From Layoff to Launch: Building Highpoint Engineering After the 2008 Crash | EP. 163 Mike Fabbiano

Guest: Mike Fabbiano, EO Boston member since 2016, Co-Founder of Highpoint Engineering Host: Linh Podetti, EO Sydney member since 2022, owner of Outsourcing Angel Mike shares how a sudden layoff during the 2008 financial crisis pushed him to launch Highpoint Engineering from scratch. With grit and creativity, he transformed adversity into opportunity—growing a land development consulting firm that consistently competes in complex, high-stakes projects. Beyond business, Mike opens up about personal discovery, leadership challenges, and the mindset shifts that shaped his entrepreneurial path.In this episode of the EO Business Podcast, Mike opens up about: -Starting a business in the middle of an economic downturn - Competing in “big arenas” as a small firm - From introvert to confident business leader -Navigating the entitlement process in land development - Balancing growth, family, and reinvention Watch now and subscribe for more raw stories from entrepreneurs around the world. ABOUT MIKE Mike Fabbiano is a seasoned civil engineer and entrepreneur based in Dedham, Massachusetts. He co-founded Highpoint Engineering in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, building a land development consulting firm that thrives on complex projects where design, permitting, and execution intersect. With over 25 years of industry experience, Mike is known for navigating the entitlement process with precision, bringing together technical expertise, regulatory insight, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver results. As Highpoint’s visionary leader, he drives growth through project management, sales, technology, and administration, all while maintaining a hands-on entrepreneurial approach. Outside of business, Mike is a devoted husband and father, passionate about golf, food, and travel, especially if there’s a beach involved. CONNECT WITH MIKE FABBIANO Website: www.highpointeng.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabbiano/ -------------------- ABOUT EO Entrepreneur's Organization (EO) is a global business network of 18,000 + influential business owners in over 220 chapters across 76 countries. We offer world-class events that encompass engaging entrepreneur and business stories, skills-specific workshops, and exciting social gatherings. Our mission is to drive both business and personal growth through peer-to-peer learning, providing support for the holistic entrepreneur experience covering business, family, community, and personal aspects. As a not-for-profit organization, all our funds directly contribute to member benefits. If you're a business owner with revenues ranging from US$250k to US$1m, you can join our Accelerator Program. If your revenues exceed US$1m, you can join the main EO Program in your nearest local chapter. To join or find out more about your nearest chapter, visit https://www.eonetwork.org/why-join/apply-for-membership-form. For further information, please contact: Podcast Host Linh Podetti: linh@outsourcingangel.com.au General Inquiries: support@eonetwork.org.au EO Sydney: www.eosydney.com.au EO Global: https://hub.eonetwork.org/ EO Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneursOrganization -------------------- ABOUT THE HOST Linh Podetti is the CEO and Founder of Outsourcing Angel, a Sydney-based company that helps to create jobs for people in the Philippines while creating freedom for business owners around the world. Outsourcing Angel provides Systemise & Scale Up Services as well as Recruitment of Virtual Assistants to help business owners grow a business that doesn't rely on them. Linh has been an active member of EO Sydney since June 2022, and she actively seeks out opportunities to promote and uplift fellow entrepreneurs. Business Website: www.outsourcingangel.com Personal Website: https://www.linhpodetti.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@360degreesuccesslife Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linhpodetti/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linh.podetti/