An article written by Jonathan Kiser, PE, PTOE, PTP
Two years ago, I took a real leap of faith and decided to start my own Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning firm after 28 years of private industry consulting. And the phrase ‘leap of faith’ is an understatement!
While pondering this career pivot, I called upon some of my former bosses and mentors for advice, as many had made significant job changes throughout their own careers. Everyone I spoke with told me that I was ready for this step. One colleague and business owner told me that he didn’t have a single day of regret from starting his own firm. With where I am now, I understand what he was telling me, and I haven’t had any regrets about going out on my own for a single day.
I decided to keep my business plan and my firm’s footprint simple and never intended global pursuits with my business. I perform most of the work myself, I hired a dedicated drafter, and I use student interns for part-time data processing. I prefer it this way for now: it gives me 100% control of the output and the projects we take on and allows me to have a more thorough relationship with my clients.
Kiser Traffic & Engineering recently celebrated its 2-year anniversary, which makes now a great time for me to reflect on my journey thus far. I enjoy client service and dedicating myself to my craft and to my industry. This year marks my 30th year in consulting engineering and my 29th year of marriage. I would not have been able to start this business without the emotional support of my wife who has made several long-distance moves to support my career throughout the years. I have leaned on many of my friends and colleagues for advice through the years. I am active in the professional organization the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), and it is truly the premier support net for traffic professionals. These members, colleagues, and friends have all served as numerous mentors for me for decades. I have been able to make connections with industry professionals across the US and internationally, and I still call on them for support and advice.
I maintain my Professional Engineering license in eight states and strive to give my clients the best service at a good price. I have many clients that I have worked with through the years that continue to call on me for work. Sometimes it can be challenging to service all aspects of your own firm… having to perform every aspect of every job from proposals to invoices and accounts receivable…and even a receptionist who answers the phone always!
One lesson I learned happened while I was attending an ITE meeting in Kentucky. It wasn’t so much the expense of travel and hotel at the conference, as it was the fact that I was out of the office and therefore, not generating any revenue for a week. It occurs to me that I had never considered traveling to attend a conference with that perspective before, and underscores how I must be even more thoughtful with out-of-office scheduling while considering upcoming project deadlines and their scopes.
Overall, I have no regrets about making the decision to start my own firm. I have learned a great deal more about running a business, client relations, and future business opportunities while growing both my network and support team of people who are confident of my success.
I can’t rewrite the past, but the timing for my decision worked out very nicely for me both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the successes I have accomplished thus far.
About the Author: Jonathan is 29 years married and is the owner of Kiser Traffic and Engineering, LLC.