Reader Profile—Austin F. P’Pool

Austin F. P’Pool, P.E.

The Corradino Group Inc., Miami

My wife and I at our wedding December 2020 in Nashville.

Work title and years of service.

I’m technical vice president with The Corradino Group. I’m been with the company for seven years and have 18 years of experience in the engineering industry.

What does your job entail?

The Corradino Group is a consulting engineering firm, headquartered in Miami, that’s been in business for more than 50 years. As a technical vice president and senior project manager, my responsibilities include the planning, engineering design, regulatory permitting assistance, and construction management support for various water and sanitary sewer systems. With Corradino I have managed and delivered all phases of approximately 180,000 linear feet of pipeline projects, in various sizes from 2 to 72 inches.

What education and training have you had?

My education in engineering started with the U.S. Air Force where I enlisted as an engineering assistant (3E5X1). I was able to further my engineering education at the Georgia Institute of Technology with my GI Bill where I received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. I have had various other training opportunities, with ENV SP and CPESC, and am licensed in several states.

What do you like best about your job?

What I like most about my job is helping to provide an essential service to the cities where we work. Many people have no idea how the water gets to or how the sewage leaves their house, and that is a testament to what a good job our industry does. I like being a part of this unsung group.

What professional organizations do you belong to?

I’m active in Society of American Military Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Florida Engineering Society, but I am most active in AWWA where I am the chair of Region VII of FSAWWA.

How have the organizations helped your career?

I would advise anyone in our industry to get involved with these organizations. The AWWA has been an immense help in furthering my career. I have made contacts in all facets of the industry, from technical experts, municipal leaders, seasoned operators, and key decision makers, to the young professionals that will carry the organization and industry forward in the future. I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of people who attend the events and volunteer in the regions. It has made me a more-rounded engineer and given me many resources to call on for questions or to discuss new ideas.

What do you like best about the industry?

Our industry is always evolving, through technology and being driven by regulation, as well as innovation. I believe it will always be like this and it keeps everyone on their toes.

What do you do when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I like to get outdoors. I like to fish when I get the chance. I also like to go camping where we can hike in the woods and sit by a campfire. S