As Cueto Engineering celebrates its 13th anniversary, we sat down with founder and principal engineer Nestor A. Cueto, P.E., to discuss the firm’s journey—from its modest beginnings to becoming a trusted name in structural and electrical engineering across South Florida.
Q: What inspired you to start Cueto Engineering back in 2012?
Cueto: It was largely a personal decision driven by timing and family. At the time, I was working with Bechtel, handling high-security government projects—nuclear plants, national labs, chemical facilities. My last assignment was at Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant, and as it wrapped up, I was expecting my first child. I had the opportunity to relocate for another project, but moving away from our support system didn’t seem right with a newborn on the way. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own firm.
Q: What were the early days of Cueto Engineering like?
Cueto: Humble. I started with a moonlighting phase—working after hours to build a viable business plan, pitch clients, and set up internal systems to manage operations. It was definitely a bootstrap effort at the start. But I believed in my experience as a professional engineer and saw potential to carve out a place in the local South Florida market.
Q: What is Cueto Engineering’s core mission, and how has it evolved over time?
Cueto: Our mission has stayed remarkably consistent: to provide engineering services that prioritize structural integrity, functionality, aesthetics, and safety. Whether we’re doing inspections, forensic evaluations, or design work, we always aim for a balance of scope, budget, and schedule—without compromising quality or service. That’s what has helped us earn long-term trust from our clients.
Q: What types of projects have you taken on over the years?
Cueto: A wide range—from small residential projects to complex structural assessments for commercial buildings and government contracts. We work in both the private and public sectors. Building recertifications, structural inspections, forensic reports, electrical assessments—we’ve covered a lot of ground.
Q: What do you think sets Cueto Engineering apart in this industry?
Cueto: Our team. Behind every successful project is a group of highly qualified engineers and support staff who ensure everything runs smoothly. We’ve built a culture of professionalism, attention to detail, and accountability. That team effort is what allows us to deliver consistent results in a demanding industry.
Q: Looking back, what was the most difficult part of starting your own firm?
Cueto: Letting go of security. Leaving a well-established company like Bechtel—with its stability and benefits—was tough. But pursuing something of your own comes with risk, and I was determined to make it work. It required grit, long hours, and relentless commitment to our clients and our standards.
Q: What role has technology played in Cueto Engineering’s growth?
Cueto: A major one. From internal project management tools to drone inspections and digital reporting systems, we’ve embraced technology to improve efficiency and enhance service delivery. It’s allowed us to scale responsibly while maintaining a high standard of work.
Q: How do you maintain client relationships over the long term?
Cueto: Communication and consistency. We treat each project with the attention it deserves, and we’re always available to guide clients through the process. People trust you more when they see you care—not just about the job, but about the outcome. That’s been central to how we do business.
Q: What advice would you give to young engineers or entrepreneurs starting out?
Cueto: Don’t underestimate the value of discipline and follow-through. Your technical skills matter, but your ability to deliver consistently, solve problems, and communicate effectively will define your career or your business. Also, whether you are gaining knowledge about your professional life or your personal interests, never stop learning.
Q: As Cueto Engineering celebrates 13 years, what’s on the horizon?
Cueto: Growth—both in talent and in services. We’re looking to expand our services, deepen relationships with property owners, managers and developers, and stay ahead of the curve in technology and compliance. But more than anything, we want to keep building a company that people trust and respect.