Episode: Faith, Fit-Outs, and Finding Your Path — with Trish Flores
Host: (Witnesses) | Guest: Trish Flores, Business Development Manager, Pro Engineering Consulting
Summary
Trish Flores—a single mom, former licensed architect from the Philippines, and now Business Development Manager at Pro Engineering Consulting (MEP + Structural)—shares her journey from site architecture to business development in the U.S. She talks about why office fit-outs energize her, how she builds client relationships (genuine interest, active listening, authenticity), what she’s eager to learn next (high-rise), and the God-first framework she uses to define success, manage time/cost, and lead with integrity.
Chapters
00:00:20 – Welcome & gratitude, “investing in yourself” + mango tree parable
00:04:40 – Why knowledge matters: light vs. darkness (learning vs. ignorance)
00:07:15 – Guest intro: single mom, architect (PH) → BD Manager (MEP/Structural)
00:11:30 – Projects she enjoys: office fit-outs, culture-driven workplaces, complex backbones (IT/security/HVAC)
00:15:55 – Relationship building: genuine interest, investigation, active listening, authenticity
00:20:10 – Exploring next: curiosity about high-rise; staying a learner in a vast industry
00:24:05 – Skills for BD & PM: God-first clarity, time/cost discipline, communication, boundaries, consistency
00:30:40 – Closing thoughts & how to reach Trish (LinkedIn, TikTok)
Action Items
- Lead with curiosity: Investigate clients first; find what genuinely interests you about them.
- Listen actively: Let needs reveal themselves, then tailor communication and solutions.
- Own time & costs: Treat punctuality and budget as core value signals, not afterthoughts.
- Set boundaries & be authentic: Kind + candid beats performative.
- Stay a student: Pick one “unknown” (e.g., high-rise) and build a learning plan.
- Anchor your why: A clear values framework (faith, purpose) simplifies decisions and reduces noise.
HOST
Hi, Trish. It’s so nice to have you on the show today. How are you doing?
TRISH FLORES
I am doing well, thank you for asking. How are you?
HOST
I’m doing just fine… Firstly, Trish, I want to thank you for investing in yourself… (mango tree story)… your work, your insight—the impact—it’s amazing. And secondly, thank you for being here.
TRISH FLORES
You’re welcome. And it is my pleasure. It is my pleasure.
HOST
Let’s get started… Talk to us about your personal or professional journey… how Trish got here.
TRISH FLORES
Alright… I am a single mom. I have a 4-year-old. My profession is a Business Development Manager for Pro Engineering Consulting. It’s an engineering firm—we do mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural design. I moved here from the Philippines… I actually have an architecture degree back home and was a registered and licensed architect there. I started as a site architect—very hands-on with construction… working with general contractors.
Now in business development, I’m enjoying the exposure and the people side. I truly love learning from different types of people from all walks of life… Sometimes I ask myself, do I really have something to share? I just leave it to God… here I am.
HOST
What types of projects do you enjoy most?
TRISH FLORES
Office fit-outs. Companies with strong character and design standards—it’s great to see how they value employee comfort. Fit-outs are challenging: automation, security, IT/fiber—the whole backbone. It’s more than tables and chairs.
HOST
How do you build strong client relationships that drive growth?
TRISH FLORES
Be genuinely interested—investigate first. Active listening. Be authentic—honesty is the best policy. When you listen more, you gain more information, and that adds value to the relationship.
HOST
What areas of construction/engineering are you excited to explore?
TRISH FLORES
High-rise—I don’t have experience there, which makes it exciting. Construction is huge—beyond architects/engineers there are trades, finishes, equipment—so much to learn.
HOST
Key skills for success in business development and project management?
TRISH FLORES
God first. Seeking Him clarifies success and purpose. With that clarity: value time and cost, communicate efficiently, set boundaries, be consistent and faithful. I’m not claiming to be a master—but respect for people, clear communication, and honoring time/cost will lead you to success.
HOST
Beautiful. How can people reach you?
TRISH FLORES
LinkedIn: Trish Flores. TikTok as well—I share the Word and everyday life. I’ll send the exact handles after.
HOST
Trish, thank you for blessing us with these amazing words.
TRISH FLORES
Thank you for the opportunity to share the Word and the work that I do. It’s been such a pleasure.
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