About Us

Engineering Experts

The people that comprise VP aren’t merely employees. They’re the heart and backbone of our firm; the reason we’ve accomplished all we have since first opening our doors for business.

A man in a blue suit smiling for the camera.

Dino Pappas, PE

Principal
VP of Production
A smiling man wearing a tan jacket and a plaid shirt.

Kosta Pappas, PE

Principal
VP of Business Development & Marketing
A woman in a black blazer and white shirt smiling.

Katie Cothern

VP of Operations
A man in glasses smiling for the camera.

Sanjay Patel, PE

Associate Principal
Senior Project Manager
A man in a gray suit smiling for the camera.

Nicholas Pappas, PE

Associate Principal
Senior Design Manager
A man in a gray suit is smiling at the camera.

Daniel Payne

Senior Project Manager
Professional headshot of a smiling man in a blue suit and light blue shirt.

Alex Leven, EI

Project Manager
A bald man in a blue shirt standing in front of a white background.

Adam Cross

Plumbing Design Manager
A smiling man wearing a jacket and shirt.

Belete Zerihun

Electrical Design Manager
A smiling man in a blue and white checkered shirt.

Zach Joyce

Business Development Lead
A woman wearing a tan blazer and floral blouse.

Maddie Minogue

Marketing Manager
A man smiling in front of a white wall.

Brian Cothern

Technology Consultant

VP Engineering is a dynamic MEP and technology design firm offering over 20 years of engineering expertise in senior living, multi-family, hospitality, medical, industrial, retail/commercial and educational markets worldwide.

Visit Our Careers Page
Locations

2108 South Blvd, Suite 112, Charlotte, NC 28203
6301 Gaston Avenue, Suite 110, Dallas, TX 75214

Mailing Addresses

PO Box 12540, Charlotte, NC 28220
PO Box 95, Forney, TX, 75126

Contact Info

704-372-7755
info@vpce.com

Follow Us

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

Vp engineering logo on a green background.

VP Engineering is a dynamic MEP and technology design firm offering over 20 years of engineering expertise in senior living, multi-family, hospitality, industrial and retail/commercial markets worldwide.

Visit Our Careers Page
Locations
2108 South Blvd, Suite 112, Charlotte, NC 28203
Mailing Addresses
PO Box 12540, Charlotte, NC 28220
Contact Info

704-372-7755
info@vpce.com

Follow Us
Facebook Instagram Linkedin
© 2023 VP Engineering. All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy  |  Terms & Conditions  |  Disclaimer
A man with short dark hair and a beard is smiling, wearing a white shirt and a gray blazer, standing against a plain white background.

Brian Cothern

Technology Consultant

After serving in the Unites States Navy, Brian started his career in technology in 1998. Once he established a firm footing in telephony, he broadened his experience as the world of technology changed. For the next 22 years, his specialties would grow to include Data Networking, Wireless LAN, Nurse Call, Access Control, IP Surveillance and Paging Systems. Brian has experience designing technology solutions across the following industries: Healthcare, Higher Education, State and Local Government, Public Transportation, Logistics, and Manufacturing.

Brian utilizes his vast, real world, experience in implementing technology solutions to assist our clients in designing a technology package that will meet the ever-changing demands of our world.

Why VP?

VP is made up of a lot of wonderful people who are great to work with. The company concentrates a lot of time and effort to ensure that the environment is very team oriented. This results in a culture that stems from the desire to see not only yourself, but also your peers succeed.

Favorite VP Service Project?

I enjoyed partnering with the school district to help beautify Sedgefield Middle School. Seeing the results and the appreciation of the school staff and parents made it very worthwhile.
Omega Coney Island
Carolina Panthers
Snake removal
Anywhere there are mountains
2 Dogs (Adley and AnnaBelle), 2 Cats (Ally and Squirt), 1 Bird (Fionna), 1 Fish (Charlie), and 1 Stork (Aiden)
Diet Mountain Dew - non coffee flavored
A woman with long, wavy hair wearing a beige blazer over a patterned top, accessorized with layered necklaces, looks straight at the camera. The background is plain white.

