The team at Net Positive Consulting Engineers includes, from left, Hannah Brigdon, P.E.; Jonathan C. Schlundt, P.E.; and Laura Schlundt.

Net Positive Consulting Engineers is a relatively new business, but owner Jonathan Schlundt is no stranger to the Valley. He has spent the past 16 years of his career here tackling the harsh climate and meeting the most advanced codes in the nation.

The mechanical engineering business utilizes the latest energy modeling and design software to service HVAC and plumbing systems.

“Fresno has some of the hottest weather in California, and California has the strictest regulations for energy efficiency,” he said. “Some other states are starting to catch up, but you have to be innovative to work in these harsh climates with these regulations.”

Schlundt moved to the Central Valley at age 7, so his roots are here.

“The Central Valley is my home. There is a real sense of community here,” he said. 

The company services throughout Central California, from Bakersfield to Sacramento and the Central Coast.

Schlundt went to school to be a mechanical engineer and initially worked in the design/ build industry for eight years before turning to consulting. He started the company two years ago and now has 10 employees.

 

Schlundt is dedicating part of his business to pro bono work. He recently helped the Evangel Home for at-risk women get new air conditioning units for 16 apartments.

He is currently working on a former hospital which is now senior living. Glen Agnes was built in the early 1900s, so he has been donating his time and design services to update the building as well as helping them find grants and contractors.

“These have been fun projects,” he said. “I had a desire to help the local community when starting the business, so 10% of our capacity is dedicated pro bono, but to be able to do that we have to be successful in our other business ventures because we don’t get reimbursed for any of the labor.”

Schlundt is also involved with East Fresno Rotary and has been active in other charitable causes in the past. He thinks there is a major need in the Central Valley to help the less fortunate

“I see the need and I want to be part of solution,” he said.

He says Fresno’s economy is doing well partly because of the people who have moved here from other cities who work remotely at higher paying jobs. The migration has created a bigger gap between people who are struggling to make ends meet because the cost of living continues to rise.

He has been fortunate enough that the market has been healthy for his business. He has also been successful in recruiting good employees.

The other 90% of his businesses focuses on commercial work including schools, colleges and industrial. Service is a big part of what he does, and the other part is the innovation.

“The biggest advantage I have is defining the scope by having an open mind when approaching design, listening to clients, then finding a design that threads the needle between energy and costs” he said. “Finding balance makes a big difference going into it.”

He’s also able to work with a more diverse group of professionals. Different experiences with architects and contractors have led to more collaboration and innovation making the design work much more fun.

Part of what makes his business unique is the programs they use.

“We are very efficient with advanced engineering energy and 3D modeling software that some competitors may find difficult or inefficient to use,” he said.  “Utilizing the latest software aids us in our ability to innovate and explore concepts.”

A client recently said the Net Positive Consulting Engineers advantage is their collaborative process of seeking to understand but not demand.

“I like to think that collaboration is the norm, but it’s not always comfortable for an engineer to do.  I’m glad this client saw this in us, and we strive to keep this true to form,” he said.

His clients are mostly architects and business owners, so to deliver a full project without outsourcing is the next goal. The company is approaching its two-year mark, so he is ahead of initial schedules when planning the business, but in the future, he wants to bring the electrical component to his business.

“I am looking for more opportunity to better serve our clients and the community we call home, striving for a more sustainable future,” he said.

Net Positive Consulting Engineers is located at 1446 Tollhouse Rd., #102, in Clovis. For more information call (559) 940-7293 or visit NPCeng.com.