Eric Propst, project manager for Hensel Phelps in Hawaii, is one of Engineering News-Record (ENR) West’s 2025 Top Young Professionals. The annual awards program recognizes industry leaders under 40 years of age who exemplify extraordinary leadership and service.
Eric joined Hensel Phelps in 2012 in Colorado. He relocated to Oahu to contribute to the expansion of the company in Hawaii. Eric stepped into a leadership role as a field engineer, playing a key part in designing the “bootcamp” training program that Hensel Phelps continues to use today.
Eric’s contributions to landmark projects showcase his strategic and innovative mindset. His experience includes two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) valued at over $180 million combined and the $260 million Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations. Eric’s suggestions for enhancing field and office processes are a key part of his legacy of driving continuous improvement. His leadership directly impacts the company’s financial success.
When Eric moved to Guam as the project manager for the J-011 Base Administrative Building project—Hensel Phelps’ first project on the newly commissioned Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz—he was a trailblazer for the company. He took on the challenge of building on a remote island, cultivated industry relationships and championed employee quality of life. Eric’s dedication led to several project successes and the company’s solid future in Guam.
Eric’s enthusiasm, drive, creativity and commitment to long-lasting relationships were key to the evolution of our operations in Guam. He, along with other project leaders, was able to transform our ability to execute work in a remote location without the need for direct day-to-day support from our regional office in Oahu. Our Guam operations are much stronger because of his commitment to excellence, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
—Vice President Jon Tseu
While living in Guam, Eric and his wife became emergency foster parents for over 20 displaced children. Motivated by the opportunity to provide hope and stability for these children, Eric opened his home on weekends and accommodated stays for up to three months. Additional initiatives Eric has been a part of include:
- Jefferson Elementary School, Waikiki, Oahu: Designed and built a greenhouse to support the science program.
- Tanguisson Beach Cleanup Guam: Led 120+ volunteers to remove 10,000 gallons of trash from a 1-mile stretch of beach. Eric coordinated with the mayor’s office and the Governor’s Initiative to Beautify Guam.
- Harvest House Foster Resource Center Barrigada, Guam: Planned, designed and executed a three-day renovation.
Currently, Eric manages the $153 million In-Vessel Bioconversion Facility Upgrades project at the Sand Island WWTP in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also spearheads corporate committees to automate the subcontractor pay application process and enhance the engineer training experience. Eric’s contributions solidify his position as a leading young professional, ready to propel the industry forward.
“From the first day on the Bioconversion Facility Upgrades project, Eric set the tone for defining the project expectations,” says Project Engineer Kainoa Tom. “Working under someone who is so passionate about their work, intentional in their actions and who genuinely cares about the team’s success has been an incredible experience. Eric always helps me stay focused on the bigger picture. He taught me, ‘A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.’”
As a project manager, Eric demonstrates how fostering an open-minded and resourceful team can lead to successful project delivery and industry advancement. He consistently embraces new ideas to improve processes and boost employee engagement. He actively seeks out mentorship and strives to develop his leadership skills. The Continuous Improvement Process program recognized Eric as a winner for creating a tool that promotes communication and highlights employee values and individuality.
When Eric returned from Guam, he became my direct supervisor and made a positive impact on both my career and our project. He consistently encourages me to find new ways to improve our processes and foster team engagement. His enthusiasm and creativity—accompanied by the occasional football metaphor and dad joke—create an environment in which we can deliver EXCELLENCE.“
—Project Engineer Lauren Ichimura
A panel reviewed close to 100 submissions from Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The judges selected 30 finalists who demonstrated extraordinary career leadership and service in the construction industry. Eric joins the top ENR West finalists in the March 2025 issue.
Congratulations, Eric!