Episode 178 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering at Bruce Howard Contracting.
- Discover why assuming utility power availability is a major mistake in modern data center development
- Trace Sherrill Crenshaw’s 38-year journey from Dominion Energy to data center-focused civil engineering
- Contrast how data center power expectations evolved from “perfect power” promises to today’s generation shortfalls
- Examine how public perception and NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) pressures shape transmission line approvals
- Uncover the shifting attitudes of counties and cities toward data center zoning and approvals
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering
Bruce Howard Contracting
Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering at Bruce Howard Contracting, discussed the evolving challenges in data center development, particularly the difficulty in obtaining utility power. He highlighted the shift in public perception and regulatory approval processes, noting a 180-degree turn in Virginia. Crenshaw shared his 38-year career at Dominion Energy, emphasizing the importance of transmission line approvals and the impact of AI on engineering. He advised students to pursue internships and consider careers in utilities and data centers. Crenshaw also discussed the need for flexible work schedules and the role of AI in improving efficiency and productivity.
- Explore practical career advice for students considering utilities, data centers, and construction as long-term paths
- Identify the value of internships and “two-way interviews” between students and employers in this industry
- Evaluate strategies for mid-career professionals to combat burnout and reinvent themselves without leaving the sector
- Compare career mobility options between large utilities, data center developers, and smaller engineering firms
- Assess the impact of hybrid and remote work on engineering, field work, and project delivery in utilities
- Analyze how AI and new software tools are beginning to influence routing, line design, and utility engineering workflows
- Recognize the bottlenecks created by generation constraints, gas supply, turbines, transformers, and other supply chain choke points
- Learn how proactive material standardization and bulk ordering can de-risk timelines for large-scale data center projects
- Appreciate why permitting, community relations, and multi-stakeholder education are now central to successful data center builds
- Consider emerging technology trends like advanced conductors, reconductoring, and alternate on-site generation options (e.g., gas) in meeting hyperscale demand
Power Isn’t a Given Anymore
In this episode of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast, host Joshua Feinberg sits down with Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering at Bruce Howard Contracting and former principal engineer at Dominion Energy, to unpack the rapidly evolving intersection of data centers, utilities, and career paths in this sector.
Sherrill begins by challenging one of the biggest assumptions in modern data center development: that utility power will simply be available when and where developers need it. That might have been mostly true five or ten years ago, but today, he explains, both generation capacity and transmission line approvals have become critical bottlenecks.
Even when you can engineer and construct lines, getting the necessary permits and community support is increasingly difficult, especially in regions like Virginia where data center growth has been intense.
From “Perfect Power” to Grid Constraints
Drawing on his 38-year career at Dominion, Sherrill reflects on how the industry evolved from the early days of “perfect power” promises to an environment where utilities are struggling to keep pace with demand; particularly in the wake of generative AI and hyperscale growth.
He shares how data centers shifted from being just another anonymous “project name” on the grid to highly visible, controversial infrastructure that sparks NIMBY opposition, town halls, and political involvement.
Career Paths in Utilities and Data Centers
The conversation then turns to career development. For students and early-career professionals, Sherrill strongly recommends considering utilities, data centers, and construction as stable, long-term career paths.
He highlights the enduring need for line engineers and other technical roles, even as AI and advanced software tools become more prevalent. Internships, he argues, should be treated as two-way interviews: companies evaluate students, and students should also assess whether the work, culture, and mission fit their long-term goals.
For mid-career professionals feeling burned out or stuck, Sherrill suggests exploring lateral moves within large utilities or shifting to adjacent areas such as data center developers, end users, or engineering firms.
Often, a change of department or vantage point can provide a new beginning without abandoning years of domain expertise. At the same time, he’s candid that smaller firms may offer fewer internal moves, which makes large organizations and major developers particularly attractive for those seeking variety and growth.
Supply Chain, Logistics, and Staying Ahead
Sherrill also dives into the supply chain and logistics realities behind the headlines. He explains how long lead times on transformers, turbines, conductors, and generators can stall billion-dollar projects for months; and how strategic decisions like standardizing materials and ordering in bulk helped his team stay ahead of demand.
The supply chain challenges around gas lines, turbines, and alternate generation options like on-site gas are another illustration of how every project now navigates a shifting set of constraints.
Why Continuous Learning Matters More Than Ever
Throughout the episode, Sherrill underscores the importance of continuous learning, staying current with evolving tools like AI-assisted routing and design, and building strong communication skills to work effectively with stakeholders: utilities, developers, regulators, communities, and internal teams alike.
Whether you’re a student eyeing your first role, a mid-career engineer seeking a reset, or a developer trying to understand the utility side of the equation, this conversation provides a grounded, real-world look at what it takes to build and power data centers in today’s environment—and where the biggest opportunities and risks
Guest Resources
- Connect with Sherrill Crenshaw, Director of Engineering at Bruce Howard Contracting, on LinkedIn
- Follow Bruce Howard Contracting on LinkedIn
- Learn About Bruce Howard Contracting
Resources
- Connect with Joshua Feinberg, CEO at DCSMI, on LinkedIn
- Follow DCSMI on LinkedIn
- Follow the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast on LinkedIn
- Learn About DCSMI
- Learn About the Data Center GTM Signal Crisis
- Ep. 154 Umaima Haider, Senior Lecturer - Computer Science & Digital Technologies at University of East London | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast
- Ep. 90 Lyoid Fussell of GenSystems Power Solutions and Jesse Webb of Jereh | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast
- Ep. 144 Matt Caldwell, Director - AI/Cloud Data Centers at Hyper Solutions | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast
- Ep. 152 Tim Heidel, CEO & Founder at VEIR | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast
- Subscribe to the Data Center GTM Briefing
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