FEATURED EMPLOYEE: If you’re looking to meet someone that has effectively turned their passions into a lifestyle, look no further than Scott Brejcha. With a penchant for nature, science, and music, V3’s resident Wetlands Consulting Group Manager is something of a modern-day renaissance man. But the path to living a life symbiotic with his varied interests wasn’t always clear.
“Even though I had a strong love for the outdoors and nature from a very young age, I went into my college studies not knowing what I wanted to do,” Scott admitted. “I initially thought I’d pursue a career in medicine, or dentistry.”
Thankfully, during his sophomore year at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, a professor encouraged him to take a wetland ecology class. Several courses – and a senior thesis on remotely tracking turtles in wetlands – later, and he was hooked.
At the same time that Scott’s career passions were taking hold so, too, was his interest in music. He was a member of a few garage bands in high school, and continued to play all through college.
“I taught myself guitar in the 8th grade and never looked back,” he said. “For me, music is a joyful hobby that’s right up there with the outdoors.”
After graduating from SMU, Scott went straight into a career in wetland consulting, and music took a temporary back seat. But not for long. In 2000 he decided to create an acoustic guitar church music group (that’s still playing together today) and, soon after, joined a local Chicago rock/blues band.
2010 marked the start of his current musical endeavor, a cover band called “Kickin’ Jimmy.” The 6-man ensemble plays a wide variety of music: Classic rock, funk, blues, 70’s and 80’s music, as well as popular songs from today. Fans find Scott playing rhythm guitar and singing lead vocals at outdoor festivals, local pubs, and other events in Chicago and the extending suburbs.
Interestingly, there’s a common theme to Scott’s seemingly diverse passions: The love of a challenge.
“I thoroughly enjoy playing the most complex songs possible,” said Scott. “For example, Steely Dan has a lot going on in their music. The Allman Brothers have intricate sections of guitar harmonies. Similarly, my favorite wetland consulting projects are the most challenging permits that need to be acquired for clients. A common mantra, whether with my band or with the wetland team, is that we enjoy the opportunity to think outside the box.”
Beyond science, nature, music, family, and Faith, Scott finds time for one more passion: Giving back. He cites the V3 Social Responsibility (VSR) program as a catalyst for getting involved on a local level.
“V3 has partnered with some incredible organizations, and empowers all of us to give back to our community,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the Conservation Foundation helping to enhance native bluffs and other sites. I’m proud to be part of the V3 team. The people I work with make my job interesting and robust – this Firm is second to none.”