Glen Pool, a structural designer at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying, brings more than just technical expertise to his role. His resilience, curiosity, and an unshakable work ethic are shaped by real-world experience and personal drive. Glen’s path to structural engineering began on Utah construction sites, where he spent summers working alongside his uncle. “Doing this, and with my academic passions being in math and physical science, I knew before starting college I wanted to be an engineer,” he shares. A few classes and guidance from college mentors later, Glen found his calling in structural engineering.

A Career Shaped by Curiosity and Challenge

Glen’s journey has been influenced by key moments both in and out of the classroom. One major turning point came in high school with a teacher who helped him see not just his aptitude for math and physics, but his passion for them. Another pivotal experience came on a job site with the construction of a massive 29,000-square-foot home built without a single right angle. “While at the time this project was frustrating to build, I found myself constantly asking questions about how it was designed, how it worked.” For Glen, that curiosity was just another element that drove him further into a career of structural engineering.

Glen draws inspiration from the people who helped guide him, especially his family. “Nearly all of my uncles are engineers or contractors,” he explains. One uncle in particular sparked his interest in the field. “His passion for what he does and how he is able to provide for his family is something I always look to as goals of mine.”

Beyond the Desk

When he’s not working on calculations or structural designs, Glen recharges through a mix of hobbies and interests. He enjoys cooking his own culinary masterpieces, “It’s the only form of art I can really get passionate about,” Glen notes. He also enjoys watching football, camping, and playing video games with friends. Some things most people don’t know about him are that he can juggle and he’s eaten some pretty unusual animals, thanks to his personal rule to “always try something once.”

Glen’s biggest test of balance came during his education. He returned to college at 27, already a husband and father of two, determined to finish quickly. “I committed to taking a full load of classes every semester,” he says. “But I also had to work full-time and be there for my family. Balancing all of that was the hardest thing I’ve needed to do.” That perseverance reflects much of Glen’s character as a determined and grounded teammate.

Eyes on the Future

Looking ahead, Glen has a clear path forward. He plans to earn his PE license, as well as his SE license. He’s also actively engaged in the professional community, participating in ASCE and SEAU, where he previously served as a student representative. “I try to attend both organizations’ larger conferences whenever I can,” he says, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to learning and growth.

His appreciation for the complexities of engineering even extends to unconventional sources. Asked about a favorite masterpiece, Glen doesn’t name a world-famous skyscraper or bridge. Instead, he mentions Groverhaus, a famously chaotic DIY house designed by a non-architect that serves as unique reminder of why structural engineering matters. “Some of the most chaotic and wild decisions went into this building, such as load bearing drywall and insulated stairs. To me it shows how much time and testing has gone into what we do.” Glen remarks.

At FOCUS, Glen is known for his thoughtful approach to problem-solving and his drive to constantly improve. Whether it’s a complex design challenge or a family dinner recipe, Glen brings focus, dedication, and a touch of humor. We’re proud to have him as part of our team and look forward to the solid foundation he continues to build both in his career and within our company.