Hidden Gems: Meet Jeremiah Watson of Innovative Engineering Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremiah Watson.

Hi Jeremiah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Memphis, I was blessed to have the love and support that I needed. Whether it was family, teachers, or church mentors, I was pushed to always do must best in everything that I do. That encouragement helped develop my drive, determination, and faith in God.

Upon graduating from Overton High School, I received a scholarship to the University of Memphis, where I received a mechanical engineering degree. After graduation, I moved to Ohio to work for a steel manufacturer and later at General Motors. After 9/11, I was laid off and was unemployed for 9 months.

After getting humbled by God, I was blessed to get an opportunity to get a fresh start in the design construction industry. After working at an architectural/engineering firm for 3 years, I decided it was time to come home and work for a local A/E firm.

Moving back to Memphis afforded me the opportunity to not only be closer to family but also give back to the community that poured into me. From working with my church youth group to leading service efforts for my fraternity, I wanted to pay forward what was instilled in me.

During the recession of 2009, I was laid off again. However, this time, I decided to listen to what God was trying to tell me. I started my own engineering firm and haven’t looked back since.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In addition to my roller coaster professional life, my personal life definitely had its share of ups and downs.

Being raised by a single mother, there was a lot of “tough love” that was dished out. However, that taught me that you have to work hard for the things that you want in life. With my mother as my role model, she taught me to fight for what is right and to always take the time to help others. She was very instrumental when I divorced my first wife in 2009.

In 2015, I married my current wife (Joy), who continually encourages me to grow my engineering firm. Our oldest daughter is four, however, our youngest daughter (born in 2020) only lived 30 days. Her death was the hardest thing that I’ve ever had to go through. Dealing with Covid had its own changes.

But combining my wife’s difficult pregnancy, with my daughter’s death and losing four other friends/family in a two-week span, was traumatic. While therapy was very helpful to help me continue to keep going, it is still a process.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Innovative Engineering Services?
Innovative Engineering Services (IES) provides engineering design for new and renovation construction projects. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection MEP) engineering services. Since starting as a one-person firm in 2009, we have grown to a 10-person firm

Being the only African-American-owned MEP firm headquartered in the Memphis area has allowed us to develop relationships with numerous public/private owners and other design firms. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality service for all projects (large and small).

Some of the projects include:

• Renasant Convention Center. Renovation.
• Memphis Airport – Concourse B Renovation.
• Nashville Airport – International Arrival Facility and Terminal Renovation.
• Ballet Memphis.
• LeBonheur Children’s Hospital Expansion.

Any big plans?
My future is a blank canvas. In the past couple of years, I’ve learned to live for the day, because tomorrow is not promised. The only thing I look forward to is watching my daughter grow up to become the strong, intelligent, beautiful woman that God made her.

Contact Info:

• Email: jwatson@innovativees-llc.com
• Website: www.innovativees-llc.com