Ryon Wharton

Employee Spotlight

Ryon-Wharton-General-Manager

Ryon has been with Stormwater Professionals Group since 2018, when the company was still in its infancy.  Being part of a small company means you have to be flexible and learn new skills outside of your comfort zone. Ryon has had to do just that.  He was originally hired to manage the ongoing permitting process, but in short order took on SWQMP narrative preparation as well as helping accounting with billing.  This “baptism by fire” showcases Ryon’s flexibility and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.  He quickly moved on to a sales role and then found his true calling: management.  Gaining the respect and adoration of his co-workers comes naturally to Ryon, a born leader if there ever was one.  He leads by example and is not afraid to get in there and mix it up with his co-workers, whether in the field or outside of work at the gym.  He always leads by example with an open-door policy and an empathetic ear. 

He is currently working on a degree in psychology.  It’s this desire to help people that makes Ryon an integral part of the  SWPGRP family.  He’s never too busy to listen to,and more importantly, help his co-workers with creative solutions to solving problems and finding better ways to do business.  

When not at the office Ryon spends his free time online with friends, watching movies, playing video games, or just hanging out. He also enjoys cooking, often tweaking recipes to make them better. 

Since joining Stormwater Professionals Group in 2018, Ryon has been an integral part of the company’s growth, especially during its early stages. Working in a small company environment demands flexibility and the willingness to acquire new skills beyond one’s comfort zone—qualities Ryon embodies effortlessly. Initially tasked with managing ongoing permitting processes, Ryon swiftly expanded his responsibilities to include SWQMP narrative preparation and assisting the accounting department with billing. This rapid adaptation demonstrates Ryon’s flexibility and unwavering commitment to accomplishing tasks effectively, even in the face of challenges.

His journey with the company saw him transition into a sales role before ultimately discovering his true calling in management. Ryon’s natural leadership abilities have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Leading by example, he isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and work alongside his team, whether in the field or during gym sessions outside of office hours. With an open-door policy and a compassionate ear, Ryon fosters a supportive work environment where creative problem-solving and innovative approaches to business thrive.

Ryon’s pursuit of a degree in psychology underscores his innate desire to help others, making him an invaluable asset to the SWPGRP family. He consistently makes time to listen to his colleagues and offer insightful solutions to challenges, always striving to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace.

Outside of the office, Ryon enjoys spending time online with friends, watching movies, playing video games, or simply hanging out. He is also passionate about cooking, often experimenting with recipes to refine and improve them.

Mark: What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?

Ryon: Living up to and setting expectations for myself so that I can serve my teams and customers at the highest level.

Mark: What’s your secret talent no one knows about?

Ryon: I’ve played bass guitar for over 10 years now and even played at several Houston venues in the past.

Mark: In terms of successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of? 

Ryon: Being surrounded by people I care about. There is nothing more rewarding than the relationships that we build with others.

Mark: How have you grown professionally while on our team?

Ryon: I feel like I’ve grown to become a proficient leader throughout my time in the company. I’ve learned how rewarding it can be to help the people around me achieve their goals.

Mark: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Ryon: Ram Dass

Mark: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

Ryon: Go into hiding!

Mark: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Ryon: Custom tailoring

Mark: If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Ryon: Luck!

Mark: Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room?

Ryon: Funniest for sure.

Mark: If you could meet any historical figure, who would they be?

Ryon: Jacques Cousteau

Mark: What three items would you bring on a desert island 

Ryon: 1. Fishing gear, 2. Metal pot, 3. Knife

Mark: What would you do if you won a million dollars?  

Ryon: Boring answer. Probably invest it!

Mark:If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Ryon: Probably somewhere in Australia

Mark: What book or movie have you recently read/seen and why would you recommend it? 

Ryon: Killers of the Flower Moon. It’s awesome, it’s based on a true story, and it’s thought-provoking. Oh, It’s directed by Martin Scorcese, too… what else could you ask for?!

Mark: What’s something you’re planning on doing in the next year that you’ve never done?

Ryon: Getting my scuba diver certification!

Mark: What’s your dream job?

Ryon: Retirement! Just kidding, it would probably be to have my own restaurant one day.