Dan Stokes

Director of MEP Estimating | Building Elite Teams that Drive Project Success | Supporting GC Partners on Complex, High-Impact Jobs Across the U.S

New Braunfels, Texas, United States

About

I’ve spent several years in the world of MEP estimating, blending my background in both mechanical and electrical design to help turn complex ideas into clear, actionable numbers. Today, I lead multiple talented estimating teams that support every stage of a project’s life cycle — from the first concept on paper to the final day on site. My role goes beyond just crunching numbers. I manage project teams, plan and define scopes of work (whether from detailed drawings or on-site visits), estimate material and labor costs, and work closely with vendors and subcontractors to get the most accurate pricing possible. Once the numbers are in our team pulls it all together into detailed recaps, proposals, and bids that give our partners confidence in moving forward. What I love most is building strong, high-performing teams. I’m passionate about developing clear estimating and training methods so my people can grow in their careers and take on bigger challenges. I believe estimating is more than a support role — it’s a strategic partner to engineering, sales, operations, and the field. When we get it right, we set the tone for the entire project’s success. At the end of the day, I thrive in a team environment. I enjoy solving tough problems, chasing challenging projects, and helping our GC partners deliver work they can be proud of — anywhere in the country.

Experience

  • Director Of Estimating at Southland Industries
    Aug 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Lead multi-discipline estimating teams (mechanical, electrical, existing building) that win and deliver complex, high-value projects nationwide. Built scalable estimating processes, elevated accuracy, and strengthened GC relationships — resulting in more competitive bids and higher win rates on challenging projects.

  • The Brandt Companies (3 yrs 5 mos)
    • Senior Estimator - Existing Building/Industrial Preconstruction
      Nov 2021 - Aug 2022 · 10 mos

      Drove successful pursuits for industrial and existing building work by streamlining scope development and cost analysis. Enhanced vendor and subcontractor engagement, improving cost certainty and accelerating turnaround times.

    • Senior Estimator - New Work Preconstruction
      Apr 2019 - Nov 2021 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      Helped secure major new construction contracts by translating complex designs into clear, competitive bids. Collaborated closely with engineering, operations, and field teams to ensure budgets aligned with real-world execution.

  • Mechanical/Electrical Designer at RMS Engineers LLC
    Nov 2015 - Apr 2019 · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Designed mechanical and electrical systems with precision, ensuring constructability, compliance, and efficiency for commercial and industrial projects. Known for bridging the gap between engineering intent and contractor execution.

  • Mechanical/Electrical Designer at CYMI Industrial
    Jun 2014 - Oct 2015 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Produced accurate, build-ready MEP designs that supported large-scale industrial projects. Strengthened collaboration between field crews and design teams.

  • Instrument and Electrical Designer at Principal Technology Engineering
    Apr 2006 - May 2014 · 8 yrs 2 mos

    Developed detailed electrical and instrumentation designs for complex systems, delivering on tight deadlines while maintaining exceptional quality standards.