Blake Hickok stepped into the CEO & President role at EEI in October 2025, but his impact has been years in the making. After leading the employee purchase of the firm from its founder in 2017, Blake now guides a 200‑person, employee‑owned organization delivering high‑performance building systems, shared ownership and a culture of possibility. In this conversation, he reflects on EEI’s transformation, the power of employee equity and what it means to lead with purpose at a defining moment for the company.
What inspired you to join EEI?
It’s less about what inspired me to join EEI and more about what inspires me to stay. I have the privilege of leading a company dedicated to delivering sustainable, resilient and high-performance building systems that truly make a difference for our clients, their organizations and the people they serve. In my role as CEO, I focus on cultivating an environment that attracts and retains world-class professionals, invites every team member to become an employee-owner and delivers the financial security and freedom that comes with shared ownership. From there, our exceptional team delivers with precision and purpose.
What project or accomplishment at EEI are you most proud of so far?
My proudest accomplishment has been championing, negotiating and ultimately purchasing 100% of EEI from its founder on behalf of the company’s current and future employees. The day after that transaction closed, I knew I had left a lasting handprint on the organization. EEI would no longer generate wealth for a single owner but instead provide financial security and opportunity for more than 200 employees and their families.
Given your recent promotion, how are you feeling about your CEO/President role?
I’m grateful to be surrounded by an incredible team of leaders wiling to challenge my perspective and offer constructive feedback when it matters most. I firmly believe none of us ever stop growing as professionals, and our leadership team actively pushes one another to evolve, myself included. Quite frankly, walking the high wire is a lot easier when you have a safety net. My safety net is an extraordinary group of leaders with whom I’m fortunate to collaborate with every day.
Outside of work, what keeps you energized and inspired?
Sharing what I’ve learned, along with the mistakes I’ve made, with my professional and personal communities, and watching others use those lessons to create positive change in their own lives. Spending time recharging and reconnecting with friends and family and traveling gives me energy. And, of course, reading a great book…preferably on a beach.
Looking ahead to 2026, what excites you most about EEI’s future?
In one word: Possibility. Over the past two years, EEI has undergone a meaningful cultural transformation. What was once a traditional MEP consulting firm has evolved into a rapidly growing, people-first, agile and innovative organization focused on delivering high‑performance systems. Our tagline is EEI Building Performance. We began by building our own performance, and now we’re moving forward, led by a team where the future feels limitless and everything truly feels possible.