Janelle Hinkle PROJECT EXECUTIVE, REGENCY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES would be an easier next step to work towards an MBA after graduation.” Her interest in math and science coupled with a strong backing from her dad led her to study civil engineering. Hinkle put in hard work and earned her civil engineering degree from the University of Notre Dame. Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “I did not have any hesitation entering a male-dominated field after spending three summers working at a Boy Scout camp managing camp counselors.”
“An engineer is a problem solver. Not only can engineering be used to solve problems, but engineers can work to “make the world a better place, improve conditions and improve lives.” — Eleanor K. Baum Janelle Hinkle, a dedicated civil engineer, serves as Project Executive at Regency Construction Services. The construction company founded nearly three decades ago operates out of its offices in Brook Park and Columbus, and has successfully completed hundreds of projects for public and private clients across Ohio. “As a child, I was always building things from Lego structures and pillow forts, to Rube Goldberg machines made of anything I could find in our house. I debated between pursuing an engineering degree or a business degree.” Hinkle says. “My father wisely suggested that if I obtained an engineering degree in undergrad that it 12 ▒ MAY - JUNE 2022
Hinkle entered the workforce after graduation, working for two years, before continuing her studies at John Carroll University through the Part-time MBA program. She completed the two year program with a Masters in Business Administration. Civil engineering is a broad technical field that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of various structures including bridges, highways, water structures, and buildings, to name a few. Her interest in the construction industry emanated from her college studies at Notre Dame. “Through Notre Dame, I was able to shadow multiple different firms and was drawn to the construction industry. I loved being able to see projects progress and the constant problem solving required to complete them,” Hinkle said. She continued, “Although I have often been one of the only (or the only) woman in the room on multiple occasions, I find that if you can listen and intelligently share your thoughts, you can be successful. I have not looked back since I decided construction was the right career path for me.”