Opening an office close to home has been a lifelong dream for Lewis County native Brandon Johnson. The civil engineering manager for SCJ saw that dream come true when he wielded the big scissors at the firm’s Centralia office ribbon-cutting on January 12.
“The choice for SCJ to open a Lewis County office came naturally and with much enthusiasm,” Brandon said. “We already have challenging, meaningful work here, and we have staff who live and play here.” SCJ also has offices in Lacey, Vancouver, Seattle and Wenatchee, with a combined staff of just over 80.
Brandon and his wife Clea are active in the community through church, school, youth sports and volunteering. They live in Chehalis with their three children, ages 8, 6 and 4, who are fourth generation Lewis County residents.
SCJ’s new location, managed by Brandon, is located at 212 N Tower Avenue, in the heart of historic downtown Centralia.
Doors opened before Christmas with a team of four; joining Brandon were Project Manager Jim Gibson, Project Engineer Charlie Severs and Senior Designer Lane Sater. Additional staff members are anticipated.
SCJ engineers and landscape architects are already in the midst of a number of significant projects in the area, including the new Chehalis elementary schools and several projects at Centralia College. (TransAlta Student Commons, China Creek Parking Lot)
The SCJ planning team is also leading the North Lewis County Industrial Access Study, working to improve access and freight mobility to industrially-zoned lands. And, in nearby Napavine, SCJ completed the city’s comprehensive plan update last year and combined engineering, transportation and planning services for its local Love’s Travel Stop.
“Continuing my career in this community is something I’ve wanted for a long time,” Brandon said. “SCJ opening an office here not only gives me that chance, but also the opportunity to bring additional quality jobs and improvements to the area.”
What’s another advantage to the location of the new office for the avid water sports enthusiast? “I’ll be that much closer to putting the boat in at Mayfield Lake after work,” Brandon shared with a smile.
