Award-winning engineer turns challenges into opportunities
Chief Engineer, Edwin Hernandez, celebrates 21 years of success with JLL
Edwin Hernandez migrated from El Salvador to the United States in 1993. He credits this experience for encouraging himself and his family, especially his children, to become independent and strong. He greatly believes in leading by example, and he has an impressive career to show for it. Edwin won special Achievement Awards for his region in 2012 and 2013 and most recently, he was awarded for Outstanding Teamwork in 2020. He also received the Sigma Award from the Engineering Conference team in 2021.
Edwin began his career as an engineer for JLL over two decades ago at Monument IV in Herndon, VA and is now a Chief Engineer for the firm. When he joined JLL, he brought a great foundation of experience with him and a pristine reputation, including building maintenance, team and tenant relationships. Edwin chose JLL because he wanted a place where he could continue to grow and feel challenged.
He launched his journey as a maintenance mechanic, and quickly built upon his skills and knowledge by learning all areas of engineering for a building. He navigated systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and construction, and he cultivated relationships with tenants in the building. He proved himself as a go-getter, and his management team took notice.
“I have two mentors, Larry Holland and Kimberly Sinkovic who have guided me along the way,” he shared. “They have been like family to me and have pushed me to continue to challenge myself throughout my career.”
Edwin earned the responsibility of managing the MedStar Capitals Iceplex, which is the practice arena for the Washington Capitals NHL team, and he thrived in the environment full of new challenges to tackle.
In 2010, he was promoted to Chief Engineer for Mission Ridge, a property in Chantilly, VA. He further demonstrated his impressive knowledge and skills, and strengthened his relationships. Due to his extensive experience in construction management and tenant build out, he was then asked to become the Chief Engineer for another building that was preparing for equipment re-commissioning and full floor tenant build-outs. Edwin quickly gained the client’s confidence as a problem solver.
Edwin Hernandez and his family.
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When the pandemic changed the daily operations of his role, Edwin and another engineer alternated time in buildings to leverage the circumstance as an opportunity to complete maintenance and inspections while tenants were working remotely. Even though COVID-19 was undoubtedly a challenge, Edwin views certain aspects as a silver lining.
“We stepped up when our clients needed us most and looked at the challenges as opportunities to do things a different way and still achieve successful outcomes,” he shared.
What Edwin loves about the firm and his career here is the cooperation and collaboration between teams, especially during unprecedented times – “At JLL, everyone helps,” he said. He also feels encouraged to raise his hand for challenges and he hopes those who are thinking about a career in engineering consider JLL because of the many opportunities he’s found within the firm.