Meet the team

Principal Engineer

Kyle C. Jenkins, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2006

M.S. Structural Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2008

About me:

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

I really enjoy teaching younger engineers and empowering them with the skills and confidence to develop lasting client relationships and accelerate their career.

 

What advice would you give an aspiring engineer?

Go deep into structural theory to understand the meaning of the many design equations and strength limits we use every day. This will allow you to start visualizing accurate solutions before needing to run the numbers.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

Working with my Dad to completely renovate my first house. It was an incredible opportunity to spend time with him and learn construction skills that I’ve applied to multiple homes since then.

Principal Engineer

Steve Harm, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering: Structural Emphasis
Ohio University, 2000

Math Minor
Ohio University, 2000

About me:

What are your favorite types of projects to work on at Advantage?

I actually like the variety of projects we do as a firm, but my favorite projects are the more complex ones with an architectural focus. It’s enjoyable to meet the challenge of designing something complex and aesthetically pleasing. I’ve also enjoyed the work we’ve done with local breweries.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

The variety of projects and our openness and collaboration. I like being able to be so client-focused and having the freedom to come up with sometimes unconventional solutions to problems.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

I like to get off the grid and go hiking, often backpacking in the middle of nowhere with friends or my daughters.

Principal Engineer

Rob Hauber, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2009

M.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2011

About me:

What are your favorite types of projects to work on at Advantage?

I typically like to work on school and church projects, as well as new office building projects.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

My coworkers, because I believe we all care about each other and work together to provide a high-level structural engineering product for our clients.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family, and I like watching movies and sports.

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Casey Hitter, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Louisville, 2013

M.E. Civil Engineering
University Of Louisville, 2014

About me:

What is your inspiration for being an engineer?

I have always taken an interest in how buildings are constructed and what makes them work. In addition to that I have always taken a lot of pride in being a problem solver. Structural engineering became my avenue to pursue both of these.

What is your most memorable project at Advantage and why?

There have been many, but currently the renovation of the Carew Tower is the most memorable. The building itself is a Cincinnati landmark and being part of the team of professionals bringing it back to the spotlight is very exciting for me.

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

Marrying my wife and becoming a father to two amazing children.

Associate Principal Engineer

Nate Brugger, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Louisville, 2014

M.E. Civil Engineering
University Of Louisville, 2015

About me:

What is your inspiration for being an engineer?

Growing up, my father was a mechanical engineer and embodied an engineering mindset of asking questions and getting at the heart of understanding the principles of physics, engineering, and generally how things work. It was always very gratifying to repair or create something and see it in the world around us. I have tried to carry that through in my studies in college and now in my career as a professional today.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

My wife and I love spending time as a family with our four children. Personally, I am an avid runner, backpacker, mountain biker, and love spending time outdoors. Also, a diehard Reds fan and big fan of all things baseball.

SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER

Adam Lewis, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
University of Cincinnati, 2015



About me:

What is your most memorable project at Advantage and why?

It would have to be the renovations at Carew Tower. It is one of the most iconic buildings in Cincinnati and was fascinating to see the construction techniques used on a Highrise during that time. The original hand drafted blueprints were also fascinating to see.

What advice would you give an aspiring engineer?

Establish a relationship with an experienced engineer who can be a mentor as you progress into the profession. There will be many opportunities bounce ideas back and forth.

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

Winning an amateur golf tournament at Jack Nicklaus’ course in Jupiter, Florida (The Bear’s Club) and getting to speak with him afterwards at the trophy presentation.

Project Engineer I

Jon Germann, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2020

M.E. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2021

About me:

What is your most memorable project at Advantage and why?

I remember one of my first projects was a retaining wall that also acted as an entrance sign for a neighborhood. It is memorable because I unknowingly drove past it and recognized from the street that it was the sign I had designed. It was a cool moment as it was the first time I had seen something built that I had fully designed.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

I really appreciate the culture and the community we have among the engineers. From lamenting sports teams at lunch, sharing a beer on Fridays, or working through tough engineering problems, the people at Advantage make it an enjoyable work environment.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy golfing, traveling with my wife, attending concerts, and attending various sporting events, especially FC Cincinnati matches.

PROJECT ENGINEER I

Conner J. Rullmann, PE

B.S. Architectural Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2020

M.E. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2021

About me:

What is your most memorable project at Advantage and why?

Designing and detailing Assumptions Academy in Walton, Kentucky challenged my abilities as an engineer and draftsman in ways I had not expected. Understanding the strict requirements for school structures, including tornado shelter requirements, for a safe and sustainable building allowed me to grow and expand my understanding and capabilities as an engineer.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

Advantage provides me a safe working environment with kind, caring, and family focused individuals which has allowed me to grow exponentially both professionally and personally. I am not afraid to raise concerns that I may have and that my voice is acknowledged and respected.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

Activism for ALS

Project Engineer I

John Lampe, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Kentucky, 2019

M.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Oklahoma, 2022

About me:

What is one of your career goals?

To become a respected project engineer in the Cincinnati area and to be able to lead projects and teams with great success.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

Advantage is comprised of a range of structural engineers, from college interns to seasoned veterans. It is great to be able to continue to grow my career around such respected and intelligent engineers and to pass on what I have been able to learn to those below me.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

Graduate school in the evenings while working full-time was extremely difficult in the moment, but I often look back and feel very proud of what I was able to accomplish through hard work and perseverance.

