Ben Plowman - 2015 Young Engineer of the Year

The Toledo Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) has named Benjamin W. Plowman, PE, a structural engineer with The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. (MSG), as the 2015 Young Engineer of the Year. The award was presented to Plowman February 23 at the annual Engineer's Week Luncheon, co-sponsored by TSPE and the Technical Society of Toledo. Plowman was selected based on his technical knowledge, professional interests, personal character, leadership, civic spirit, and contributions to the community.

Plowman joined MSG in the firm's Columbus office in 2011 and earned his professional engineering license. He later transferred to the MSG Maumee office and has worked on numerous major bridge design projects.

In recommending Plowman for the award, MSG President and Chief Executive Officer Richard F. Bertz said, "Since his beginning as a young bridge design engineer, he [Ben] has provided a significant and continual improvement to our Transportation Engineering Group. We believe he exemplifies the meaning of 'Engineer' and is a true benefit to the local profession and supporting organizations."

Plowman graduated from Ohio Northern University in 2008 and earned his Level II Certification from the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) in 2009. Using his abilities as a certified rope access technician and structural engineering skills, Plowman worked throughout the US as one of only 60 individuals nationwide with SPRAT certification and bridge inspection skills. In this role, he served as a team leader for the inspection of more than 300 bridges nationwide, including 18 major river crossings.

As a professional engineer, Plowman is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers, and the Toledo Society of Professional Engineers where he serves as a Trustee. He is presently spearheading the charter of an Association for Bridge Design and Construction chapter for northwest Ohio in Toledo. A three-time NCAA wrestler while in college, Plowman also volunteers as a wrestling coach at various local schools and as a USA and AAU Wrestling referee for Youth Biddy Tournaments, Freestyle and Greco-Roman Tournaments.