Exploring Life & Business with Paige Brue of Surf City Hydraulic Engineering

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Brue.

Hi Paige, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for water resources and stormwater engineering started in high school. During my senior year, my hometown of Franklin, Indiana, experienced a devastating flood that greatly impacted the community. Seeing the effects of that event on my hometown deeply influenced my perspective and sparked a lasting interest in floodplain management. I went to Purdue University to study Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering and earned a graduate degree from North Carolina State University. I began working in environmental consulting after graduating from graduate school and eventually moved to California with my (now) husband. I’ve been fortunate to work at some great companies throughout my career, but I always knew that owning my own business was the end goal. During the pandemic, I—like many people—had time to step back and reflect on where my life and career were headed. With so much already in flux, it felt like the right time to take the leap. I started freelancing and gradually built a strong client base, which allowed me to officially launch Surf City Hydraulic Engineering in November 2023. The journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While this entrepreneurial journey has been rewarding, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Starting a business comes with a steep learning curve, especially when you’re transitioning from being an engineer focused almost exclusively on technical work to also being a business owner who must be involved in all aspects of a business. Building a consistent client base, learning to price work appropriately, and handling the administrative aspects of running a company are among the most significant challenges I have faced thus far. I have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of my husband, friends, mentors, and others who have helped and encouraged me along the way. I’m still early in this journey and have a lot left to learn, but I’m grateful for the progress so far and excited about what’s ahead.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Surf City Hydraulic Engineering (Surf City H2O) is a civil engineering consulting firm based in Huntington Beach, California. We specialize in drainage and stormwater engineering, providing affordable, high-quality construction documents and reliable engineering analysis for architects, landscape architects, developers, and homeowners navigating grading approvals.

Our core services include grading and drainage plans, stormwater management plans/reports, and hydrology reports. Much of our work focuses on helping projects move smoothly through the permitting process by providing clear, defensible designs that meet local requirements while remaining practical and constructible.

What sets Surf City H2O apart is our balance of technical rigor and accessibility. We pride ourselves on being highly responsive, transparent, and easy to work with—especially for clients unfamiliar with the engineering or permitting process.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust we have built with our clients in a relatively short time. Surf City H2O has become known for its responsiveness and reliable deliverables. Our name reflects both our location and our identity: professional, modern, and grounded in the coastal Southern California communities we serve.

What I want readers to know is that I started Surf City H2O to be a reliable partner for our clients—one that values sound engineering, practical solutions, and long-term relationships just as much as technical expertise.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that starting your own business does not mean you have to do everything alone. At first, I felt a lot of pressure to figure things out on my own. After all, I was the one who chose to start the company. It did not take me long to learn that it’s not only okay—but necessary—to ask for help from others, whether that’s a business coach, mentors, peers, or trusted professionals. Having that support has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Building a business is a collaborative journey-even if you are a solopreneur. Recently, I have been working with a business coach to refine my processes. It has saved me an incredible amount of time—and a lot of unnecessary frustration. Enlisting the help of someone who understands business growth has allowed me to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Thank you to Sami Toussi for all of your help!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://surfcityh2o.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfcityh2o/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/surfcityh2o
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurfCityH2o