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/

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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/

Ep. 163 - From Layoff to Launch: How Mike Built Highpoint Engineering After the 2008 Crash | Mike Fabbiano

The EO Business Podcast

Ep. 163 - From Layoff to Launch: How Mike Built Highpoint Engineering After the 2008 Crash | Mike Fabbiano