Name: Destin Jack
Internship Site: Stryant Construction and Management, Inc.
Location: 27 Doyle St SE, 2nd Floor, Atlanta, GA
Mentors: Carla Johnson and Molly McLarty
Internship Dates: August 22 – December 19
Schedule: 3 days per week (Monday,  Wednesday,  Friday)
Total Hours Completed: 125 hours

Stryant Construction and Management, Inc. was founded in 2011 as part of the Stryant companies, which were originally formed in 2009 by Stan Sugarman and Atticus LeBlanc. The company was created to identify undervalued real estate investments in the metro Atlanta area and improve them through renovation and construction. Since its founding, Stryant has acquired and renovated several hundred residential units as well as multiple commercial properties. Their guiding philosophy is to add more value through construction than the cost required, summarized by their motto: “Value you can measure. Quality built in.”

The company provides construction, renovation, and property management services for homeowners and real estate investors. This includes budgeting, documentation, design coordination, and construction execution. These processes ensure projects are financially sustainable, structurally sound, and compliant with local and county regulations.

The department I worked in focused on financial operations and administrative support. The team’s goal was to maintain accurate financial records, process timely tax payments, and organize property documentation. Tools commonly used included AppFolio, QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Fulton County tax databases. This experience showed how engineering and construction projects rely heavily on organization, planning, and collaboration across departments.

Project Description

The primary project I worked on involved processing property tax payments for multiple residential and commercial properties and organizing the associated documentation. This project was important because incorrect payments or disorganized records could delay construction timelines or cause compliance issues with the City of Atlanta and Fulton County. My specific role was to verify payment amounts, match them to invoice numbers and property listings, and ensure documents were filed correctly.

Process + Engineering Methods

I began by reviewing invoices and property records to determine the correct payment amounts. I entered data into AppFolio and QuickBooks, verified tax information using Fulton County databases, and processed payments to the City of Atlanta tax assessors. I then organized both physical and digital documents by property type and category.

One challenge I encountered was learning where residential versus commercial documents belonged and understanding how payment amounts were tied to specific invoice numbers. I solved this by asking questions, double-checking records, and improving the filing system. This reduced the backlog of paperwork and improved overall efficiency.

Results + Impact

My work helped ensure accurate and timely tax payments while significantly improving documentation organization. This saved time for staff, reduced confusion, and supported smoother construction and renovation operations. I learned that engineering projects rely not only on physical construction, but also on precise financial systems and documentation.

Data Organization & Analysis

• Verified and processed tax payments linked to invoice numbers and property listings

• Entered and reviewed financial data using AppFolio and QuickBooks

Documentation Management

• Organized leases, receipts, deposits, and tax records

• Improved filing efficiency to reduce paperwork buildup

Construction & Engineering Knowledge

• Observed LVL beams, 2x4 framing, window units, and structural systems

• Learned how loads from roofs, walls, and floors are transferred through beams, columns, and load-bearing walls to the foundation

Trade Coordination & Code Awareness

• Learned construction sequencing priorities: HVAC first, plumbing second, electrical last

• Learned electrical outlet spacing requirements (no point along a wall more than 6 feet from a receptacle)

Communication & Professional Skills

• Emailed housing applicants about living space availability

• Assisted with mail delivery and office communication

What was the most important thing you learned from your internship?

The most important thing I learned was how frequently budgets change during construction projects. Even small changes in materials, labor, or scheduling can significantly affect overall costs. I learned that engineers and construction teams must constantly adjust plans while staying organized. This showed me how important flexibility and problem-solving are in real engineering environments. I also realized that financial accuracy plays a major role in keeping projects on schedule. This experience changed how I view planning and decision-making. It helped me understand the real-world complexity behind engineering projects.

What engineering practices or mindsets did you see professionals using?

I observed professionals using a strong value-driven mindset focused on long-term results. Engineers, contractors, and finance professionals collaborated daily to solve problems efficiently. Communication was essential to ensure each team understood their responsibilities. Attention to detail was especially important when coordinating between trades and budgets. Professionals were willing to adapt plans when challenges arose. This demonstrated the importance of flexibility in engineering. It also showed how teamwork is essential for project success.

What surprised you about the engineering workplace?

I was surprised by how interconnected all roles are within engineering and construction. I expected engineers to work more independently, but instead saw constant collaboration. Finance, construction, and engineering all depend on one another to complete projects successfully. I also did not realize how much documentation and regulation affects engineering work. Seeing how many people contribute to one project was eye-opening. This experience changed my understanding of engineering careers. It showed me that engineering is both technical and collaborative.

How did this internship influence your future goals?

This internship strengthened my interest in mechanical engineering. Observing HVAC systems, structural components, and construction sequencing helped me understand how mechanical engineering fits into real-world projects. I enjoyed learning how systems must work within physical and structural limits. The experience made engineering feel more hands-on and practical. It also helped me see how engineering decisions impact budgets and timelines. I now feel more confident pursuing an engineering-related career. This internship confirmed that engineering is a path I want to continue exploring.

What advice would you give a future student in this internship?

I would advise future students to stay organized and ask questions early. Understanding the purpose behind tasks makes the work more meaningful. Taking advantage of construction site visits helps connect office work to engineering outcomes. Being detail-oriented is important because small mistakes can have large impacts. Communication with mentors and coworkers helps you learn faster. I would also encourage students to stay curious and proactive. This approach will help them get the most out of the internship.