Hugh Mathews, Chairman, England, Thims & Miller Inc.

In an interview with Invest:, Hugh Mathews, CEO of consulting firm England-Thims & Miller, Inc. (ETM), highlighted the company’s significant growth, leadership transitions, and strategic restructuring to enhance service delivery. He also discussed Jacksonville’s dynamic development landscape and the importance of technology, talent development, and client relationships for the company’s continued success.

Reflecting over the past year, what have been the significant milestones and achievements for England-Thims & Miller, Inc.?

ETM’s success this year has been defined by growth, innovation, and leadership evolution. With significant growth across our operations, we’ve opened new opportunities for individual and organizational development. One of our most rewarding achievements has been fostering personal and professional growth within our team. Witnessing colleagues, many of whom I’ve worked with for decades, step into leadership roles is both gratifying and impactful. The transition of Tyler Mathews to president and CEO and the strategic restructuring of our business units exemplifies our vision to better serve our clients and empower our people. These milestones reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional results through experienced leadership and forward-thinking strategies.

As a leader in the infrastructure and development consulting industry, what is your overview of the sector in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is at the cusp of transformative development. Projects like the University of Florida’s downtown urban campus, the Jaguars’ new stadium plans, and healthcare expansions by Baptist, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic highlight the region’s growth potential. This dynamic environment presents incredible opportunities to create impactful infrastructure. However, national uncertainties like high interest rates add a layer of caution. By leveraging our experience and a clear vision for navigating these challenges, we’re poised to help our clients realize their aspirations while contributing to the region’s sustained growth.

ETM works across a wide range of services. Which of these do you believe will drive growth the most?

Private land development has consistently been our growth engine. It spans diverse sectors, including healthcare and education, as seen in partnerships like the University of Florida’s initiatives. These projects demand not only technical excellence but also a visionary approach to align their impact with the region’s needs. Our experience positions us to lead these efforts, delivering results that align with our clients’ long-term goals.

Which markets or industries do you expect to be the main drivers of growth within Jacksonville’s sector?

The region’s burgeoning Fintech and MedTech industries, driven by developments like UF’s downtown campus, will be pivotal. These high-wage, innovation-led sectors catalyze broader economic growth, creating demand for supporting industries and lifestyle infrastructure. By combining our experience with a forward-looking vision, ETM is prepared to contribute to this holistic growth, ensuring results that resonate across the community.

What is ETM’s approach to client relationships and what measures are you implementing to ensure excellent customer care and successful outcomes?

Our approach is rooted in becoming our clients’ trusted advisors, moving beyond traditional roles to serve as strategic partners. We aim to provide vision and guidance at every stage, from site selection to long-term business planning. Our focus on delivering impactful results includes optimizing time-to-market and reducing regulatory hurdles. By consistently exceeding expectations, we help our clients confidently realize their goals.

How does ETM leverage technology and innovation to support clients and guarantee this level of service?

Innovation is integral to our strategy. From deploying cutting-edge drone technology for rapid land surveys to leveraging our extensive geospatial data library, we’re revolutionizing how projects are conceptualized and executed. These tools, combined with our deep industry experience, enable us to deliver results that accelerate client success. For example, our underground utility investigation technology mitigates delays, ensuring projects move forward seamlessly and with precision.

What measures is ETM taking to attract and retain the best talent in the infrastructure and development industry?

Our vision for talent development begins early, engaging students in high school and college, supporting them through programs like the ETM Accelerator. By combining practical experience with structured development, we create a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to make an impact. For our existing team, we emphasize continuous education and tailored career paths, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed. This holistic approach reflects our commitment to building a workforce equipped to deliver exceptional results.

What are the primary challenges facing the consulting industry right now, and how is ETM addressing them?

I see two main challenges. First is talent development. Technology and AI can do a lot for us, but it still comes down to individual decision-making and working closely with clients to build something great. Whether it’s the city of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Jaguars, or a traditional land developer, the key is having the right people in place. We’ve discussed how we’re developing talent, from early engagement through ongoing career support, to ensure we have the best people for the job.

The second challenge is the influx of private equity into our industry. Many local firms have sold to private equity, which changes their focus. Instead of being locally controlled, they are now driven by quarterly earnings and investor goals, which can conflict with client care. At ETM, we’re Florida-owned and controlled, and we’re positioning ourselves to attract talent from firms where people may feel disconnected from their new corporate structures. We want to be a place where professionals can build long, satisfying careers focused on client and community success rather than shareholder returns.

What is your outlook for ETM over the next two to three years, and what are your main priorities?

Having been in this business for over 40 years, I’ve seen the economy fluctuate nationally and locally. Our focus is on staying nimble and concentrating on the things we can control, like talent development, client responsiveness, and innovation. We can’t influence interest rates or national economic decisions, so we don’t worry about them. Instead, we focus on bringing the brightest minds to tackle the region’s challenges, from water supply issues to sea-level rise.

I’m optimistic about the region’s future. While there may be a slowdown, we’re prepared. We’ve managed the business well, ensuring cash reserves and stability without heavy debt. This allows us to respond to any changes in the market, whether it’s a minor slowdown or a significant post-COVID boom. Being in Florida and the Sunbelt region puts us in a great position for continued growth, and I’m confident we’ll be ready for whatever comes next.