HERBERT JOHNSON earned his bachelor s degree in civil engineering and later a master s degree in geotechnical engineering from Mississippi State University. He is the president and founder of HVJ Associates, Inc., a specialty civil engineering firm with offices throughout Texas. The company, under his leadership, has received many awards, including twice being recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of Inc. 500 s fastest growing companies, and receiving the PSMJ prestigious Circle of Excellence Award.