{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Grant Farley, Senior Graduate Engineer","description":"In Episode 93 of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we\u2019re excited to introduce you to Grant Farley, EIT, a Senior Graduate Engineer in our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Division based out of WGI\u2019s Austin, TX office. Grant joined hosts Dan and Katie for a lively conversation full of laughs, career insights, and fun stories. From his small-town Texas roots and a childhood fascination with robotics to designing electrical systems for complex infrastructure projects across the country, this episode offers a look into the life of a young engineer making waves at WGI and proving that passion, curiosity, and a great team can take you far. From East Texas to Texas A&M Born and raised about 50 miles east of Dallas, Grant grew up in a town so small that his high school graduating class had just 47 students. But don\u2019t let the size fool you - Grant\u2019s drive and curiosity were anything but small. He was a standout athlete, an all-state football player, and a self-proclaimed tinkerer who loved pulling apart computers and competing in state-level robotics competitions. It was clear from early on that Grant was destined for a career in STEM. After high school, he enrolled at Texas A&M University and pursued a degree in Electrical Systems Engineering Technology, gravitating toward coursework focused on microcontrollers, embedded systems, and energy-efficient building technologies. Though he originally considered cybersecurity and IT due to family influence, Grant\u2019s experience in college steered him toward something more tangible - designing real-world electrical systems and infrastructure. Launching a Career with WGI Grant\u2019s professional journey with WGI began at a Texas A&M career fair, where he connected with company recruiters and "saw the light," so to speak. He immediately saw alignment between WGI\u2019s core values and his own - especially our commitment to innovation, integrity, and a people-first culture. Fast forward three years, and Grant has already earned a promotion from Graduate Engineer to Senior Graduate Engineer, taking on more responsibility and autonomy in the design process. He now collaborates directly with architects, project managers, and other disciplines to develop sophisticated electrical systems for buildings and infrastructure projects across the country. Spotlight on Projects: EV Infrastructure, Parking Garages, and Life Sciences Grant has had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that reflect both the breadth and depth of WGI\u2019s capabilities. Some of his most notable contributions include: A major parking garage in Georgetown, TX \u2013 one of Grant\u2019s first opportunities to lead electrical design, from incoming utility coordination all the way down to branch-level circuits and lighting. Fleet EV (Electric Vehicle) charging infrastructure \u2013 part of a national initiative, these projects have deepened his expertise in power distribution and are helping drive the future of sustainable mobility. One of Austin\u2019s largest life sciences lab developments \u2013 a technically complex and 'power-dense' facility that has challenged Grant to apply creative thinking to a new project type for WGI. These experiences have taken him across the country - from St. Louis and Chicago to Louisiana and Arkansas - giving him valuable field exposure through punch walks, site investigations, and even topping-out ceremonies. A Day in the Life A typical day for Grant involves reviewing project scopes, breaking down design tasks, collaborating with internal teams, and diving deep into electrical layouts and code compliance. He frequently references the National Electrical Code, which serves as a standardized framework for his designs across state lines, with some jurisdictional nuances along the way. While the bulk of his work is rooted in design, Grant also appreciates the field-side experiences that bring his designs to life - literally seeing a project go from paper to reality. Life Outside of Work Outside the office, Grant is just as interesting. He\u2019s an avid fisherman and enjoys annual trips with his wife and her family to Port Aransas, TX, where beach days, charter fishing, and jetty-side hangs are a tradition. He even once rescued a sea turtle caught in the rocks - snapping a selfie before safely returning it to the ocean. He\u2019s also an occasional golfer, a dedicated sci-fi fan (currently working through The Expanse series), and a proud pet parent to what he jokingly calls a \u201cmini zoo\u201d: two dogs, two cats, and two ball pythons. From a sweet orange tabby named Kitty to their newest rescue cat Cipher, Grant and his wife have created a home that\u2019s as full of personality as he is. Oh\u2014and he does a mean Gollum impression. You'll have to listen to believe it. Why WGI? When asked what makes WGI special, Grant doesn\u2019t hesitate: the people. He reflects on the supportive, collaborative environment and how the open design of WGI\u2019s new Austin office encourages cross-disciplinary conversations and teamwork. According to Grant, WGI\u2019s people-first culture is a key reason why he\u2019s not only stayed, but thrived. \u201cBeing able to go to work with people you enjoy, who support your growth and push you to do your best\u2014that\u2019s what sets WGI apart.\u201d Tune In This episode is packed with memorable moments\u2014from rescuing sea turtles on the Texas coast to designing cutting-edge electrical systems across the country. So, tune in, and as always, stay curious, stay driven, and keep unleashing your full potential! Visit your favorite podcast app now and subscribe to WGI Unleashed to receive alerts every time a new episode drops. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. ","author_name":"WGI Unleashed","author_url":"https:\/\/wginc.com","html":"