Stormwater management plays a crucial role in protecting communities from flooding. As weather patterns shift due to climate change, finding better solutions has become more urgent.
Jon Rasmussen has been at the forefront of this effort for nearly 30 years, bringing innovation and expertise to stormwater management. His work in design and construction has significantly improved how communities manage stormwater.
A Journey Rooted in Engineering
Rasmussen has a long career in engineering. He has served as the chief executive officer of Flood-Con, a stormwater management company, since 2016. Before founding Flood-Con, he was a corporate partner at Gonzalez-Strength and Associates Inc. for more than 20 years.
“I’ve always been driven to make a real impact on society,” Rasmussen says. “That’s what fuels my work and pushes me to find better solutions for stormwater management.”
His journey began early. At 16, he began his career in consulting and civil site design, building the foundation that led him to his current position. His extensive experience in civil engineering and design has been vital in shaping his successful approach to managing stormwater.
Innovating for the Future: Founding Flood-Con
In 2016, Rasmussen took his expertise to the next level by becoming the chief executive officer of Flood-Con. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to create and market flood control products that address the challenges of stormwater runoff. His forward-looking approach led to the development of a patented system for flood control, designed to manage water flows without altering streams or rivers.
“Our systems use automation and data to retrofit existing infrastructure,” he explains. “This approach helps mitigate flooding in any flood-prone area, reducing the need for extensive, costly infrastructure projects.”
His product’s ability to collect real-time data using cellular technology instead of Wi-Fi makes it an ideal solution for stormwater management. This technology has supported flood control systems across several U.S. states.
A Dedication to Innovation and Data-driven Solutions
Rasmussen’s work in stormwater management centers on innovation. He was inspired to develop his patented flood control system after realizing the limitations of traditional methods used since the 1970s when the Clean Water Act was implemented.
“I wanted to find a way to reduce the size of stormwater ponds while improving their efficiency,” Rasmussen reflects. “That was the catalyst for developing a system that integrates automation and data collection for better flood control.”
His flood control system can upload data every minute, providing engineers and environmentalists with a wealth of information about storm events and hurricanes. Rasmussen hopes his technology can contribute valuable insights into climate change and assist organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Looking Forward: Expanding the Reach of Flood-Con
In the future, Rasmussen plans to expand the reach of his inventive stormwater management products. He aims to install his systems across the U.S. in the next three to five years. His goal is not just to sell products but to ensure that they make a lasting, positive impact. “By retrofitting existing facilities and using automation, we can make a real difference in flood-prone areas.”
Rasmussen’s perseverance and commitment to improving stormwater management position him for continued success. He remains optimistic about the future of flood control and his technology’s role in protecting communities nationwide.
Jordan French is the Founder and Executive Editor of Grit Daily Group , encompassing Financial Tech Times, Smartech Daily, Transit Tomorrow, BlockTelegraph, Meditech Today, High Net Worth magazine, Luxury Miami magazine, CEO Official magazine, Luxury LA magazine, and flagship outlet, Grit Daily. The champion of live journalism, Grit Daily’s team hails from ABC, CBS, CNN, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Forbes, Fox, PopSugar, SF Chronicle, VentureBeat, Verge, Vice, and Vox. An award-winning journalist, he was on the editorial staff at TheStreet.com and a Fast 50 and Inc. 500-ranked entrepreneur with one sale. Formerly an engineer and intellectual-property attorney, his third company, BeeHex, rose to fame for its “3D printed pizza for astronauts” and is now a military contractor. A prolific investor, he’s invested in 50+ early stage startups with 10+ exits through 2023.