Aiden Ellingham

Aiden Ellingham’s journey is a captivating story of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams.

In the quaint village of Armada, Michigan, Aiden Ellingham was born into a world enriched by agricultural heritage and a supportive family. Growing up as one of two boys, Aiden thrived in an atmosphere that championed education and ambition. He fondly remembers, “Going to college was a must—my parents truly wanted to see us succeed.” Their unwavering support ignited his passion for learning and growth.

Humble Beginnings and Aspirations

Aiden’s educational path began at Armada High School, where he embraced his inner nerd, indulging in his love for video games and academic pursuits. However, his journey took a few twists and turns. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, where he studied astronomy for a few semesters before transferring to the University of Toledo. There, like many college students, Aiden found himself enchanted by the social scene, leading to a temporary detour from his academic ambitions.

“I made too many new friends, and I partied too much,” he admits. When he decided to buckle down and focus, he returned home and resumed classes at Macomb Community College.

“My mom reminded me how much I enjoyed my high school drafting classes,” recalls Aiden. “She suggested I take drafting and architecture classes.” That pivotal advice led him to earn an Associate’s Degree in Architecture and a Revit training certificate, setting the foundation for his career.

Embracing Opportunity

Around that time, Aiden began dating his friend Carly and, before long, the couple moved to Madison, Wisconsin. There, Aiden joined the drafting group at Strand Associates, Inc. One year later, the world faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting remote work for many and layoffs for others. When Carly lost two different jobs to COVID, they decided to relocate to her hometown of Perrysburg, Ohio.

In a stroke of luck, just before the move, Aiden secured a position with Jones & Henry Engineers following a successful virtual interview. He joined Jones & Henry in June 2021.

In his role at Jones & Henry, Aiden skillfully leverages Autodesk Revit^®, a powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that allows him to create intelligent 3D models that incorporate real-world data and specifications, rather than just lines on a drawing. He utilizes his expertise to model dense, complex mechanical and piping systems inside treatment plants and pumping stations, contributing significantly to innovative engineering solutions.

Aiden enthusiastically encourages aspiring engineers to embrace modeling software, stating, “Learning at least one, be it 2D or 3D, significantly enhances your employability.”

Passions and Partnerships

Outside of work, Aiden and Carly have embraced life together as an engaged couple, eagerly planning their October wedding at the Toledo Zoo Aquarium. She works as a nurse at Mercy Health. They recently moved into a new home in Perrysburg, which has plenty of room for the couple, their three cats, and their dog.

Aiden notes that their cats’ black-and-white coloring makes them look quite similar. “When we lived in an apartment, we really wanted two cats, but the rules only allowed one cat per unit. We chose two that looked alike, so people would think they were seeing the same cat.” When they later welcomed a third cat, they naturally kept with the same color theme.

The couple enjoys playing video games with friends and attending Renaissance fairs—interactive, outdoor events that recreate historical settings. He and Carly proudly don costumes crafted by a friend, who blends a historical and Pokémon-themed flair to make them extra nerdy. They also like to travel—such as a recent trip to Key West—and share a dream of exploring all of America’s national parks.

Anyone who knows about Aiden’s fear of heights might be surprised to learn that he is into indoor rock climbing. A friend introduced him to it, and he instantly became hooked. He finds his twice-a-week hobby a thrilling challenge that exercises his problem-solving skills.

Aiden says his parents were very influential in his life. His mom recognized his passion for drafting and encouraged him to pursue it, while his dad served as a tireless role model, instilling in Aiden the values of hard work and success.

That foundation led Aiden to adopt a philosophy of life that emphasizes doing what you love. “Because,’ he says, “if you don’t like what you do for work, you won’t be happy in life.”

Aiden Ellingham is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of passion. His journey from a small village in Michigan to a successful career in engineering inspires those around him. With a loving partner by his side and a clear vision for the future, Aiden continues to chase his dreams, reminding us all of the value of embracing our passions.