Keeping the Lights On: ESI’s Chief Engineer Recognized for Dedicated Service

The best places to work are built and maintained by people who genuinely care. Curtis Emerson is exactly that kind of person, and he was recognized for his career of dedicated service at BOMA’s annual Building Excellence Awards event.

Chief Engineer Curtis Emerson inspects ESI HQ’s HVAC system

Curtis is the Chief Engineer of our 176,000 square-foot headquarters, and he puts nearly 20 years of experience to work every day. He managed the building for 17 years before ESI acquired the property, and in the 3 years since joining our team, his institutional and systems knowledge has proven invaluable time and again.

Curtis approaches facilities management the way the top professionals approach any discipline: with foresight and personal pride. He developed a comprehensive preventative maintenance strategy and co-created our internal Building Playbook — a documented knowledge base that captures critical system information so the entire team can operate with confidence. He knows that stewardship of this building should outlast any one individual.

That mindset was demonstrated during the headquarters remodel. Curtis’s deep familiarity with legacy systems, undocumented modifications, and historical performance patterns helped the project team avoid costly surprises while maintaining consistent operations throughout construction. His command of the building’s electrical infrastructure alone saved significant time and budget.

Beyond his technical contributions, Curtis is also investing in the next generation of facilities professionals. It’s not only a responsibility, it’s also personal. His son-in-law Corey is the Facilities Engineer. Curtis is passing along not just technical skills but the values of ownership and accountability that define his own work.

Whether it’s an early morning, a late night, a weekend, or an emergency call, Curtis shows up; not because it’s required, but because he takes this responsibility personally. He doesn’t just manage a building. He protects the environment where Team ESI does its best work, and we’re proud to recognize him for it.