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NIC CULLEN 36 Professional Civil Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager HOUSTON ENGINEERING, INC. “What sets Nic Cullen apart is his ability and commitment to balancing his professional responsibilities with family and community service.” COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Leadership Bismarck-Mandan (Class of 2022); Dakota Zoo Board Member; past officer and active member of the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers; Area Management for Special Olympics North Dakota — Bismarck; active volunteer at Century Baptist Church as well as at other various events and organizations such as Discover Engineering, LEGO Robotics, Math Counts, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, and Medora Children’s Park. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I was born and raised in Bismarck and graduated from NDSU with my bachelor of science in civil engineering with a minor in business administration. My family and I love the outdoors, which includes pontooning and kayaking on the Missouri River, camping throughout the summer months, and skiing/snowboarding during the winter months. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Relationships. From the most important relationship with my wife and children to the relationships with people I have made throughout my 36 years in this wonderful community and industry — each one of them is important and valuable. Knowing that I can either create a positive or negative impact on someone’s life by choices I make or how I act is a big responsibility that I do not take lightly. I know that I will not be able to please everyone, and disappointments will unfortunately occur; however, I am motivated on a daily basis to create a positive impact on someone’s life and to value the relationships created. CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER PATH The first 5-6 years of my engineering career were challenging in that it took me that long to start feeling knowledgeable and proficient in what I was doing. College never prepares you for what you are doing in the real life, and if it wasn’t for the support and training of my mentor, Michael Gunsch, and all of the other engineering professionals at HEI, I would not be where I am at today and cannot thank them enough! WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER OTHER YOUNG PROFESSIONALS? Be kind and treat others with respect. Be humble and think of yourself less. Be hungry for success and always look for the next opportunity. Be smart by asking good questions and listening to others. Tell the truth even though it may be tough to say. Be active in your community and strongly consider Leadership Bismarck-Mandan through the Chamber EDC.
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