Get to know Alan Balzer, PE, a member of our Structural Department in Quincy, IL!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself…
Alan: I am from Liberty, IL, a small town east of Quincy, IL. I am happily married to my wife of six years with two beautiful little girls. I enjoy spending time with my family and being outside with them as much as we can.
Q: Why did you want to become an Engineer?
Alan: As a kid, I grew up working and playing on the farm and on different construction sites. I enjoyed watching houses or sheds be built and being a part of it. Growing older, I wanted to find a career where I could help people get their dreams from just an idea to reality.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the types of projects you work on?
Alan: The curve balls and odd scenarios. I work a lot with Industrial clients, and it seems like every day there is something new to work through. I also enjoy the variety of topics for these types of projects; one day I may be climbing 90′ in the air doing an inspection, and the next, we may be walking through an abandoned coal facility.
Q: Is there a project thus far in your career of which you’re proudest?
Alan: Oddly enough, as a structural engineer, my proudest project was based on a confidential client’s emissions. We helped design a building that housed new process equipment. This equipment assisted with our client’s need to reduce one of their largest emissions. I was on the team from nearly the beginning through construction commissioning.
Q: What is your most prized possession?
Alan: My family and more specifically, my kids. Those two little girls are what make the late nights and early mornings worth every minute.
Q: Do you love or hate roller coasters?
Alan: It’s a love/hate relationship. I hate them until the chains start clanking, and then I love the rush.
Q: What is your favorite hobby?
Alan: Hunting / shooting. I enjoy being able to sit and relax while hunting or challenge myself on the range.