Richard Aldridge, PE, MBA
Principal Engineer / Branch Manager – PRESCOTT
Where did you attend college and what did you study?
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology (BSCET) from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 1980. I originally started studying architecture in junior college, as drawing and drafting was something I always enjoyed doing. At the time, I was also working as a print room clerk for Bechtel. After doing some drafting for the engineers and talking about a career path with the head engineer, I decided to switch over to an engineering degree. I received my Master in Business Administration degree (MBA) from the same university in 1996.
What drew you to working for Civiltec?
I’ve known Rick Shroads for about 14 years, since I’ve lived in Prescott. I always knew Civiltec did quality work and that they did the same type of public agency work that I like doing. Civiltec is totally in-sync with my background and the clients I like to work with. On top of that, they have an excellent reputation and I’ve reviewed a lot of their work in past positions.
What projects are you looking forward to working on?
I know that Civiltec has worked with many counties, cities, and other agencies, so I’m looking forward to working on those types of projects. I am also looking forward to stepping into more of a mentor role, as someone that can bring a lot of experience to the table. Aside from that, I have completed a lot of higher educational and institutional projects. I love that type of work, so it would be great if I can help reach out to those new markets and bring in similar work.
What are some of your favorite types of projects to work on?
I really enjoy working on municipal projects, athletic facilities, and campus planning and design, as well as unique and unusual projects. I have worked on a Japanese Tea House Garden at NAU, the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort, and more. The project that I am proudest of, and had the most fun completing, was the sports complex with three football fields at NAU for the Arizona Cardinals NFL team. It was used as the training facility for the team for 10+ years.
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
Family is a high priority for my wife and I, and we look forward to our extended family get-togethers. With one daughter and son-in-law living in Munich, Germany, we visit every three years to tour Europe with them and get a locals-only experience. We went to Oktoberfest in Munich this past September and there’s no better “bier” in the world! As we’ve been traveling around Europe and Germany, I have made it a goal to take a picture with every beer I’ve ever had, as part of my “World Bier Tour.”
We also enjoy visits to Colorado Springs to hang out with the granddaughters (and our oldest daughter and son-in-law)!
Is there a particular hobby, interest, or skill you have that other employees might not know about?
I have played guitar, bass, and sang in a worship team and an Oldies band. In the ‘70s, I placed 4th in the National Judo Championships. I grew up in the Navy; I lived in Taiwan (known as the island of Formosa back then) when I was in grade school, then in Japan when I was in high school. I earned my private pilot license in 1994. I also enjoy camping in the summers, woodworking and exploring/cruising the forest service roads in our ’76 CJ-5 Jeep that we have owned for 38 years! You get to do a lot of stuff when you’ve been around for over 62 years.