The People Behind the Projects
30 Years, Told by the People Who Were There
Buildings can document where a company has worked. People remember what it took to get there. Now, we’ll hear from employees whose careers intersect with different chapters of the company’s history.
CHRIS CANFIELD
Project Executive | RQ Since 2008
“What I enjoy about RQ is the purposeful design and construction we provide to our miliary. There is a greater sense of accomplishment knowing what we are building will both directly and indirectly support those in our military.”
When Chris joined RQ in 2008, the company looked very different. We were primarily operating in California and were still about a year off from winning our first work on the East Coast. Describing some of the changes, Chris adds, "Our Design and Engineering capabilities have grown, we have several self-perform divisions, we are not only in the SE now, but we have a footprint in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and I have grown. Started at 32 and am now 50!"
01 Where it Started
02 The Projects That Changed Us
03 Growing Beyond Home
04 Decisions That Shaped the Company
05 The RQ Way
06 The People Behind the Projects
07 Then & Now
08 Things That Haven't Changed
09 What's Next
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SARAH GROVES
Senior Small Business Liaison Officer | RQ Since 2007
“When I started with RQ in 2007, I never imagined I’d still be here nearly 20 years later! I’ve really enjoyed the people I’ve worked with, the relationships I’ve built, and the many opportunities and experiences I’ve had along the way.”
Sarah has seen more changes than most. When she started with RQ, the company was still headquartered in Bonsall. Shortly after then, we moved to the Lionshead office in Carlsbad, and then to our Faraday headquarters in 2020. Sarah adds, "RQ has changed quite a bit since I started. My employee number is #88, and it’s been amazing to see how much the company has grown."
JOSH SMITH
Senior Estimator | RQ Since 2011
We caught up with Josh Smith and asked him what has kept him at RQ for 15 years. He answered, “I have been able to work with some amazing people over the years at RQ and they have been a huge reason on what has kept me here. They are like family and it’s been a blessing to work with them every day.” He added, "The years I was able to work with Doug Youngdale were some of the best. He always had a smile on his face and made sure we worked hard while also enjoying what we do, and at the same prioritizing our families. He was a great mentor and friend."
When discussing how RQ has changed, Josh mentioned, "When I started, RQ was mainly located in Southern CA and had just barely started doing work on the East Coast in North Carolina, and now RQ is all over the East Coast and more." Then joked, "There used to be a working ice cream machine in the kitchen."
CHRISTIANA LYONS
Senior Proposal Manager | RQ Since 2009
“I love working at RQ because every day challenges my creativity and expands my knowledge. I’m proud to stay at RQ because of our steadfast values and meaningful end-product."
When asked what has changed since her hire, Christiana replied, "The magnitude and location of projects we pursue!"
EMPLOYEE NAME]
[Title] | RQ Since [Year]
“[Short, memorable employee quote.]”
