Charles Cochran, a Project  Manager on the Traffic Team, is November’s Featured Associate! Charles is celebrating 5 years with Sain this month. He loves working at Sain because of his great bosses: “Jeff Stephenson, Jim Meads, and Becky White have all made me a better engineer by encouraging, mentoring, challenging, and empowering me.”

We asked Charles a few questions to get to know him better…

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I grew up in Montgomery, AL where I went to LAMP High School.  I went to the University of Alabama and graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering.  I am a licensed P.E. and PTOE.  Prior to coming to Sain, I worked at the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your family.

A: My wife, Molly, and I have been married for 3 years and we have a little 8 lb. Pomeranian named Nugget.  I have one brother who is also a Civil Engineer. 

Q: What three words best describe you?

A: Problem-solver. Even-keeled. Tall.

Q: What are your top life highlights?

A: Getting married and becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.   

Q: What are your hopes for our industry?

 A: Vision Zero .

Q: What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

 A: I like being able to work on projects that can help save lives and cut down on everybody’s travel times.

Q: What book did you read last?

 A: I finished up A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking last month, and now I am in the middle of Carry Me Home by Diane McWhorter.

Q: What did you want to be when growing up?

A: An ESPN Anchor. 

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

 A: This time of year, I like watching football and grilling out with friends.  I also like to do a little gardening. This year I had a bunch of different pepper plants, tomatoes, cucumbers, and one disappointing watermelon plant.  

Q: What is your favorite sport? Team?

A: I can watch NFL all day long.  I’m a big Packers, Bulls, and Crimson Tide fan.  I was able to attend 3 national championship games while I was a student at Alabama (all of which we won of course)!   

Q: What is your hidden talent?

A:  I’m a good cook. I can make some awesome shrimp and grits.