Leading with a Clear Purpose

Since 2019, Colman Engineering has been proud to partner with Dove Development & Consulting. Through their training events and programs, based on John Maxwell's leadership approach, we’ve learned how to apply best practices and refine how we lead our team.

As a result, we've seen first-hand how values-based leadership creates the foundation for successful projects, strong teams, and lasting client relationships.

Recently, Gil had the opportunity to sit down with Wes for a Facebook Live interview, discussing what it means to lead with a clear purpose. If you missed the live session, we invite you to watch the replay and hear firsthand how this philosophy influences our work at Colman Engineering and beyond.

We also highly recommend and encourage you to attend the upcoming Leading with a Clear Purpose event on June 13, 2025 at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg. Tickets are on sale now!

Here's an overview transcript from the interview . . .

Podcast Transcript: Leading at the Next Level with Dove Development and Consulting

Host: Wes Dove | Guest: Gil Colman

Introduction

Wes: Welcome to Leading at the Next Level, a podcast with Dove Development and Consulting—the show built to support your leadership journey. Today, I’m super excited about our guest. He’s a dear friend, and I’m thrilled we have this time together.

Before we dive in, I want to set the table: If you stick with us to the end, I’ll offer you access to a resource we’ve built that’s unlike anything else I’ve ever seen—and probably unlike anything you’ve seen either—in our Leading at the Next Level program.

Now, over the past few months, Cindy and I have had the opportunity to interview some incredible friends and partners who are working with us on the Leadership Legacy Experience happening on June 13, 2025.

Whether you’re listening to this before the event as part of a video or podcast—or after the event as a digital resource—I couldn’t be more excited to have Gil Colman, the founder and principal of Colman Engineering, with me today.

Gil has been a great friend over the years. He’s an expert in his field, has an incredible reach and impact in the community, and carries a tremendous reputation. I’ve even had clients tell me, "If we need work done that’s high quality, on time, and meets all our criteria—Gil is our first choice. Colman Engineering is our first choice." No pressure, Gil!

To start, why don’t you share a brief overview of your professional background and industry experience? You have an incredible amount of expertise and have done some really cool projects.

Professional Background & Community Involvement

Gil: Thank you, Wes. I really appreciate the opportunity and your mentorship over the years. Our friendship and the leadership training you provide have been invaluable to me and my company.

I’ve been an engineer for over 30 years, primarily in civil and environmental engineering, working throughout Virginia—from Harrisonburg and surrounding counties to Williamsburg and Northern Virginia.

Our work spans residential, commercial, industrial, and educational projects, including partnerships with James Madison University (JMU) and Eastern Mennonite University (EMU).

Beyond engineering, I’ve been actively involved in community planning and development:

• I served eight years on the City of Harrisonburg Planning Commission, including a term as Chair.

• I was a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

• I participated in Rockingham County’s Urban Development Area planning.

• I currently serve as Chair of the Harrisonburg Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board.

• I recently joined the Harrisonburg Electric Commission Board.

Through these roles, I’ve been able to stay connected with the community I serve, ensuring our work aligns with the needs of those around us.

Wes: That’s really special. Someone might look at your involvement and think, "Wow, he must have a lot of free time." But I know better—you don’t! Your commitment comes from a servant’s heart and a desire to make a positive impact.

Before we dive deeper into your company’s values, let’s talk about your decision to start Colman Engineering. Your firm just celebrated 15 years—why did you take on that responsibility?

Starting Colman Engineering

Gil: Great question. I wasn’t always satisfied with how projects were delivered at other firms. I saw opportunities to improve the quality of service, the relationships with clients, and the reputation of the work we produced.

So, I started Colman Engineering with a clear purpose:

1. Do what’s right for clients.

2. Deliver high-quality work that’s well-received by regulators.

3. Build strong relationships with both clients and regulatory agencies to streamline approvals and ensure successful projects.

Company Values & Culture

Nell-Marie Colman and Cindy Dove celebrate at Wes's book release for "What's Killing Your Profitability? It All Boils Down to Leadership."

Wes: I love that. And it ties back to your deep community involvement—you’re not just building projects; you’re guiding long-term, sustainable decisions for development.

Now, let’s talk about values. You and Nell-Marie have worked hard over the past year to formalize and articulate Colman Engineering’s values. You’ve even integrated discussions about values into your weekly staff meetings.

Tell us more about how these values shape your company culture and how you ensure clients feel them.

Gil: Absolutely. Our values aren’t just a list—they define who we are. We recently reframed our company’s purpose as: "Engineering for a Better World."

This reflects our commitment to big-picture thinking, stewardship, and impacting the community positively.

Our core values include:

• Caring – The foundation of everything we do.

• Communication – Ensuring clarity and efficiency in our work.

• Respect – Treating clients, regulators, and colleagues with professionalism.

In our weekly team meetings, we discuss how we’ve exemplified these values in specific projects. It’s been eye-opening to see employees recognize these values in their own work.

Leadership & Professional Growth

Wes: That’s fantastic. I know you invest heavily in leadership development, both for yourself and your team. You and Nell-Marie are part of our Executive Leadership Elite Think Tank, and you’ve always been proactive in seeking mentorship and learning opportunities.

Why is leadership development so important to you?

Gil: Leadership isn’t something you’re just born with—it requires intentional learning and mentorship. A good leader needs good mentors, and continuing education is critical.

I also believe in creating opportunities for young professionals. We’ve worked with interns from JMU, UVA, Virginia Tech, EMU, and Bridgewater College, giving them real-world experience rather than just busywork. We train them to do actual engineering tasks, so by the time they graduate, they’re ready to step into the field.

Community Impact & Notable Projects

Wes: You’ve had a huge impact on the community—especially through projects like affordable housing. Tell us about a project that stands out.

Gil: One that comes to mind is our work with Habitat for Humanity and a local developer to create affordable housing in Harrisonburg.

We took a challenging property, worked through rezoning and entitlement processes, and designed infrastructure to support 20 new homes. Some are already built and occupied.

It’s been rewarding to contribute to affordable housing solutions—especially in today’s challenging market.

Final Thoughts & Advice for Young Professionals

Wes: That’s an incredible example of using your expertise for real community change.

As we wrap up, what advice would you give to young professionals—especially those looking to grow as leaders?

Gil: My top advice:

1. Find a mentor. A good mentor will shape your career.

2. Keep learning. School gives you the foundation, but real growth happens when you stay open to learning.

3. Align your work with your values. You’ll be far more successful and fulfilled if you truly care about what you do.

Closing

Wes: That’s great advice. Gil, thank you for sharing your story and insights.

If you’re in civil engineering or need engineering services, I can’t recommend Colman Engineering enough. And if you’re looking for leadership development, reach out to Dove Development & Consulting—we’d love to help!

To get access to our 45-day all-access trial of Leading at the Next Level, email me at admin@dove-development.net.

Gil, thanks again for joining me today!

Gil: Thank you, Wes. I appreciate our friendship and all you do.

Wes: Likewise! Looking forward to seeing you soon.