Legacy Through Faithful Leadership 

My Journey with McCall-Thomas

By Ryan J. Smoak, PE, MBA, President of McCall-Thomas Engineering Company, Inc. 

When I first walked into McCall-Thomas Engineering in 1994, fresh from Clemson University, I could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead. Starting as a young engineer, I've now served nearly two decades as the company's president. Our organization has grown significantly, expanding from around 45 employees to nearly 200, including full-time and contract team members. Yet, throughout all these changes, the values guiding my leadership have remained steadfast: servant leadership, humility, professionalism, lifelong learning and above all, a Christ-centered approach. 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of McCall-Thomas Engineering, a milestone celebrating our long history of faithful service, growth, and dedication to our values. Reflecting on our journey, I’m reminded of the leaders and teams who built the foundation of family, integrity, experience and excellence that we continue to stand upon today. Watch our anniversary video sharing the story of McCall-Thomas through the decades. 

Early Leadership: Building Foundations 
From the very beginning, mentorship was crucial. I began under the guidance of many experienced leaders who profoundly shaped my early years. As I gradually moved from engineer to electric division manager, and then onto the board of directors by 1999, I recognized the value of dedication, attention to detail, effective communication, developing win-win solutions and caring for all employees. These principles became the bedrock of my leadership. 

I quickly learned the importance of building trust, developing relationships, and making connections with everyone I come in contact with. Leadership, I discovered, was about far more than just managing projects and tasks. It required being intentional with stewardship, work-life balance and consistently aligning my decisions with God’s purpose for my life. 

Challenges & Growth Moments 

Growth brings its own set of challenges. One major struggle has always been hiring: finding the right people for the right seats who fit our culture and live our values. Additionally, keeping the entire team aligned amid rapid expansion often felt daunting. Another difficulty was wearing too many hats and trying to handle everything, something that would later be addressed through pivotal decisions influenced by my experience with C12. 

The passing of my uncle, the former president who served 43+ years with McCall-Thomas, was another defining moment. I miss him dearly, often reflecting on how profoundly his legacy influenced my own understanding of leadership and how to tackle challenges. 

Discovering C12: A Strategic Inflection Point 

My initial encounter with C12 was in 2014 through an email invitation to a meeting in Columbia. However, it wasn't until a friend's testimony at a Men’s Brotherhood event in 2024 that the message resonated deeply with my personal and professional circumstances. At that time, I felt a bit stuck, overwhelmed, and sometimes lonely at the top of the org chart, recognizing a need for new perspectives and supportive peer relationships.

 

Joining C12 became an opportunity to gain fresh insights and accountability, aligning closely with their core value: a Christ-centered focus. 

Impact of C12: Business as Ministry 

Before joining C12, our company naturally incorporated faith into our operations through activities such as praying before meetings, corporate events, birthday cards, and charitable giving. Yet, C12's framework of Business as a Ministry (BaaM) offered structured ways to deepen these practices. 

Inspired directly by C12, we've initiated the McT Care Team, aimed at better supporting employees and enhancing our company culture. Additionally, insights from my peers encouraged significant organizational shifts, such as adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). This move helped clarify our organizational structure and empowered me to focus more intentionally on my unique leadership strengths. 

Personal and Professional Transformation 

My Core Business Presentation (CBP), which I presented during our monthly Forum to a group of like-minded peers, was a pivotal experience. Preparing and delivering this detailed reflection on my life, spiritual growth, and leadership was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. It’s a unique and powerful opportunity to present the issues you’re facing and gain honest feedback, encouragement, and insight from leaders who’ve often ‘been there and done that’ and who also trust that God is their ultimate source of wisdom. After my first Core Business Presentation, I was deeply moved when my C12 peers laid hands on me and prayed over me, a profound moment reinforcing the authentic community and spiritual support inherent in the group. 

Looking Ahead: Finishing Strong 

Reflecting on my future, mentorship has become increasingly important. My vision involves being a better mentor, delegating more effectively, strengthening culture, looking forward and leaving McCall-Thomas stronger and more sustainable than when I became president. The goal to make an eternal difference in the lives of those I've led and built relationships. 

Spiritually, my focus remains on growing stronger in my walk with Christ, becoming more like Jesus, less like me. This commitment influences every decision I make as I strive toward true servant leadership. 



As I look back on over three decades with McCall-Thomas, gratitude fills my heart. The values and principles I've embraced, grounded in faith and shaped by a supportive McT family and influential communities like C12, will continue guiding my leadership, ensuring a lasting legacy built on eternal significance.