In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of modern commerce, certain individuals rise above the rest, shaping industries and redefining the very essence of business excellence. These are the leaders who not only navigate the complexities of the market but also forge new paths, inspire innovation, and drive sustainable growth. Their influence transcends mere profit margins, extending to the cultivation of ethical practices, the empowerment of their workforce, and the creation of lasting societal impact.
Among these leaders is Eli Polikar, the Founder and CEO of Polikar Engineering Solutions (PES)—a South Florida–based structural engineering consulting firm specializing in forensic engineering, design and development, and construction management. Polikar has built a firm grounded in ethical practices, technical precision, and client transparency—earning accolades such as the 2024 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award for Ethics and most recently being named the 2025 Best Forensic Engineering Firm in Florida by Construction Business Review.
At the heart of PES’s success is a core belief that engineering should be about more than just calculations—it should protect lives, support communities, and foster trust. Under Polikar’s leadership, the firm has transformed how clients experience forensic engineering services, pioneering clarity, responsiveness, and long-term support in an industry traditionally known for complexity and opacity.
Building Trust Through Clear Engineering Solutions
Eli Polikar’s journey began with a natural aptitude for problem-solving and a strong interest in how buildings function—and fail. Early in his career, he recognized a critical industry gap: while many firms were technically proficient, few prioritized ethical transparency or communicated clearly with clients.
That realization became the foundation for PES. From day one, the firm has focused on simplifying complex engineering processes, providing transparency throughout every phase of a project, and educating clients so they feel confident and informed. In a field where misunderstanding can lead to costly oversights, PES has made it a mission to deliver engineering services with honesty, accessibility, and care.
Navigating the Challenges of Company Scaling
Polikar identifies the most significant challenge as a CEO as managing the rapid growth and scaling of his company without compromising quality. As the company transitioned from a small to a medium-sized firm, it became clear that communication and project coordination would need to evolve. Polikar notes that communication was straightforward when the company consisted of only two or three people, as discussions could occur within a single room. However, with growth, communication has become more complex, involving employees in various offices and even internationally.
To navigate this shift, Eli Polikar focused on building systems that would support sustainable growth, including streamlined internal processes, improved delegation protocols, and clearer channels of accountability. One of the tools developed to support this was a custom-built project management platform, which would later become central to the firm’s operational efficiency. But for Polikar, scaling was never just about adding more people—it was about investing in the right infrastructure, culture, and leadership to maintain the values that set PES apart.
Key to Success: Clarity and Ethical Engineering
Proactive Technology for Enhanced Engineering Efficiency
Innovation has always been essential to PES—not only for growth but for delivering better outcomes in an increasingly complex industry. Recognizing a persistent lack of specialized software solutions in the engineering consulting space, Eli Polikar led the development of a custom project management platform tailored specifically to PES’s workflow.
Designed and refined over the course of two years, this custom-built system allows for seamless work management, internal coordination, and real-time project tracking. Existing off-the-shelf tools proved inadequate for the firm’s needs, prompting the decision to create something from the ground up. That early investment has since paid off—providing the firm with a significant operational advantage and the ability to manage a high volume of projects with accuracy, speed, and accountability.
Today, the software continues to evolve alongside the company, acting as a backbone for communication, delegation, and quality assurance across the firm’s growing footprint.
Implementing Practical Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Engineering
In discussions about sustainability, Eli Polikar addresses the broader implications beyond just energy. For PES, sustainability and social responsibility are not just checkboxes—they’re core to how the company operates. Internally, the firm has adopted a hybrid work model and moved toward a nearly paperless operation to reduce its environmental impact. Externally, PES provides reduced-rate services to schools, religious institutions, and nonprofits that need critical structural support but may not have the resources to access it through traditional means.
As a consulting firm, PES recognizes its greatest environmental influence lies in the advice and solutions it offers clients. By helping building owners make smarter, safer, and longer-lasting decisions, the firm indirectly supports sustainability on a broader scale.
Navigating Market Demands and Explosive Growth
Eli Polikar acknowledges the challenges and opportunities presented by newly implemented county and state programs, emphasizing the increased demand for qualified engineers, particularly those with expertise in existing structures and forensic work. He notes that recent programs have created a significant need for engineers, affecting over 100,000 buildings.
When addressing key growth statistics, he highlights the company’s consistent doubling in size each year for the past four years, a feat he is particularly proud of. He aims to maintain this growth trajectory, involving further expansion of his team. Polikar reports a substantial increase in workload, estimating a rise of 150 to 200 percent annually. He also emphasizes the firm’s strong client retention and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Polikar cites consistent annual revenue growth of 100 to 200 percent as a key indicator of the company’s success.