Engineer II

Jackson Mills, EI

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2022

About me:

What are your favorite types of projects to work on at Advantage?

I enjoy doing on-site work. Whether that be doing site visits at residential homes or going to Over the Rhine to solve old brick masonry type issues, it is very fulfilling. Going to site, taking inventory of the situation, and being able to adequately address the issues at hand and getting to solve a problem is very enjoyable for me.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

My favorite part about working at Advantage is the breadth of learning we are able to do every day. We do such a wide variety of jobs here; there is always something new you can get your hands into and be able to learn about the construction method. Every day is something different for that reason and I always get to learn something along the way.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy golfing during the weekends, as well as getting together with friends over a couple of drinks. I love to cook.

Engineer I

Owen Plagge

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2023

About me:

What are your favorite types of projects to work on at Advantage?

I generally enjoy working on larger projects that I can really dig into, but I’m always interested in a little bit of everything. I do always appreciate when a project is nearby and I’ll see it as I go about my day.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

My two favorite parts of working at Advantage would have to be the large variety in types of projects and the people here that I get to work with.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

My proudest accomplishment would be that I am an Eagle Scout.

Engineer I

Mario E. Castañón, EI

B.S. Civil Engineering
Tecnologico De Monterrey, 2020

About me:

What is one of your career goals?

To become a PE

 

What are your favorite types of projects to work on at Advantage?

Renovation projects and wood structures

 

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

Becoming a certified drone pilot by the FAA

Engineer I

Luis A. Ramon

B.S. Civil Engineering
Tecnologico De Monterrey, 2020

About me:

What is your inspiration for being an engineer?

My grandfather loved construction. Even though he didn’t have a formal education, he was always out on job sites, learning as much as he could. Whenever I visited him, he’d take me along, and that’s when I started to develop a real interest in construction—especially in structures.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

In my experience, Advantage is a great place to grow a career—especially when you’re just starting out, as I am. There were many things I didn’t know coming from my experience in Mexico, since construction practices here are quite different. The learning environment at Advantage is amazing: everyone is open to helping, and they’re genuinely great at teaching new things. The patience and support of the principals and coworkers is what truly makes this place special. Plus, the flexible hours are great.

 

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I was the lead singer in a school theatre production—we performed for over 2,000 people. It was the scariest moment of my childhood!

Engineer I

Joey Corrigan, EI

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2024

About me:

What are your favorite types of projects to work on at Advantage?

I most enjoy being a part of local projects. Whether downtown or in neighboring areas, I enjoy being able to see projects that I assisted in as I travel about the area.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

I enjoy the variety of projects and being able to work on something new and different almost every day.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work, I am an avid fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets and enjoy playing in the Cincinnati adult hockey league.

Structural Designer

Jacob Wallis

A.S. Civil Engineering / Architecture
Cincinnati State, 2013

About me:

What is your inspiration for working in the AEC/Design Industry?

My dad is an Architect, and I always loved watching him working on his drawings at home when I was young. I love solving problems, and Revit models to me are just that—a problem that needs to be solved.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

It’s a small company and feels like a family. Everyone is willing to help with anything.

 

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I have visited every state east of the Mississippi except for Rhode Island. I have also lived on each coast and in Guatemala.

Office Manager

Debbie Gilbert

About me:

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

I was able to help build the company into a successful business with wonderful people. I could bring my Golden Retriever Sargeant to work every day.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

Jazzercise, arts and crafts, going to the beach, gardening.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

My three great children and six grandchildren.

PROJECT ENGINEER I

Evan Aldrich, EI

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2021

About me:

“What is your inspiration for being an engineer?

Riding roller coasters growing up and curiosity of how the world works and how things are built.

 

What advice would you give an aspiring engineer?

Learn as much as you can from your professors and peers. Engineering is always better when you work with a team.

 

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I lived and worked in Germany for a semester in college.

ENGINEER I

Calvin Reeder, EI

B.S. Civil Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 2025

About me:

What is your inspiration for being an engineer?

I thoroughly enjoy the problem-solving aspect of engineering projects; it’s like putting a puzzle together. I also have a family history of engineering.

 

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

The sense of fellowship among the employees.

 

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I have visited 12 National parks.

OFFICE MANAGER

Jessica Gilbert

About me:

What is your favorite part of working at Advantage and why?

I appreciate that Advantage offers flexible scheduling—it’s a huge help, especially for employees with young children. It’s a small company that feels more like a family than a typical office environment.

 

What are some of your passions or hobbies outside of work?

I love making memories with my kids. We like to travel to the beach, go to amusement parks, and enjoy tailgating in our driveway for Bengals games.

 

What is your proudest accomplishment outside of work?

Sharing my story and helping spread awareness about ovarian cancer in an interview with WLWT.

FOUNDING PRINCIPAL

P​rincipal Engineer

Raymond J. Brake, PE

B.S. Civil Engineering
Tennessee Technological University, 1985

M.S. Structural Engineering
University Of Cincinnati, 1996

About me:

What is one of your career goals?

My career goal was to establish a reputation of honor and integrity, forming Advantage Group Engineers with the intent of providing practical solutions to many varieties of engineering challenges.

 

What advice would you give an aspiring engineer?

My pet peeve is for all young aspiring engineers to seek the knowledge and experience of others. Ask questions and be willing to listen. Experience can only be gained by being involved.

 

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I played college baseball, I have a desire to learn how to play the guitar, and I, along with many others, walked across the frozen Ohio River back in January of 1977.