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James Buck, P.E.

I am a licensed Professional Engineer with nearly 40 years of experience in the transportation and environmental consulting industry. After graduating from West Point in 1986 with a degree in Civil Engineering, I served as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where I developed a strong foundation in leadership and project execution.

All About Me

Following my military service, I earned an MBA from SUNY Buffalo and moved to North Carolina, where I began my career with NCDOT and later transitioned into private consulting. In 2000, I co-founded Buck Engineering, which grew to over 65 professionals and a companion construction company before being acquired by Michael Baker International in 2006. That transition exposed me to the complexities of North Carolina’s Professional Corporation Act (GS 55B) and its impact on firm ownership.

In 2014, I co-founded Three Oaks Engineering, where I currently serve as CFO. Our firm has grown steadily, providing transportation, natural resources, traffic, hydraulic, and roadway design services to DOT clients across NC, SC, and VA. Today we employ 60+ professionals and are recognized for collaborative, client-focused solutions.

Through Pre-69 Engineering Corporation, I now help other engineering and surveying firms navigate ownership transition challenges under GS 55B. My focus is on continuity—preserving the legacy of firms and their relationships, while ensuring a smooth transition for employees and clients.