Maddie Minogue

Marketing Manager

A visionary leader and co-founder of VP Engineering, Dino brings over 20 years of expertise in A/E/C to his role as Vice President of Production. His vast experience designing mechanical and plumbing systems for diverse buildings is matched by his passion for mentoring young engineers. Dino fosters a culture of excellence by providing clear direction, leading by example, and setting high expectations that propel his team forward. Dino’s comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle is invaluable. From guiding initial design concepts to finalizing construction documents, his keen eye ensures seamless project execution.
Dino further extends his expertise through insightful field inspections and meticulous punch list development, guaranteeing projects meet the highest standards. With as much detail as possible, please complete the following questions. Where applicable, please spell out industry acronyms or include complete company/client names (vs abbreviations).

Why VP?

At VP, we instill in everyone that good design is the baseline, and our real goal is exceptional service. With this in mind, we encourage our people to grow their personal and professional skillsets. Only through our people’s growth can VP maintain sustained growth.

Favorite VP Service Project?

Every time we do a service project together that helps a deserving organization it is a special memory for me.

I reserve the ability to change my opinion but for now:

  1. For pizza: Portofino’s
  2. For Greek: Ilios Craft
  3. For Tex-Mex: Frida’s
  4. For fast food: Five Guys
  5. For Steak: Wagon Wheel
  6. For Doughnuts or any sweet: Suarez Bakery
  7. For hanging out after work with co-workers: Tremont or Angry Ale’s
NC State Wolfpack
Leaving out critical words in emails then being hypercritical about it
Any place where I can spend time with family and friends
We used to have a fish tank and Bluee, our blue snail that cleaned the glass was our favorite. We are all allergic to different animals, so no more pets for us!
Freddo Espresso. Basically, it’s an iced espresso. But you don’t just dump the espresso on ice. This destroys the coffee’s taste. For a Freddo Espresso, you blend (or shake) one to three cubes of ice and a sweetener with 2-4 shots of espresso to cool it down. Then you pour this over a cup or glass of ice. You drink it with a straw. (Pro tip: Add milk froth to make it a Freddo Cappuccino.
A man with short dark hair and a beard smiles while wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, standing against a plain white background.

Zach Joyce

Business Development Lead

Zach, a veteran of the United States Air Force, spearheads our Business Development efforts out of the VP office in Dallas, Texas. He joined VP in 2009 as an Electrical Designer and was later promoted to Project Manager. His dedication and work ethic have propelled him to his current leadership role of Business Development Lead.

Zach’s commitment to building strong client relationships is a cornerstone of his success. He embodies VP’s core values – honesty, integrity, responsiveness, respect, and professionalism – in every interaction. For Zach, success isn’t just about results; it’s about fostering meaningful connections with both colleagues and clients

Why VP?

VP Engineering is family; they have always cared for the members of the company. They also value the work-life balance of their engineering leaders, understanding that a happy home life contributes to productivity and innovation within the company.

Favorite VP Service Project?

I enjoyed helping to beautify the exterior of Sedgefield Middle School with the school clean up project.
Al Biernat's Steak House
Football – Carolina Panthers. But baseball has to be the Texas Rangers.
I was a drummer for many years, played in several groups
Ireland
Our family dog, Macy. She’s a Flat Coated Retriever.
I don’t do coffee, but I do love hot chocolate!
A person with short hair and a goatee is smiling, wearing a patterned shirt under a dark blazer, standing against a plain white background.

Belete Zerihun

Electrical Design Manager

Belete Zerihun began working in the A/E/C industry as an electrical designer in 2003. Now a seasoned Design Manager, he prioritizes the successful operation of his design team. Once a goal is set, he achieves it: accurately and on time. Belete leads by example and is grounded in loyalty and the confidence in himself and the designers around him.

Belete is an outstanding Design Manager, with a love for mentoring new employees and watching a project go from design to reality. His interest and background in business processes makes him a successful leader and team member. He is excited about the positive developments in VP’s recent growth: from operations to production. With over 20 years of experience working as an MEP consultant, Belete is an invaluable part of the VP Engineering team.

Why VP?

