Civil Engineer Scott Collins was photographed with Melissa Roberts, Managing Director of the Jim Moran Institute at the Seminole 100 event 2020.
Scott Collins, graduate of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is the principal owner of Orlando Project Controls, LLC. The company was recently honored on the Seminole 100 list for the second consecutive year. The list, compiled by the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, represents the fastest-growing businesses owned or managed by Florida State University alumni.
“Being recognized in consecutive years as part of the Seminole 100 is truly an honor, “Collins said. “To be mentioned among these other honorees, especially along with my older brother’s company Global Sales who won for three consecutive years, is quite humbling.”
Collins received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in 1987 and has more than 30 years of extensive project controls and scheduling experience.
“The educational experience derived from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering propelled my career forward,” Collins said. “Being a Seminole and representing the college while our business was honored on the Seminole 100 list was truly gratifying.”
Michelle Roddenberry, Associate Dean at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering attended the Seminole 100 event and had a chance to meet Collins. Roddenberry was a student at the college as well but graduated several years after Collins. They shared many of the same classes and professors.
“It was a joy to be part of Scott’s recognition at the Seminole 100 event,” Roddenberry said. “I enjoyed his enthusiasm for the college as well as his genuine nature, and we had fun reminiscing about the faculty who taught us back then. We are so happy for Scott for his accomplishments.”
When asked about his favorite memories about the college, Collins remarked that he had many. After his senior design presentation, he remembers being offered a job on the spot that sparked his career. He also spoke of another memory that came from a place of perseverance.
“I remember one summer; I got the highest grade in my Structures I class. It set the curve for the class,” Collins said. “The reason that grade was so special to me is that it came after I had failed that class, the first time. I was lucky to get a second chance. The second time around I put real effort and proper planning. It was a lesson in perseverance that always stuck with me and served as a foundation for my career.”
Orlando Project Controls (OPC) was founded by Collins in 2007 and is based in Lake Mary, Florida. OPC provides full-service professional project scheduling and controls consultation and execution and helps owners with training and claims mitigation and work with A/E, design firms, contractors and subcontractors for project delivery methods in the construction industry. The company supports construction projects in healthcare, higher education, utilities, aviation, high-rise offices, and other industries. OPC’s mission is to execute project controls and make sure that a project is completed on time and within budget.
The company provided project control services, including project scheduling and construction management, for the recent Orlando International Airport expansion. They were also involved in the expansion and modernization of the main terminal in the Tampa International Airport and construction of the Federal Express Ground Hub Facility in Ocala.
“We are proud to have successful alumni like Scott who are committed to serving the next generations,” said CEE department chair, Lisa Spainhour. “We are looking forward to having Scott get more involved at the college, and provide his entrepreneurial mindset to our student body.”
In addition to running an award-winning engineering firm, Collins believes in giving back to his community. One of his favorite charities the Conductive Education Center of Orlando (CECO), a local nonprofit that helps individuals with cerebral palsy and other motor disabilities to gain greater independence and a better quality of life. He also serves with Central Florida Bambino and Buddy Ball, a baseball league for children ages 5-20 with mental and physical challenges.
“If I could say one thing to students, never give up, believe in yourself and the process,” Collins said. “Understand that being a FAMU-FSU College of Engineering graduate means you have been taught to think, technically and with reason. Because of this you already have an advantage and it will be realized in the workplace and move you forward.”