VBE Spotlight on: Caldwell Design & Engineering, LLC

Caldwell Design & Engineering, LLC

Caldwell Design & Engineering, LLC was founded by Scott Caldwell in 2020

Scott Caldwell, Founder of Caldwell D & E, is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and has over six years of experience in the Civil Engineering Field. Scott earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Clemson University along with a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee. Scott also earned a M.S. in Engineering Management from Louisville University. 

Previously, Scott worked as a Civil Engineer for USACE and as a Civil Site Designer (E.I.T.) for Ragan-Smith Associates. Scott is involved with several organizations including ASCE — American Society of Civil Engineers and MOAA — Military Officers Association of America. Previously, Scott served as a former Military Officer.

Learn more by visiting their website: https://caldwelld-e.com/

About the Business - Building. Working. Dreaming. Creating. 

What services do you provide?

"Civil Engineering - Land Development and permitting."

Who are your primary customers?

"Land Developers and individuals."

When and how did you start your business?

"I started my business several weeks before Covid-19 in January of 2020. I did not have any business activity the first year, but in 2021 I completed several small jobs. In 2022, I am pretty busy with residential and commercial design."

Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?

"Finding someone to help me with CAD work and the business side of Engineering."

What is the key to the success of your business?

"Show people that I work for them."

What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?

"Never give up and look in the right places for advice; be nice to people whether they are your client or a stranger in the street."

What pitfalls should they avoid?

"The easy way out of things are usually more costly than a benefit."

What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?

"In two years I have several clients that I have several contracts with and 1-2 new clients a month.

I am wanting to be a sub-contractor, providing site design for Military and VA, or any government agency.

I am licensed in 14 states - all southeast states, 5 western states (CO, TX WY, MT, and MO)."

Service information

Branch:

USMC and Army

Service Years:

1985-2005: 16 Years

Highest Rank Attained:

O3-E 

Why did you join the military?

"I had graduated from University of TN at Martin in the Spring of 2021. I was in a difficult time of my life. I was thinking about joining the military. I decided after 911, that I would join the USMC and take my life in a different direction. Joining the USMC helped me get past some bad times in my life and ultimately led me to my wife. I am blessed by how the military has provided and shaped my life. I could never repay back what I received."

Military Occupation:

"Ordinance Machinists USMC and Military Intelligence Officer in the Army."

Any Significant Military Achievements/Experience you'd like to mention?

"Made a lot of friends and acquired a lot of knowledge about life."

Biography/Fun Facts

In 10 years, you see yourself?

"I plan on having a business that does not need me anymore, but just to mentor and have oversight. To give back and help someone else reach their goals and dreams come true with a plan."

What is your favorite sport team?

"My favorite sports team are Vols and Clemson Tigers."

What is your dream car?

"My dream car is to have a Lamborghini and eventually auction it off for charity."