Jeff Riegle

Jeff  Riegle
  • BS Environmental Engineering 2002

Why did you choose Michigan Tech?

When I was in sixth grade, I watched a video about engineers, and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I come from a family of conservationists, so I wanted to help the environment. There were only a few schools that offered Environmental Engineering, and when we came to visit Michigan Tech, it was like coming home.

Tell us about a memorable experience you had with a class or about a favorite professor?

Three words: Tropical Island Ecology. Ten days at Gerace Research Centre on San Salvador, Bahamas, over Spring Break. After morning classroom study about tidal rivers, we swam up one, snorkeling and noting the wildlife. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a monster with teeth! A barracuda was looking at me, and shadowing me, stroke for stroke, making sure I knew I was in his territory. Much scarier than the shark that my lab partner wanted to dive down and catch…

We fished off shore that night, and I like to think the tasty barracuda we caught was the same one who was giving me the hairy eyeball.

Now, how about a memorable experience outside of class?

Winter Carnival was always a blast! Month long snow statue, human dog sledding, snow volleyball, ice bowling, and of course Broomball! Of course, working with the Student Entertainment Board, I got to meet great entertainers like hypnotists, rock stars, and the Irish band from Titanic, Gaelic Storm!

How well did Michigan Tech prepare you for your career?

Air Force Officer to Environmental Engineer to Green Energy to Green Financial Planning.

Michigan Tech taught me how to THINK, how to be flexible, hard working, and create balance in my life. I can’t imagine any other school gives their students the rock solid ground to build their educational and professional castles.

What was your first job after graduation and how has your career progressed?

As a cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Course (AFROTC), immediately upon graduation, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Within a month, I was married, had a honeymoon, and moved to Texas, where I was put in charge of a $75M construction program, spanning six states, and interfacing with dozens of agencies and hundreds of contractors.

After I left the service, I moved back to the Midwest, and started as a project manager for a multinational architect and engineering firm. I started in “Green” building, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Tech taught me to do what you love, and so I founded a business line within the company, focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Using my experience from the other student groups MWEA, ASCE, etc, I grew that business line from one person to 60 folks, worldwide, with projects spanning the globe. From Wind Turbines in Wyoming to Solar heat in Spain, the team was working to make a difference.

For several years, I moved from firm to firm, always following my passion, until I decided to become my own boss, and hang my shingle as a financial advisor focusing on green issues, and helping people plan to live their lives with confidence and dignity, so they can concentrate on saving the earth.

Tell us about a few of your career highlights and notable achievements?

At one point, during a reorganization, I had to cover the desks of four different people. The challenge was exhilarating. I cleaned up rivers, lakes, and endangered habitats. I saved my clients over $2B in energy costs, and was one of ten people to receive recognition from the president of our company (out of over 27,000 people worldwide). For me, variety is the spice of life, and I was able to work on solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, waste to energy, biomass, and human potential energy projects.

Now that I am my own boss, I have been able to help people plan for a retirement where the money they have working for them can also potentially help save the earth. I am also helping our nation’s veterans work to optimize their ability to care for their families, and helping engineers focus on the fun parts of their lives, THE PROJECTS.

Making a meaningful, significant impact in the personal lives of people I relate to and care about, has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

What advice on being successful would you give to Tech students and young alumni?

Do what you love. Love what you do.

Don’t be afraid to fail, and keep moving forward.

Try to make mistakes only once, and try not to make all the mistakes. Learn from others.

Get involved. You get out of an organization what you put into it.

Plan. Measure twice, cut once.

Would you share your philosophy of life?

Variety is the spice of life.

I can only do the best I can do.

This article is meant to be general in nature and should not be construed as investment or financial advice related to your personal situation. Please consult your financial advisor prior to making financial decisions. Jeff Riegle is a Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed and can be reached at 651-602-5924. Waddell & Reed is not affiliated with Michigan Tech or any other organizations listed herein. Waddell & Reed, Inc., Member SIPC.

This profile was created by Jeffrey Riegle on December 9, 2015.