From Grit to Growth: Keys to Building a Thriving Business with Jonathan Meade | EP 187

In this episode of the Engineer Your Success podcast, host Dr. James Bryant welcomes Jonathan Mead, the CEO of Mead Engineering. Jonathan shares his intriguing journey from working as an electrical drafter in his family business, to venturing into the financial world with Charles Schwab, and eventually returning to helm Mead Engineering. He discusses key decisions in his career, the motivation behind those decisions, and the challenges of navigating growth within the engineering space. Jonathan candidly opens up about the responsibility and accountability that come with leadership roles and shares a valuable lesson learned from a major mistake. He also emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight and empowering teams to manage challenges effectively. For those interested in how personal growth, family legacy, and business strategies intertwine in the engineering industry, this episode is a must-listen!

00:00 Introduction to Engineer Your Success

01:14 Early Career and Education 04:05 Journey at Charles Schwab

11:58 Return to Meat Engineering

15:51 Strategic Growth and Leadership

19:04 Navigating Challenges and Future Planning

24:29 Lessons from Mistakes

27:16 Preparing for the Next Level

31:06 Vision for the Future

38:19 Personal Journey and Motivation

43:14 Insights on Success

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Arizona native Johnathan Meade, MBA, CEO of Phoenix-based Meade Engineering, carries extensive corporate finance, strategy development, digital product management and early set, hands-on industry experience under his father, Meade Engineering's original owner. Initially drawn to economics at Arizona State University, he redirected his educational path to business and finance. Johnathan then achieved his MBA at Pepperdine and began his journey through the corporate realm. Johnathan honed his financial expertise during a tenure at Charles Schwab, where he played a pivotal role in an internal team of consultants advising on Charles Schwab's strategic initiatives. His leadership and strategic prowess earned him recognition as an innovator within the company. In 2022, Johnathan Meade decided to return to his roots at Meade Engineering. Since then, he has assembled a team of highly-experienced professionals dedicated to crafting cutting-edge designs for electrical infrastructure. These innovations provide critical electricity solutions to mission-critical facilities nationwide, solidifying Johnathan's position as a leader in the field.

Guest Links: john@meadeengineering.com

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