VP is an extremely family oriented place to work!

Favorite VP Service Project?

Every time we do a service project together that helps a deserving organization it is a special memory for me.
No favorites!
Carolina Panthers
I haven’t discovered it yet, but maybe counseling!
Ethiopia
No pets
Coffee with Cream
A man with a bald head wearing a light blue collared shirt stands against a plain white background.

Adam Cross

Plumbing Design Manager

Engineering runs in Adam’s blood. Following in his father’s footsteps, Adam joined VP Engineering in 2007 as a Plumbing Designer and was later promoted to Plumbing Design Manager. He’s always been drawn to the problem-solving nature of engineering, and after graduating, he dove headfirst into the A/E/C industry, putting his passion to work.

With over a decade of experience designing plumbing systems, Adam brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His keen eye for detail ensures the accuracy of drawings and design documents, guaranteeing VP’s clients receive top-quality, dependable solutions. His consistent track record, dependability, and trustworthiness make him a pillar of the design team.

Why VP?

We all enjoy each other’s company even outside of work. Additionally, I get to experience other cultures when working with our Greek offices and everybody is very understanding if something last minute comes up in your life.

Favorite VP Service Project?

The Sedgefield Middle School Campus Cleanup and the Beds for Kids project where we built beds and donated furniture to families in need.
Flying Saucer
Carolina Panthers
I used to be pretty good at roller hockey but that was like 15 years ago
Costa Rica
Not at this time
I’m not a coffee drinker!
A man with short dark hair, beard, and blue eyes is smiling, wearing a blue shirt and dark blazer, facing the camera against a plain white background.

Alex Leven, EI

Project Manager

Inspired by his father’s engineering career, Alex propelled his childhood interest in mathematics and computers into his own successful career in the MEP industry. Well-versed in heat loss/gain calculations, equipment selection, duct design, and piping design, Alex’s collaborative approach to projects helps ensure that they are completed on-time and on-budget.

Armed with critical communication and leadership skills, Alex isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He enjoys the new challenges projects present each day and relishes the opportunity to tackle them with integrity and innovation.

Why VP?

VP Engineering is unique in its camaraderie. You’re not just working with colleagues – you’re working with friends.

Favorite VP Service Project?

Definitely the Sedgefield Middle School Campus Cleanup. I always get a laugh out of four engineers gathered around a pressure washer trying to figure out how to get it working.
The Dumpling Lady at Optimist Hall
Florida Gators
I speak German
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Our dog Willow
Lavender Vanilla Iced Latte from Wooden Robot
A man wearing a light-colored suit jacket and a checked shirt smiles while looking directly at the camera against a plain white background.

Daniel Payne

Senior Project Manager

A passion for math and engineering ignited Daniel Payne’s career in the A/E/C industry in 2005. Since joining VP Engineering in 2013, Daniel’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic have made him a standout Senior Project Manager.

He thrives on exceeding expectations, ensuring exceptional customer service and top-notch designs for every project. Daniel’s love for exploration translates into a passion for tackling diverse projects across various locations.

Why VP?

VP is unique in the openness of our culture and our family atmosphere.

Favorite VP Service Project?

I enjoyed the project we did with Beds for Kids. Being able to help assemble and deliver items that are helping those less fortunate was extremely rewarding.
Not one in particular!
All the South Carolina Gamecocks teams and the Carolina Panthers
I can juggle and walk on stilts
Jamaica
No pets
Decaf Iced Coffee with Cream and Splenda (I know I am simple)
A man with short gray hair and a beard is wearing a gray blazer over a white dress shirt, standing against a plain white background.

Nicholas Pappas, PE

Associate Principal
Senior Design Manager

A natural fit for the engineering world, Nicholas Pappas joined VP Engineering in 2007, even before graduating from UNC-Charlotte in 2008. Surrounded by engineers throughout his life, and excelling in math and physics, his career path was almost preordained.

Now a Mechanical Design Manager and Associate Principal at VP Engineering, Nicholas brings a unique blend of talent and dedication. His commitment to excellence extends beyond his technical expertise. Nicholas exemplifies the qualities of a true leader, embodying the motto: “a leader should never ask someone to do something that they themselves are not willing to do.” He leads by example, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and a relentless pursuit of knowledge through ongoing education on new products and designs.

