Meet Justin Ross, Principal LIVIC Civil

I decided to branch out and start my own firm

Growing up outside of Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges, I was naturally drawn to a career in engineering. I specialized in bridge design and my career blossomed to include commercial development.

In 2017, a colleague and I decided to branch out and start our own firm, LIVIC Civil, a site engineering firm focused on commercial and residential land development, municipal engineering and infrastructure and traffic engineering. In the two years since we started, we’ve landed numerous projects spanning the mid-Atlantic, and have experienced growth that keeps us both busy and excited.

I knew, first-hand, the value of having a trusted group of peers to assist in problem-solving

Being the owner came with a new set of challenges

In 2018, I saw on LinkedIn that Dave Meehan was launching a local Vistage group. I was already familiar with Dave and his reputation as an accomplished business leader in our region. I reached out to him because I was interested in finding a CEO group to join.

I knew, first-hand, the value of having a trusted group of peers to assist in problem-solving — it was something my last employer provided. I found that being the owner and leader of a company came with a new and complex set of challenges that I had never encountered in my career. I knew that I needed guidance and support and Vistage aligned with these needs.

The experience of our Vistage group is unparalleled

I decided to join Dave’s Vistage group and within a few meetings, I already knew I made the right decision. The combined wisdom and experience of our group is unparalleled. These members truly understand the unique challenges I face as a CEO and can offer viable solutions to help me get over the hurdles.

Our monthly meetings have become a time when I can focus on my business rather than in my business.

Moreover, they have the strategic foresight that allows me to anticipate potential problem, giving me time to pivot accordingly so that the issues do not impact the company’s growth and operations. Our monthly meeting have become a time when I can focus on my business rather than in my business.

Vistage gives me the confidence to address issues

Vistage has been invaluable to my growth as a first-time CEO. Like most executives, 90 percent of the challenges we face are in the area is human resources. I’ve quickly learned that navigating personalities and dynamics can be difficult.

My Vistage members have given me tools that allow me to better understand my employees’ needs so that we are aligned and working toward the same mission. They are also able to offer their own first-hand experiences on how to handle challenging situations, which gives me the confidence to determine the best course of action to move forward.

My Vistage group held me accountable

One of the biggest breakthroughs with Vistage is that I was finally able to develop a strategic plan for my firm. I wanted to create and implement a plan from the start, but it was a daunting task that I kept putting off.

I am grateful to my group for holding me accountable so that I could get my strategic plan in place.

Dave and my group urged me to formalize the plan — covering areas including cash flow, refining our mission, and setting a vision for our company culture — to clearly layout and serve as a guide for our decision-making. After drafting the plan, I presented it to my group and was given constructive feedback on how to further strengthen it. I am grateful to my group for holding me accountable so that I could get my strategic plan in place.

The value I’ve gained has far exceeded my expectations

Needless to say, the effectiveness and success of our Vistage group can be attributed to Dave, who has a natural ability to lead. His own storied career, attention to detail and ability to think big sets him apart as a Chair.

My one-on-one meetings with Dave have allowed me to recognize and work on my growth and development as a CEO. He constantly presents new concepts that challenge me and force me to become not only a better leader, but a better person. In this way, Dave offers something you won’t find anywhere else.

I would tell anyone who is considering joining Vistage, that the value I’ve gained — both professionally and personally — has far exceeded my expectations.