Growing up, Brent Edwards thought he’d like to be a marine biologist like Jacques Cousteau. While Edwards isn’t traveling the seas today, he’s still working with water. Edwards owns Edwards Engineering in Napa. Water development is the firm’s area of expertise. 

“We design reservoirs, pump stations and irrigation systems and help people who are thinking about developing new vineyards,” Edwards said. 

The company also recently started a mapping business called Pacific Geodata.

With which three people would you most like to have dinner with? 

Authors John Steinbeck, Ray Bradbury, and at my daughter Kathryn’s request, the Jonas Brothers.

What job would you like to try/not like to try? 

Try: Fighter pilot.

Not try: Any job that requires a necktie, cubicle or big city.

What was your first job?

I was a delivery boy for Evan’s Drug Store in Salinas.

What’s the worst job you ever had?

Welding the inside of stainless steel fertilizer tanks to repair leaks. That was before employers worried about safety equipment, like respirators. Someone just stood outside the tank and watched to see if you passed out.

How did you get into this business? 

I was a senior at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Drew Aspegren of Napa Valley Vineyard Engineering was looking for a summer intern. I worked for them for four years. I fell in love with the Napa Valley and the wine industry and here I am 21 years later.

What’s on your to-do list? 

I would like to travel more. I visited London and Madrid two years ago and look forward to seeing more of Europe.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet? 

Parachute from a plane and write a book — I think jumping from a plane might be easier.

What’s your favorite gift to give?

Books, preferably old books.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you? 

I used to work in a speed shop and race air-cooled Volkswagens. And that I like to write short stories.

What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions?”

Bob Scansi, Scansi & Associates.

Brian Shepard, Walsh Vineyards Management.

More from Brent Edwards

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Cash flow.

I can’t live without: My wife and kids, good wine, food and friends.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

On a tropical beach with a book and a large pink drink with a slice of pineapple and an umbrella.

What is your favorite charity?

As a company, we emphasize supporting local individuals in need and local charities rather than larger, national organizations.

Who do you most admire in the business world?

One of my in-laws, Ed Sylvester, is a civil engineer in Grass Valley. He used his engineering business as a means of getting involved in other business ventures, which is something we have tried to emulate.

Each Wednesday, the Napa Valley Register’s Business Focus asks “10 Questions” of a local entrepreneur or businessperson. Readers are welcome to suggest business people to be profiled. To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com