After more than three decades solving complex engineering problems for others, John Charles Thompson (Chuck) realized he wanted to build something of his own. As founder of Chuck Consulting, LLC, a civil engineering consulting firm in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, Chuck provides targeted engineering support to small and mid-sized organizations that need specialized expertise without the cost of a full-time engineer. He has a further specialization in designing outdoor sports facilities and assisting such organizations in obtaining permits and licensing.

Before launching his business, Chuck spent decades as a professional engineer focused on technical problem-solving, project management, and client support. Along the way, he gained entrepreneurial exposure through rental property ownership and a small business specializing in home plans for new builds and renovations. These experiences, combined with a desire for greater flexibility and independence, led him to pursue entrepreneurship and build a business around his deep technical background.

Launching the business meant more than engineering work. Chuck suddenly found himself managing contracts, bookkeeping, marketing, and compliance—roles he hadn’t trained for but had to master quickly. He chose to bootstrap the business rather than pursue traditional financing, allowing Chuck Consulting to grow debt-free while establishing a client base in a competitive market. “The Penn State SBDC gave me clear guidance on how to set up my business structure, navigate the paperwork, and focus on growth,” Chuck said. “Their support made the startup process much less overwhelming.”

Chuck was referred to the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) through professional networking in Centre County. Beginning in early 2023, he worked with the SBDC on entity formation, marketing strategy, and financial planning. One-on-one consulting and educational resources provided clarity and confidence, particularly around legal and financial requirements, and the business officially launched later that year.

Since launching, Chuck Consulting, LLC has experienced steady year-over-year growth as its client base continues to expand. Through projects such as a recent collaboration with the YMCA, the business provides specialized engineering expertise that supports local organizations and community development. For Chuck, entrepreneurship has provided the freedom to pursue meaningful work, strengthen client relationships, and reflect on a career’s worth of experience, made possible in large part through guidance from the Penn State SBDC.