Meet Brendan Fritz

Brendan Fritz, an enthusiastic and driven Structural Engineer-in-Training, has been making waves since he joined our Virginia Beach SMF team. He interned with us while pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University. Graduating Summa Cum Laude and passing his FE exam, Brendan is a testament to the power of passion and hard work.

Brendan’s journey into structural engineering is both unique and inspiring. His initial interest was in architecture, sparked by a memorable trip to London with his family. The diverse and striking buildings he saw there ignited a desire to transform the monotonous structures he observed back in the U.S.

Coupled with his natural aptitude for math, this fascination set him on a path toward engineering. A chance connection through Virginia Rush Soccer with SMF President Danny Speight further solidified his decision to pursue a career where he could blend his love for mathematics with the artistry of design.

Brendan at Speight Marshall Francis

Since joining SMF as an intern in 2022, Brendan has thrived in every role he has held on our engineering team. His daily work is a fascinating blend of learning and application. Whether he's calculating gravity loads, collaborating with engineers like Jennifer J. and Jon W., or engaging in fieldwork with Jimmy, Brendan’s role is as diverse as it is challenging. He relishes the opportunity to rotate through different projects and departments, which broadens his expertise and keeps his workday fresh and exciting.

One of Brendan’s most notable achievements was his work on the Norfolk Scope project, where he calculated the forces needed for a trapeze apparatus requested by Cirque du Soleil aerial personnel. It’s a source of pride for him, as he drives past the venue each day and remembers his contribution to a project that brought joy to his local community.

Brendan is deeply aligned with SMF’s mission to "Restructure the Norm." His passion for unique and eye-catching structures reflects our commitment to moving beyond conventional designs. He’s inspired by the architectural diversity he admired in Europe and aims to bring a similar creativity and innovation to his work at SMF.

His role also comes with its share of challenges, notably balancing the demands of a full-time job with personal responsibilities, including renovating his own house. Despite these hurdles, Brendan remains committed to achieving his goal of passing the PE exam within the next five years. He aspires to leave a significant mark on the field, contributing to projects that benefit our communities for years to come.

Seeking Guidance and Inspiring Others

Some of Brendan’s biggest inspirations within the company are President Danny Speight and Principal Structural Engineer David Carter. Brendan has known Danny since he began playing soccer in his youth and has always admired Danny's relentless drive for self-improvement, which has continually motivated Brendan to strive for excellence. During his internship, Brendan developed a close, mentorship-driven relationship with David, who has been a steadfast guide and trusted him with a growing list of responsibilities. David’s patience, effective stress management, and clear expectations have been instrumental in teaching Brendan how to balance project loads and maintain high productivity.

Brendan’s advice to newcomers in the field is both practical and encouraging: come prepared, ask questions, and remember that it’s okay not to know everything. Learning is a continuous process, and seeking help is a vital part of growth. Embrace the learning curve and ask questions whenever you need clarification. The transition from college to the professional world can be overwhelming, as real-world challenges often differ significantly from academic expectations. Even experienced engineers continually learn and adapt, so don’t hesitate to seek help and build a supportive team around you.

With his blend of creativity, reliability, and honesty, Brendan Fritz exemplifies the qualities that drive success at SMF. We’re excited to see where his journey takes him next and are proud to have him as part of our team.