Career growth is goal of new CANCO project engineer

11 months ago

After gaining almost a decade of experience as an estimator and CAD technician for a mechanical contracting firm, Neil Gorrell has joined Carl A. Nelson & Company (CANCO) in the role of project engineer. Gorrell made the move in order to put his degree in construction management to better use, and pursue the goal of being a project manager.

“I think this is a good company to propel me to that spot,” said Gorrell, who grew up in Burlington, Iowa, and joins CANCO at its office in his hometown.

His first day with Carl A. Nelson & Company was Jan. 22, 2024.

An Eagle Scout, and graduate of West Burlington High School and Southeastern Community College, Gorrell grew up around the mechanical contractor he started his career with, beginning at age 14. He went full-time after earning his bachelor’s degree in 2015 from Western Illinois University.

Gorrell started out in the field for two years, then moved into the CAD Department, creating drawings to flesh out design documents for fabrication of fittings needed for construction. Alongside his CAD duties, he also was engaged in cost estimating for HVAC projects, led coordination meetings and was exposed to project management by running some smaller jobs.

His project experience includes work for healthcare, education and industrial clients, including work on a Carl A. Nelson & Company-led renovations and additions project for the Fort Madison Community School District.

Away from work, Gorrell and his wife, Aleesha, a physical therapy assistant at Great River Health, were married in 2019. They have a daughter, Sophie, 3; son, Jack, 1; and Scooby, a seven-year-old mini golden doodle. Gorrell enjoys projects around the family’s 11 acres north of Burlington, doing upgrades to his truck, golf and deer hunting. A former high school track athlete, he is getting back into running as part of a 75-mile team relay taking place in Des Moines later this year.