A conversation with: Harry Pratt, president of Allen and Hoshall
From Memphis Business Journal
With strong roots in Memphis, Harry Pratt has dedicated his career to Allen & Hoshall and now serves as president of the company, which has 95 employees across seven offices in Tennessee, Mississippi and Colorado. He has served on the Dean of Engineering Advisory Board at Christian Brothers University and the Civil Engineering Advisory Board at the University of Memphis and as an adjunct engineering professor at the U of M. Pratt has been with Allen & Hoshall since 1975, and his most recent assignment was as technical project manager for the City of Memphis’ Main to Main Intermodal Connector Project.
First job: I delivered papers for The Commercial Appeal.
Education: B.S. in engineering, CBU; M.S. in engineering and an MBA, U of M
Residence: South Main
Business philosophy: Treat everyone you encounter in work with respect and courtesy; today’s casual acquaintance may be tomorrow’s client or employer.
Best way to keep competitive edge: Lose a project you really want. It’ll force you to look inward and find ways to improve.
Guiding principle: There are very few new problems to be solved. Learn from your predecessors.
Yardstick of success: The respect your friends and your foes give you.
Goal yet to be achieved: A long and comfortable retirement
Judgment calls
Best business decision: Going to work for Allen & Hoshall
Worst business decision: Accepting a project with the U.S. Navy to develop an alternate system for constructing infrastructure in a forward theater environment
Toughest business decision: Deciding how to reduce staff when the market receded
Biggest missed opportunity: Securing a project with the Haitian government to help rebuild after the earthquake
Mentor: Adair Hardy, Matt Bonner and Bob Kelly
Word that best describes you: Patient
True confessions
Like best about job: Watching an idea in a client’s mind move through the design process and become a reality
Like least about job: The money aspects of the job — sending bills, collecting receivables
Pet peeve: Sloppy work
Most important lesson learned: Don’t let early setbacks keep you from persuing your goals and dreams.
Person most interested in meeting: Thomas Jefferson
Most respected competitor: Garver Engineering
Three greatest passions: Family, traveling and Memphis Grizzlies basketball.
First choice for a new career: Musician
Predilection
Favorite quote:“Everything happens for a reason.”
Most influential book:“The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy
Favorite cause: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Favorite movie:“The Firm”
Favorite restaurant: Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar
Favorite vacation spot: Chicago
What’s on your iPod: R&B and blues
Favorite ways to spend free time: Cooking and reading
Automobile: Lexus RX
