This week, we are excited to celebrate a momentous milestone for our President and CEO, Jim Meads – his 30th Sainiversary! We appreciate Jim’s leadership and commitment to Sain.
Today we share a Q&A discussion with Jim on his career at Sain, how the engineering industry has evolved, lessons learned, and more.
What was your first role at Sain Associates, and what did it involve?
I came to Sain as “Director of Traffic Engineering” to start Sain’s Traffic Engineering practice. Our first project was a traffic signal modification on AL-75 in the Pinson area. Since then, we’ve provided traffic and transportation services for public and private sector projects throughout the eastern United States.
If you could go back and talk to yourself 30 years ago, what would you say? What advice would you give?
It’s hard to choose just one piece of advice – below are a few things I’d tell myself:
- First and foremost, put God first in everything you do.
- Make time for family.
- Treat people the way you would like to be treated.
- We show what we’re made of by how we handle adversity – run to the problem.
- If you love and care for someone, usually they will love you too.
How has Sain evolved over the last 30 years?
Sain has always been a great workplace, and our team has done exceptional engineering work. We are a much more diverse company today regarding our services and public/private client base. I’m so proud of how our culture has evolved. We have fun, care about each other and our customers, and do great work.
How has the engineering industry changed over the last 30 years?
Technology has changed dramatically, including advances in computers, CAD software, cell phones, and surveying equipment like GPS and drones.
What is the biggest challenge or change you’ve dealt with over the years?
Unfortunately, my greatest challenge is personal and ongoing. My twin one-year-old grandsons passed away in August 2021. Our family has been incredibly blessed by my work family and friends, including the support of the Meads Miracles Foundation.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
At Sain, we host annual quality control summits with each team. During the meetings, I always bring up running to the problems. It is so easy in life to avoid and put off issues. Problems fester if they aren’t taken care of, so it’s best to address the issue. Former President Randy Sain would often refer to this lesson, and I hope it will continue to be part of Sain’s culture.
Over the years, who have been the biggest mentors for you?
I’ve been blessed to have many mentors. My grandmother taught me many lessons as a child. I learned a lot from my Uncle Jack during our fishing trips to Logan Martin Lake. Alain Gallet and Darrell Skipper have not only been mentors but great friends in the engineering industry. Lastly, my Community Bible Study Men’s Group in Trussville has met over the last 17 years and have supported one another.
What is your motto when it comes to leadership at Sain?
I have two mottos related to leadership:
- What is the right thing to do?
- We get out of everything in life what we put into it, which includes our work, home, physical, and spiritual life.
Our team is blessed to have Jim as our President and CEO. It’s impossible to share just how important Jim has been, not only to Sain’s achievements over his tenure, but to making Sain a great place to work. From all of us at Sain, congratulations on this incredible milestone!
