Bakewell Media, owner of the L.A. Sentinel, will observe Black Men’s History Month throughout the month of June by recognizing some of the dynamic men in Southern California.
Difficult or complicated projects are no match for engineering firm owner Elvin W. Moon because his company’s motto is “meeting today’s challenges by building for tomorrow.”
As the owner of E.W. Moon Inc., he leads a team of professionals in designing and constructing a range of multifaceted jobs in both the private and public sectors. With clients such as the City of Los Angeles, L.A. County and various municipalities across the country, Moon’s portfolio encompasses public works, schools, transportation, airports, ports and harbors, and water resource systems.
Explaining the keys to his company’s success, Moon said, “In today’s business climate, the marriage of technology, innovation, and risk-taking is important; it is the blueprint for many successful companies.
“No more status quo stagnation. Building for tomorrow means not just disrupting an existing space, but rather, creating a whole new space. Also, I would encourage people not to be afraid to take risks and fail; previous failures are often important facilitators to eventual successes,” he added.
Moon is also a big advocate of young people and dedicates considerable time to mentoring young Black men interested in engineering careers. Prior to the pandemic, he led an educational program for young African American males, which involved sharing his business expertise with high school students as well as providing training in various aspects of his profession.
During these sessions, Moon would advise his mentees, “Building takes preparation, so preparedness is key. Education is important as a foundation, but experience – be it professional, entrepreneurial, general, or specialized – any real-world practical business experience is invaluable.”
A native of Arkansas, Moon applied the experiences he encountered in life to achieving business success. He started his first business at the age of 10 and continued to soar while earning a B.S. degree from the University of Arkansas and a M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
His educational credentials resulted in Moon securing management positions at several Fortune 500 engineering companies including Bechtel International Corporation. In 1985, he founded E.W. Moon, Inc., which has grown into a nationally recognized firm noted for engineering excellence. As his career expanded, Moon also became a major shareholder in Marina del Rey’s Killer Shrimp Restaurant
In recognition of his achievements, former President Bill Clinton tapped Moon to first serve on Clinton’s transition team in 1995 and two years later, appointed Moon to the Presidential Advisory Committee on Critical Infrastructure Protection, which evolved into today’s Department of Homeland Security.
Clinton also commended Moon in 2010 when the Black Business Association presented E.W. Moon, Inc., with the Business of the Year Award. In tribute, Clinton said, “Moon was instrumental in guiding state, local and federal governments on issues of safety and development, producing a roadmap for America’s infrastructure safety in the 21st century.”
In addition, Moon is a former member of the National Urban League and previously served as president of the NAACP – L.A. Chapter. Currently, he is a member of the Los Angeles County Planning Commission and Los Angeles City Building and Safety Commission.
A man of deep faith, he held the position of public policy director for the AME Fifth Episcopal District under retired Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr. He also credits God for instilling in him a desire to live a life of purpose.
“I believe that God gave every one of us a talent, so we have to use it. He gave me a talent, and I use it,” said Moon.
“You’ve got to find out what you’re good at and keep getting better at it!”
To learn more, visit www.ewmooninc.com.
