#214 Making the World Seamless; Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow with Lisa Burch, owner of YTT design solutions
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, Bart sits down with Lisa Burch, founder of YTT Design Solutions, a woman‑owned civil and geotechnical engineering firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lisa shares her journey from a technically curious kid fascinated by drafting and problem‑solving, to becoming a civil engineer dedicated to building infrastructure that quietly supports everyday life. She opens up about the personal challenges that led her to start her own company, the meaning behind YTT (“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”), and why community, stewardship, and long‑term thinking drive every decision she makes. This conversation reveals the unseen work that keeps communities functioning and the mindset required to build something that lasts.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
Engineering is problem‑solving at scale. Civil engineers use math and science to make communities safer, healthier, and more functional.Great infrastructure is invisible. If it’s done right, people never notice — until something goes wrong.Careers can start with curiosity. Early interests in drafting, Legos, and building often signal engineering potential.Entrepreneurship isn’t always planned. Lisa started her firm during a period of personal upheaval, choosing action over fear.Speed and adaptability matter. Small, nimble organizations can innovate faster than large, rigid ones.Community creates purpose. Lisa’s work is deeply rooted in serving Cedar Rapids and the people who call it home.Trust beats marketing. Long‑term client relationships and word‑of‑mouth fuel sustainable growth.Design for the future. Stewardship means building infrastructure that serves generations, not just today’s needs.Memorable Quotes
“Engineering is solving problems.”
“If I do my job right, you’ll never know I was there.”
“I bury most of my best work underground.”
“You can do anything — you just have to take the first step.”
“Yesterday, today, and tomorrow guide every decision we make.”
“Community is everything.”
Why It Matters / How to Use It
This episode highlights the quiet leadership behind the systems we rely on every day. Lisa Burch’s story reminds listeners that meaningful impact doesn’t always come with recognition often, it comes from care, discipline, and long‑term thinking. For entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing uncertainty, her journey shows how resilience, service, and commitment to community can turn challenges into purpose. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or shaping a city, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the work that matters most is often the work no one sees.
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In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, Bart sits down with Lisa Burch, founder of YTT Design Solutions, a woman‑owned civil and geotechnical engineering firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lisa shares her journey from a technically curious kid fascinated by drafting and problem‑solving, to becoming a civil engineer dedicated to building infrastructure that quietly supports everyday life. She opens up about the personal challenges that led her to start her own company, the meaning behind YTT (“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”), and why community, stewardship, and long‑term thinking drive every decision she makes. This conversation reveals the unseen work that keeps communities functioning and the mindset required to build something that lasts. Major Takeaways / Learnings Engineering is problem‑solving at scale. Civil engineers use math and science to make communities safer, healthier, and more functional.Great infrastructure is invisible. If it’s done right, people never notice — until something goes wrong.Careers can start with curiosity. Early interests in drafting, Legos, and building often signal engineering potential.Entrepreneurship isn’t always planned. Lisa started her firm during a period of personal upheaval, choosing action over fear.Speed and adaptability matter. Small, nimble organizations can innovate faster than large, rigid ones.Community creates purpose. Lisa’s work is deeply rooted in serving Cedar Rapids and the people who call it home.Trust beats marketing. Long‑term client relationships and word‑of‑mouth fuel sustainable growth.Design for the future. Stewardship means building infrastructure that serves generations, not just today’s needs.Memorable Quotes “Engineering is solving problems.” “If I do my job right, you’ll never know I was there.” “I bury most of my best work underground.” “You can do anything — you just have to take the first step.” “Yesterday, today, and tomorrow guide every decision we make.” “Community is everything.” Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode highlights the quiet leadership behind the systems we rely on every day. Lisa Burch’s story reminds listeners that meaningful impact doesn’t always come with recognition often, it comes from care, discipline, and long‑term thinking. For entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing uncertainty, her journey shows how resilience, service, and commitment to community can turn challenges into purpose. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or shaping a city, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the work that matters most is often the work no one sees.