Why VP?

Our company’s unwavering commitment to its 5 core values guides everything we do for our clients. This strong foundation allows for a truly collaborative environment where I can work hand-in-hand with colleagues. Together, we brainstorm design strategies and tackle challenges head-on, ensuring we deliver the best possible solutions. No matter the unique situation, our teamwork, fueled by our shared values, guarantees exceptional customer service for every client.

Favorite VP Service Project?

I broke my wrist at the last service project so that one was memorable…but unfortunately, I did not really participate. If I had to pick one, I enjoyed volunteering at the Charlotte Mission Rescue where we helped prepare meals for the residents.
Too many to count but if I had to pick one, Little Village Grill
I have an unreasonable and sometimes excessive amount of knowledge about the most random subjects and topics
Camping Trips in the Mountains
We have a Beta Fish named Jax Pappas
I don’t drink coffee, but I will take a Monster Energy Ultra (Zero Ultra, Ultra Peachy Keen, Ultra Paradise
A man wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a dark gray blazer smiles at the camera against a plain white background.

Sanjay Patel, PE

Associate Principal
Senior Project Manager

A seasoned mechanical design leader, Sanjay brings over 20 years of experience to VP Engineering, where he excels as an Associate Principal and Senior Project Manager. Since joining the A/E/C industry in 2004, he’s become an integral part of the VP team, leading projects with a focus on client success and fostering a positive work environment.

For Sanjay, true leadership is a two-way street. He empowers his colleagues by providing clear direction that benefits both the project and the company, while fostering a collaborative and enjoyable work atmosphere. He thrives on theintellectual challenge of complex engineering problems, finding it “refreshing” to tackle diverse project types and apply his expertise in new ways.

Why VP?

At VP Engineering, you’ll experience an exciting, fast-paced work environment with a supportive, family-like atmosphere that fosters personal and professional growth.

Favorite VP Service Project?

ROC Center. It was a new facility in Charlotte that was a partnership between Goodwill and CPCC that provided a technical/trade school for those who would like to be electricians, HVAC technicians, etc. It was a neat project to be a part of because of the mission of the Owners and Operators to provide affordable training for those that wanted to learn.
Leroy Fox
None!
Greece
No pets!
Freddo Cappuccino. You can’t order it in the US; you have to make it. Or reference Dino Pappas’ profile for specific directions.
A woman with straight brown hair, smiling, wearing a black blazer over a white blouse, in front of a plain white background.

Katie Cothern

VP of Operations

After being with VP for 16 years now, it’s safe to say that many of us have literally grown up together. Not only in age and life experiences but also in business growth and advancement opportunities. There are not many companies that create an environment where you not only enjoy what you do but who you work with!

Why VP?

After being with VP for 16 years now, it’s safe to say that many of us have literally grown up together. Not only in age and life experiences but also in business growth and advancement opportunities. There are not many companies that create an environment where you not only enjoy what you do but who you work with!

Favorite VP Service Project?

I really enjoyed serving at a men’s recovery center and working with Beds for Kids. Helping others alongside coworkers is a bonding experience that carries into how you work together professionally.
Anything Mexican!
Carolina Panthers
Rearranging furniture in a room!
London, Ireland, Aruba
2 dogs (Adley & Annabelle), 1 cat (Ally), 1 Parrot (Fiona), 1 Fish (Charlie 3.0)
I love peppermint year-round. So, anything that has mint in it - I’m for it!
A man with short hair is smiling, wearing a light beige blazer over a checkered shirt. The background is plain white.

Kosta Pappas, PE

Principal
VP of Business Development & Marketing

A lifelong learner with a passion for science and math, Kosta Pappas co-founded VP Engineering and now serves as its Vice President of Business Development and Marketing. His natural curiosity fueled his journey into engineering, where his meticulous attention to detail and exceptional time management skills propelled him through various roles. Kosta’s expertise spans across electrical systems, fire alarms, security systems, and generators, catering to a diverse range of building projects. His comprehensive understanding of the design process extends beyond the drawing board, encompassing insightful field inspections and effective construction administration meetings. As both a Principal and Founder, Kosta embodies true leadership. In his own words, “true leadership is being able to relay your vision to others and inspire them to achieve it.” This collaborative approach fosters a motivated and empowered team, driving VP Engineering’s continued success.

