Smith brings a diverse background of engineering experience to his role at Lochmueller Group, which he joined in 2012. After launching his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Smith worked as Florissant’s city engineer, then as Wentzville’s director of public works. “If I could change one thing about the civil engineering industry, it would be to move faster from the concept stage to implementation,” he says. “Great ideas lose impact when they are trapped in too much red tape instead of improving lives.”
Keep up with local business news and trends
Subscribe to the St. Louis Business newsletter to get the latest insights sent to your inbox every morning.
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the past 12 months? Expanding its market footprint into new states such as Kansas, Texas, and Ohio.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? I am excited that our future is built on bold ideas and the courage to make them real.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? If I could change one thing about the civil engineering industry, it would be to move faster from the concept stage to implementation because great ideas lose impact when they are trapped in too much red tape instead of improving lives.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome? The toughest challenge isn’t trying to win projects but to build a culture that can adapt, innovate, and thrive, no matter how the market shifts.
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Embrace collaboration over competition. The St. Louis business community is tight-knit and supportive. Become involved with professional organizations that allow you to collaborate and solve problems together.
MENTORS & PEERS
What is a key strength of the St. Louis metro area business environment? One key strength is its central location and multimodal transportation network, which make it a natural hub for commerce, logistics, and regional activity.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment? Heighten the level of effort needed to bolster the downtown to where it is more competitive to other major U.S. cities.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? The Engineers’ Club of St. Louis, organized in 1868. It is the third oldest engineering society in America. In addition to professional engineers, its membership includes architects, executives, and business administrators, as well as men and women in the technical, scientific, educational, marketing, and legal fields. The Engineers’ Club is home to more than 1,000 members and serves as the central meeting place for the engineering community in St. Louis.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? St. Louis
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska; Master’s of Arts in Public Administration from Saint Louis University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job after graduating with my bachelor’s degree was with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. I learned that even in a very large organization anyone can make a positive difference.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
What’s your hobby/passion? Playing golf, weightlifting, reading, and taking fun vacations with my wife.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? People should read The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins because it is essentially a playbook for making a successful transition into new (all types) of leadership roles. If you’re a period piece enthusiast, I also recommend reading The 1862 Plot to Kidnap Jefferson Davis by Jeffery H. Smith, Ph.D.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? Find time to exercise! I believe physical strengthening enhances your mental capabilities.
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)? At last check, I am one of 65 Scott Smiths living in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
