Building Opportunities Through Ownership and Growth
How Nathan Hardisty built a leadership career through opportunity, ownership, and entrepreneurship.
In an industry where career paths can take many directions, Transportation Engineer and Business Unit Director Nathan Hardisty’s journey at Shive-Hattery has been shaped by one belief: when people are given the opportunity to take ownership, they can accomplish more than they ever imagined.
Nathan joined Shive-Hattery more than eleven years ago as a transportation engineer after spending approximately four and a half years with another firm. Today, he serves as the Business Unit Director for Public Infrastructure, leading a team of approximately 100 people.
His career progression has been a reflection of the opportunities available to those willing to step forward.
What started as a role focused primarily on roadway engineering has evolved into leadership responsibilities, client development, team growth, and helping shape the future of the firm.
For Nathan, that journey comes down to three things: opportunity, ownership, and people.
A Career Built on Opportunity
When Nathan was considering a career change, his decision to join Shive-Hattery was influenced by the experiences of people he trusted.
Several friends were already working at the firm and consistently shared positive experiences about the culture and the opportunities available.
“At the time, I was looking for a new opportunity,” Nathan says. “The feedback I received from people I trusted made a strong impression.”
After joining Shive-Hattery, Nathan quickly found an environment where he could grow beyond his original role.
One of the biggest opportunities came through helping build the transportation team. During his time as Transportation Group Leader, the group doubled in size while developing new client relationships and creating opportunities for younger engineers.
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and Shive-Hattery provides an environment where that kind of thinking is encouraged,” he says.
That ability to build, create, and pursue opportunities has been a defining part of Nathan’s career.
Ownership That Creates Impact
A major part of Nathan’s experience at Shive-Hattery has been the ability to take ownership.
Rather than simply completing projects, he has been able to help shape a business, develop teams, build relationships, and contribute to the growth of the transportation practice.
“I’ve had the opportunity to build teams, pursue new clients, hire and mentor engineers, and contribute to the growth of our transportation practice,” Nathan says.
That ownership took on another meaning when Nathan became a shareholder several years ago.
“As an employee-owner, I’m not only helping build a business—I’m helping build something that I personally have a stake in.”
For Nathan, that mindset creates a deeper connection to the work and reinforces the importance of investing in the success of both employees and clients.
A Culture Built on Collaboration and Trust
Ask Nathan what stands out about Shive-Hattery’s culture, and he points to one key indicator: employee retention.
“We have many employees who joined the firm early in their careers and have chosen to stay for decades,” he says. “That doesn’t happen by accident.”
Nathan believes long-term careers are built through strong relationships, collaboration, and an environment where people genuinely want to help each other succeed.
Teams work together to solve problems for clients, support one another’s growth, and create meaningful opportunities.
For individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset, Nathan believes there is tremendous opportunity to take ownership and build a career aligned with their interests and strengths.
Why People Stay
For Nathan, the answer is simple: people stay because they enjoy both the work and the people they work alongside.
“Strong leaders challenge employees to grow while providing the coaching and support necessary to succeed,” he says.
When employees feel supported, challenged, and connected to a strong team, they are more likely to build careers that last.
That combination of meaningful work and strong relationships creates an environment where people want to stay and continue growing.
Take Ownership of Your Future
For someone considering a career at Shive-Hattery, Nathan’s advice is clear:
Take ownership of your future.
“If there is a project, market, or area of interest that excites you, speak up and pursue it,” he says.
Nathan believes employees who are willing to engage, contribute, and take initiative can have a tremendous impact—not only on their own careers but also on the future of the firm.
Success requires hard work, but the opportunities are there for those willing to pursue them.
Looking for a place where you can build more than a job?
At Shive-Hattery, we’re committed to creating fulfilling careers through mentorship, growth, meaningful work, and a culture that supports people at every stage of their journey.
Explore current opportunities and discover where your career could lead.