Why VP?

The people. The people. The people. From the start the people here at VP have been what sets us apart. To be a good engineer or designer and to do good design work is baseline here. You also need to go past that and embody our core values. All of us working together as a single unit, towards the same end goals is what makes us a great company and a true joy to be around everyone.

Favorite VP Service Project?

Two really stand out to me. Cleaning Sedgefield Middle School – I attended that school as a young child many years ago and it was so nice to go back and visit. Also, it was nice to help spruce it back up! Our yearly Christmas gift donations to a family in need. Specifically, the one we did in 2023. The family was so appreciative and their children are wonderful!
Soul Gastrolounge. I know it’s been closed for a while, but they have a food truck and I’m still counting it. They are supposed to open this year and I can’t wait!
Carolina Panthers, are there other teams in the world?
I can’t sing. Seriously I can’t, I’m horrible at it. Don’t even ask me to draw anything either. You will only get stick figures. If you ask my children, my hidden talent is being mean to them.
Anywhere with my family, well until the children start complaining and then my wife and I want to take them back home! Kidding. If it’s the beach – Caribbean (I’ll take any island!) If it’s not the beach, I like to visit new places. Two bucket list locations are Australia and New Zealand.
No pets!
I’ve been forced into the world of coffee because everyone that cares for me doesn’t want me drinking energy drinks anymore. I don’t have a favorite coffee, or I can’t even claim to know how to order them correctly. I drink it very plain, no sugar, no milk, just plain! Oh and I don’t like hot drinks, so I usually put it over ice.
A man in a blue suit jacket with a white shirt stands against a plain white background, smiling.

Dino Pappas, PE

Principal
VP of Production

A visionary leader and co-founder of VP Engineering, Dino brings over 20 years of expertise in A/E/C to his role as Vice President of Production. His vast experience designing mechanical and plumbing systems for diverse buildings is matched by his passion for mentoring young engineers. Dino fosters a culture of excellence by providing clear direction, leading by example, and setting high expectations that propel his team forward. Dino’s comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle is invaluable. From guiding initial design concepts to finalizing construction documents, his keen eye ensures seamless project execution.
Dino further extends his expertise through insightful field inspections and meticulous punch list development, guaranteeing projects meet the highest standards. With as much detail as possible, please complete the following questions. Where applicable, please spell out industry acronyms or include complete company/client names (vs abbreviations).

Why VP?

At VP, we instill in everyone that good design is the baseline, and our real goal is exceptional service. With this in mind, we encourage our people to grow their personal and professional skillsets. Only through our people’s growth can VP maintain sustained growth.

Favorite VP Service Project?

Every time we do a service project together that helps a deserving organization it is a special memory for me.

I reserve the ability to change my opinion but for now:

  1. For pizza: Portofino’s
  2. For Greek: Ilios Craft
  3. For Tex-Mex: Frida’s
  4. For fast food: Five Guys
  5. For Steak: Wagon Wheel
  6. For Doughnuts or any sweet: Suarez Bakery
  7. For hanging out after work with co-workers: Tremont or Angry Ale’s
NC State Wolfpack
Leaving out critical words in emails then being hypercritical about it
Any place where I can spend time with family and friends
We used to have a fish tank and Bluee, our blue snail that cleaned the glass was our favorite. We are all allergic to different animals, so no more pets for us!
Freddo Espresso. Basically, it’s an iced espresso. But you don’t just dump the espresso on ice. This destroys the coffee’s taste. For a Freddo Espresso, you blend (or shake) one to three cubes of ice and a sweetener with 2-4 shots of espresso to cool it down. Then you pour this over a cup or glass of ice. You drink it with a straw. (Pro tip: Add milk froth to make it a Freddo Cappuccino.