A photo of Ryan McMullen in a red jacket skiing down a mountain. He is surrounded by trees and snow.

Meet Ryan McMullen, PE – Structural Engineer & Hobby Aficionado

What drew you to Hoyle Tanner?

The opportunity to work on technically challenging bridge design projects, perform bridge inspections, and the opportunity to grow as a structural engineer. Hoyle Tanner has provided me with amazing resources and allowed me to work with and learn from coworkers with a wealth of knowledge!

What’s something invaluable you’ve learned here? 

The knowledge I have gained in non-bridge related aspects of projects is definitely invaluable! Don’t get me wrong, the technical knowledge I have gained within bridge design and structural engineering is extremely valuable, but being involved in all aspects of projects and helping out other groups within Hoyle Tanner really puts that knowledge and experience over the top! Thanks to helping out with roadway, sidewalk, and aviation projects, I now have a level of understanding on what is needed for things like drainage systems, roadway alignments, ADA compliance requirements and many other aspects of projects that I otherwise wouldn’t. This knowledge and experience is invaluable because it is very easy to get focused and pigeon-holed into the specific task that you are working on, but often a more global view and understanding of the project makes the difference between a successful project and an unsuccessful one.

How many different states have you lived in?

Apart from a two-month stint living in Maine, I have lived my entire life in New Hampshire!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I know ice cream isn’t exactly a meal, but if I could eat it for the rest of my life with no health consequences that would be ideal.

What is a fun or interesting fact about your hometown?

The first potato in the United States was planted in my hometown (Derry, New Hampshire).

What are three things still left on your bucket list.
    1. Travel to and hike in New Zealand
    2. Ski in Japan, Europe, and British Columbia
    3. Attend a Liverpool match in Liverpool and attend a world cup match
Name three items you’d take with you to a desert island.
    1. If I’m trying to survive, I’ll take a knife/hatchet or axe, means to make fire, and a pot for water
    2. If I have the means to survive and I’m trying to kill time until I get rescued, a phone with maxed out storage with downloaded podcasts, a solar powered battery bank and probably still a knife/hatchet or axe so I can tinker with things and see what I could build.
What characteristic do you admire most in others?

Being there for others, having a good sense of humor, and showing empathy, understanding and compassion.

How old is the oldest item in your closet?

I have a soccer backpack from Germany from 2000!

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

When I was very young, I wanted to be a truck driver.

Words to live by? Favorite quote? Why?

Not exactly words to live by, but my favorite quote is “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.” – Michael Scott. I am a huge fan of the show The Office and this is one of my favorite quotes from the show that I can use somewhat frequently!