Client Satisfaction as the Cornerstone of Success
Prioritizing client satisfaction and referrals as key performance indicators in his relationship-driven industry, Eli Polikar emphasizes the importance of demonstrating value to clients and maintaining satisfaction despite increased workload. He believes his firm has successfully balanced growth with consistent client satisfaction. Polikar highlights the dual impact of new regulatory programs and increased public awareness on structural safety. He acknowledges the prior lack of investment in building maintenance, now rectified by government intervention.
Polikar stresses the firm’s commitment to understanding and communicating the intricacies of these programs. To this end, his team concentrates on developing informative educational materials, streamlining inspection procedures, and expanding its staff to manage the increased workload. Polikar also notes the growing need for expert witness services in legal proceedings. Eli Polikar emphasizes that the firm’s success depends on its ability to adapt to evolving government regulations and the public’s growing concern for structural integrity.
Integrity, Reliability, and Clarity in Engineering
Eli Polikar emphasizes three core values: integrity, reliability, and clarity. He defines integrity as consistently doing the right thing, even when it is not advantageous. He places paramount importance on the company’s reputation, considering it more valuable than financial gain. Reliability, according to Polikar, means consistently being available to clients, understanding and fulfilling their project requirements. Clarity involves ensuring that clients fully comprehend the reports and their significance.
Polikar believes it is essential that clients leave with a thorough understanding of all aspects of their project. To reinforce this, the team conducts one-on-one video walkthroughs at the conclusion of every project, ensuring that clients feel supported, not overwhelmed. This client-first approach is one of the reasons PES has earned such consistent loyalty and trust from property managers, HOAs, attorneys, and developers across Florida.
Ethical Practice in Engineering
Ethical leadership in engineering goes far beyond compliance—it’s about setting the tone for how technical professionals interact with clients, make decisions, and uphold responsibility in high-stakes environments. Communication is seen as a cornerstone of ethical practice. Polikar emphasizes the importance of translating complex engineering findings into clear, actionable insights that clients—many of whom have no technical background—can fully understand. This commitment to clarity fosters trust and ensures that clients feel informed and supported, not overwhelmed.
Equally important is strong problem-solving. In a constantly evolving regulatory and technical landscape, engineers must remain adaptable and grounded in deep subject matter knowledge. The nature of forensic work often carries legal and financial implications, making precision and sound judgment non-negotiable.
Finally, ethical judgment remains at the core of PES’s culture. As the demand for structural inspections, expert witness services, and reserve studies grows, so too does the temptation across the industry to cut corners. Polikar insists that doing the right thing—even when it’s not the easiest or fastest option—is a daily responsibility. This principle is communicated clearly to employees and reflected in every client interaction, reinforcing PES’s reputation as a firm where ethics lead the way.
National Expansion and Industry Leadership
One of Polikar’s top strategic priorities is nationwide expansion. While proud of the firm’s rapid growth and strong reputation across Florida, Polikar sees significant opportunity to extend PES’s services to other states over the next five years. Polikar believes that the company’s developed technology will facilitate this scaling both sustainably and efficiently. He emphasizes the importance of developing new service verticals, including disaster relief consulting, recognizing the significant need for experienced engineering guidance in times of crisis, which continues to grow.
Eli Polikar also places strong emphasis on education and outreach. The firm is committed to helping property managers, board members, and industry professionals better understand structural safety requirements, evolving compliance laws, and long-term maintenance responsibilities. Through workshops, speaking engagements, industry events, and direct client guidance, PES is taking a proactive role in raising awareness and elevating standards across the industry.
Cultivating Relationships and Patience for Sustainable Growth
For professionals looking to make a lasting impact, Polikar believes that long-term success is earned through trust, patience, and persistence. Eli Polikar recommends that aspiring professionals prioritize scaling and relationship building over quick monetary gain. He highlights that trust and lasting relationships take time to develop. In his view, a strong reputation is the most valuable asset a business can have. That means leading with ethics, listening to clients, investing in people, and resisting the temptation to prioritize fast growth over sustainable relationships.
PES was founded on those principles—and as the firm continues to grow, they remain the foundation of everything it does.
Business Mantra of Eli Polikar
- Client-Centric Transparency Builds Trust
- Ethics and Integrity as Business Foundations
- Innovative Use of Technology for Growth
- Sustainability and Responsible Growth
- Relationship-Building Over Quick Profits
