Engineers have the ability to turn abstract concepts into useable, relatable objectives for the novice. Thinking a little beyond what is in front of them, these builders connect the metaphysical to the physical and Greenville’s own project engineer for the Federal Building Dylan Elkins fits the build. “One of the best parts about being an engineer is helping people find solutions,” the Washington School alum explained. “You also have an opportunity to show them that what they thought was a difficult situation was not as difficult as it may have seemed at first.”
Elkins worked for Mars Foods for four years and in Nashville, Tennessee before taking on a job that will be a centerpiece in Greenville for years to come. He came onboard with Robins & Morton, the lead engineering firm for the Federal building in September of 2022. “I moved back to Greenville in October of 2022 because my wife(Jenny) and I were expecting our daughter (Belle),” Elkins explained. “She’s from Greenville. I’m from Greenville and we wanted to be around family when Belle was born. I just made the decision very easy.”
To his credit, the 30-year-old has already gained a great depth of knowledge in process engineering at a food plant and structural engineering at a pet care center. Elkins, a Mississippi State University graduate describes his role in the construction of the Federal Building as a hybrid between the outdoor elements and the climate-controlled office setting. “In the field, I help out with decisions about measurement and placement of objects,” he explained. “In the office, I work with budgets and submissions for requests for information (RFIs).”
Perhaps his early morning stress busting workout routines have a lot to do with how he puts everything into perspective. Elkins has a very even-keeled attitude about the magnitude of what it not only means to be a key piece of constructing the city’s economic and civic future but also to do it in his hometown. “It’s definitely cool and rare to get an opportunity like this,” he said. “This is probably the second biggest project coming to this area in recent years. The other is probably the Highway 82 bypass. My college roommate is working on that project.”
“And I had heard about the courthouse project being talked about at least five years before it actually happened,” he added. “To see it finally taking shape is pretty cool.”
Elkins’ role as a connector is multifaceted. He communicates efficient concepts between the office and the construction site. He brought his family back to a place instrumental in his development. And he will use his local knowledge to connect his coworkers to the community. “A lot of guys who came into town to work on the project have questions like where to stay, where to go eat and what to do,” Elkins said. “A friend of mine owns some apartment complexes so I was able to help them with a place to live. Also, having worked in engineering in Greenville before, I know a lot of different local guys in different trades who are very valuable on local contracts.”
