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Scott Ghent’s legacy at Foundry Commercial is one of unwavering dedication, humility, and an indomitable sense of camaraderie. For over 17 years, he served as one of the company’s lead building engineers, embodying the best qualities of a leader, mentor, and friend.
Scott was a cornerstone of Foundry Commercial’s operations, especially in Central Florida. His calm demeanor in high-pressure situations set him apart. Director of Property Management Nancy Hanson recalls an incident in 2012 at the CNL 1 building when an arc flash caused a fire, damaging the electrical systems and sending tenants home for days. “Scott worked tirelessly—24/7 for three straight days—to get temporary power up with huge generators so tenants could return to work. He never panicked, even when everything seemed to be falling apart,” she shared. That steadiness became his hallmark, inspiring his team and earning the respect of everyone he encountered.
Beyond his technical expertise, Scott’s human touch left an indelible mark. He treated everyone with respect, no matter their role, and made an effort to connect personally with his colleagues. Joe Fernandez, a Senior Chief Engineer at Wycliffe, who worked alongside Scott for nearly two decades, remembers his humility vividly. “No matter his position, Scott wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves. I remember seeing him knee-deep in mud, digging a hole near the Round Building. A busload of kids drove by and yelled, ‘You should have stayed in school!’ Scott just laughed and kept going. The joke was on them, really. He was one of the smartest and most educated guys around. We’re all lucky he knew exactly what he was doing knee-deep in that mud.”
Scott’s career was filled with accomplishments, including earning FMA and SMA certifications from BOMA and being named BOMA’s Building Engineer of the Year. He was a constant learner, staying ahead of technology and regulations, and generously shared his knowledge with others. “Scott believed that if the team grew alongside him, the entire company would thrive,” Nancy said. His mentorship transformed the careers of many.
Joe credits Scott with shaping his professional approach. “He taught me patience and the importance of staying calm in difficult situations. When there was a major power outage or water damage, Scott never got upset. He approached every problem methodically, ensuring we got things running smoothly again.”
Scott also prioritized building trust and camaraderie. Whether working late nights during emergencies or sharing a laugh at a Foundry party, he created an environment where his team felt valued. “We’d hang out after hours, talk about work and life, and truly got to know one another,” Joe reminisced. “That level of trust is priceless. It’s rare to have someone who you know always has your back.”
As much as Scott was a leader in his professional life, he was equally devoted to his family. His two daughters were the lights of his life, and colleagues often heard stories about their milestones. His wife, Christine, traveled frequently for work, so Scott took on a hands-on role in their upbringing. “He loved cooking for his family, and one of the byproducts of that was that he was known to bring fancy lunches to the office the next day,” Nancy laughed, reflecting on how Scott’s personal passions seamlessly blended with his work life.
Scott’s legacy at Foundry Commercial extends far beyond his technical skills and professional accolades. He was a mentor, a leader, and a friend whose steady presence created a culture of respect, trust, and hard work. His approach to life and work serves as a guiding principle for those he mentored and continues to inspire the next generation of engineers at Foundry.
Joe summed it up best: “Bad things happen, but we have to be the calm ones in the room. That’s what Scott taught me. No complaints, no silos; just do what needs to be done. His legacy is one of quiet strength, and we carry it forward every day.”
