We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lens Joshua Lubin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lens, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
At the age of 21, I embarked on a journey that would reshape the trajectory of my life, saying farewell to my family in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to pursue my dream of playing division 1 college basketball. Although I had demonstrated a promising career for college basketball during my high school years, the image of venturing beyond the familiar borders of my hometown was intimidating for my 18-year-old self. A pivotal moment unfolded when, at the age of 21, I encountered one of my former coaches during an open gym basketball session at my old high school. He presented me with an opportunity to pursue college basketball, with the only condition being my departure from Florida. Emphasizing my ample potential, he painted this as my golden chance, tempered with the warning that, given my age, it might be my last shot at fulfilling my dream. He provided me with the opportunity to play junior college basketball in Quincy, California at Feather River College, due to his connection with the assistant head coach at the time. The captivating opportunity from Feather River College required me to grapple with the tough decision of leaving the comfort of my hometown. Following deep self-contemplation and discussions with my family, I found the courage to embrace this risk and set forth to California to carve out a career in college basketball.
This audacious leap allowed me to eclipse the boundaries of my comfort zone, teaching the valuable lesson that significant rewards often accompany significant risks. After a fulfilling year in California, I seized an opportunity to ascend to the higher levels, transferring to Florida Atlantic University, a division 1 school, to play college basketball. While my basketball journey unfolded with its share of deviations from the original plan, the audacious risk to go play junior college basketball in California catapulted me into ultimately bringing my childhood dream to fruition, which was playing division 1 college basketball.
Using that past basketball journey as a foundation to create an adventurous spirit unafraid of taking risks, and overloaded with confidence in my abilities, a meticulously plan was crafted. The plan was to fearlessly embark on the venture of establishing my civil engineering land development firm with my certainty of its forthcoming success undiminished.
Lens, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Lens Joshua Lubin, a first-generation Haitian American, proudly hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My journey into civil engineering began in 10th grade when I inquired about the successes of one of my high school best friend parents. It was very clear both his parents were successful in their respective occupations. Learning that his dad was a civil engineer with his own concrete business intrigued me. Until that day, I had not been familiar with this profession. Seeking more insight, I arranged a meeting with his father, and after our conversation, I vowed to become a civil engineer and establish my own firm if my basketball aspirations didn’t materialize. Upon entering the civil engineering program at Florida Atlantic University, I was exposed to the significance of civil engineering and the opportunities that a Professional Engineer (PE) license could unlock. With experience gained at three (3) different firms and extensive reading post-graduation, I felt prepared to take the leap, embracing the risk of launching my own civil engineering firm focused on land development.
The inception of Lubin Elite Engineering was driven by a vision not only to provide top-notch engineering solutions but also to empathize with clients’ challenges and offer effective, cost-efficient solutions. Our firm specializes in addressing all aspects of land development issues. What distinguishes us is our profound understanding of a project’s significance, a commitment to listening to our clients, and the ability to support their creative visions. Operating at a fast pace, we pride ourselves on adaptability and flexibility within our clients’ timelines. Our services are reinforced by four (4) core values: quality, customer service, relationships, and results. It’s not merely about engineering—it’s about our clients, ensuring they can rely on our team to deliver precisely what they need. Efficient communication with clients further streamlines the engineering process.
A source of pride for me is the recurring business we receive from satisfied clients who appreciate our customer service, work quality, and commitment. Equally rewarding is gaining new clients through referrals, a testament to our clients’ trust in our capabilities.
I want to emphasize that everything associated with Lubin Elite will always adhere to “The Elite Way,” placing our clients at the forefront of our priorities.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Consistency and authenticity are the cornerstone of my professional philosophy. Whether I’m stepping into a meeting, engaging in a client call, or attending a networking event, I always remain genuinely myself. The authenticity I bring to every professional interaction mirrors the person I am off the clock. This steadfast commitment to authenticity has always guided my approach. Another principle I hold dear is the belief that what is meant to be will naturally unfold. I don’t feel compelled to force our firm and services onto anyone. I am adamant in my conviction that our brand, coupled with the quality of our services and the endorsements of our satisfied clients, will speak volumes over time.
Expanding on this philosophy, I am devoted to networking and taking pride in going the extra mile to introduce myself and our company to various forums. This proactive approach involves reaching out and making connections at varied events, regardless of the setting. The willingness to go anywhere to showcase the quality of our work and the values we stand for is a testament to our commitment to excellence.
Equally important are the relationships I’ve built over time. These connections form the backbone of Lubin Elite Engineering. Nurturing strong relationships within the industry not only fortifies our standing but also serves as a testament to the trust and credibility we’ve earned. These relationships are not just professional; they’re a reflection of the genuine connections we’ve fostered with those who share our values.
In summary, the Lubin Elite approach extends beyond the confines of a traditional business mindset. It encompasses genuine authenticity, a belief in the organic unfolding of opportunities, a proactive stance in networking to expand our reach, and the profound importance of the relationships we’ve cultivated. This comprehensive approach ensures that our presence in the market is not just about delivering exceptional engineering services but about fostering continuing connections that resonate with our values.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
In the realm of team management, a crucial piece of advice I offer for maintaining high morale is rooted in authentic and sincere leadership. To cultivate a dynamic team environment, promoting open communication is paramount. Team members should feel comfortable approaching their leader not only about work matters but also about aspects of their personal lives. This level of approachability, regardless of one’s position within the team hierarchy, is fundamental. Creating a space where team members can freely exchange ideas, ensuring that every perspective is valued, contributes to a cohesive team dynamic. Whether a team member is an intern or a seasoned staff member, their views should be acknowledged. Empowering the team involves instilling trust in each member, establishing an atmosphere conducive to transparency and honest feedback. Being a devoted supporter and advocate for each team member builds a foundation for transparent communication and the constructive exchange of feedback.
Furthermore, celebrating team victories, regardless of their scale, is a key component in sustaining high morale. Recognizing and commemorating even the seemingly “small” wins reinforces a culture of appreciation and acknowledges the collective efforts of the team. This practice reinforces the idea that every contribution, regardless of size, is essential to the team’s success.
In essence, my advice centers on genuine leadership, open communication, empowerment through trust, and the celebration of team achievements—cornerstones for fostering a thriving team with sustained high morale.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lubinelite.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lubinelite/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenslubin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LubinElite
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LubinElite
- Other: Company LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lubin-elite/lubinelite.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lubinelite