of my favorite things at BLE. I have had many opportunities to participate in webinars, training seminars, and conferences to encourage my technical growth. I have also had many opportunities to work with engineers outside of my own group to gain experience with different types of projects.

Tyler Fletcher, Business Development Representative and Environmental Consultant

Who are you?

My name is Tyler Fletcher and I am a Business Development Representative and Environmental Consultant at BLE. My background and degree is in Public Relations and Communication Studies, however, since my time at BLE, I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to and taught the ins and outs of the environmental consulting business.

What first attracted you to BLE?

First, and I think most importantly, the people. Successful companies are everywhere, but successful companies with good, ethical, fun-loving people are rare. The "family feel" here at BLE truly starts at the top with our owners and trickles down among staff. Secondly, there is healthy competitive edge ingrained within the culture here that encourages you to be the best version of yourself. Being immersed in that kind of culture is what has made me who I am today professionally.

How have you grown with BLE?

I have grown in numerous ways over the past several years at BLE. Firstly, my ability to organize and prioritize my work efficiently has developed and increased significantly. Secondly, I am continuing to grow and develop the ability to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues from different cultures/backgrounds. Meeting people where they are is a key ingredient in effective communication. Lastly, I have grown in the area of self awareness. I am continuing to identify my strengths and weaknesses and the steps I need to take to ensure my work is performed at the highest level possible. All of these growth areas were made possible by leadership that creates an environment to do so.

What has been one of your favorite things about working at BLE?

The leadership within the company and the ways they encourage our personal development. The "family feel" that this company radiates makes it easy to get out of bed and come to work in the morning. With that kind of environment comes leadership that genuinely cares about your personal development.

Tyler Moody, P.E., Geotechnical Engineer

Who are you?

I'm Tyler Moody. I grew up in the Greenville area and attended Clemson University to receive an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering (c/o 2010). I began working at BLE in June 2010 as an engineering associate. I have been a project geotechnical engineer since becoming a professional engineer in 2014. My primary work functions involve geotechnical consulting for solid waste, commercial and industrial clients which ranges from construction quality assurance for landfill construction to complex stress/deformation problems for earthwork projects.

What first attracted you to BLE?

From the day of my first interview at BLE, it was apparent to me that BLE grew from 7 employees to where we are today through client-service and thorough consideration of the business aspects of a geotechnical and environmental services company. I was drawn to the prospect of working for a mid-sized firm where I can have a visible impact on the company's growth. Working in a growing and thriving city such as Greenville, South Carolina helped too.

How have you grown with BLE?

I started with BLE right out of college. In short, I've grown in my knowledge of geotechnical engineering, knowledge of working with people that may differ from me, understanding of what it takes to run an engineering company, and understanding of how to manage projects. At BLE, if you want to see something done differently, you will have your opportunity, and that will grow you.

What has been one of your favorite things about working at BLE?

BLE serves its clients well because it serves its employees well (and it helps that BLE has good clients). Coming to work each day to consult on meaningful and challenging projects is another rewarding aspect of working at BLE.