Fredrick Redd’s journey is a testament to the seamless fusion of art and science. From an early age, he demonstrated an affinity for both engineering and music—seemingly disparate fields that would later define his extraordinary career. Born in Beaumont, Texas, and 6 months later the family moved to Houston, Texas, where Redd cultivated a passion for learning that extended from mathematics and science to the intricate world of music. Excelling academically, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, yet his heart also resonated with the power of music. Pursuing both vocations with equal fervor, he went on to establish himself as a distinguished opera singer while simultaneously excelling in engineering and business leadership.
Balancing a multifaceted career, Redd made his mark on the stages of Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall while also founding and leading a successful engineering firm. His ability to navigate multiple demanding professions is a testament to his resilience and strategic mindset. Whether pioneering innovative business strategies or captivating audiences with his performances, Redd’s story exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and adaptability.
Journey to growth
Fredrick Redd grew up in Houston, Texas, where his early years were shaped by a love for both the arts and sciences. He learned trombone and piano while honing his skills in drawing and painting. Attending the High School for Engineering Professions, he graduated third in his class, excelled on the swim team, and won both a City-Wide Science Fair and an Engineering Excellence Award.
His father, a high school valedictorian, owned a furniture store and upholstery shop but was unable to attend college due to financial constraints. His mother dedicated herself to raising their family. Redd pursued a BS in Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, launching his career in Austin before moving to Princeton. There, he joined a professional chorus, igniting a passion for classical singing that led to formal voice studies. Eventually, he moved to New York City to train at The Juilliard School while working as an engineer, embarking on his professional opera career.
In 2002, Redd made his Lincoln Center debut as the Undertaker in Emmy nominated Porgy & Bess with New York City Opera, featured in PBS’s Great Performances series. The following year, he debuted on Carnegie Hall’s main stage as the baritone soloist in Carmina Burana and gave his nationally and internationally simulcast recital debut at the Chicago Cultural Institute in Chicago. That same year, he founded and became CEO of an NYC-based engineering services firm, growing it to 14 employees before selling it.
With over 300 performances, Redd has received acclaim from Opera Now, Opera News, and The New York Times. Mid-career, he earned an MBA from the Rochester Institute of Technology and served as an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University’s Utica College, as well as an adjunct at NYU and the University of Phoenix. As PMO Director for the Port Authority of NY & NJ, he established its first-ever PMO. Other roles include General Manager for a construction company and Principal at North Highland. Today, as Chief Business Development Officer at PACO Group, he brings strategic and technical expertise combined with artistry, creativity, and business acumen to drive growth.
How It All Began
For Redd, the journey began at the age of seven when he confidently declared to his parents, “I want to be an engineer.” It wasn’t a fleeting childhood dream—it was a conviction. Math and science came naturally, but he was equally drawn to art and music, fascinated by the way they allowed for creative expression. Even as a child, he would mock opera singers, foreshadowing his future on stage.
His parents played a crucial role in shaping his eclectic interests. They exposed him to a diverse array of musical genres—R&B, country, jazz, opera, and musical theater. His father, however, was relentless about academics. A score of 91 on an exam wasn’t good enough—“It could have been 100.” That philosophy ingrained a relentless drive in Redd, pushing him to exceed expectations.
Engineering and the arts were never about external validation; they were passions that came from within. However, many around him insisted he couldn’t excel in both. He proved them wrong. Today, Redd stands at the intersection of two seemingly opposite fields, understanding their deep connection. Precision, creativity, and the ability to bring ideas to life define both disciplines, and he wouldn’t trade either one.
Balancing Challenges
Managing two demanding careers while maintaining a personal life has been a constant challenge for Redd. Yet, he has made it work, often finding intersections between his worlds. One of the most defining moments in his life came when he lost his engineering job in New York City. Ready to return to Houston, he was stopped by a mentor, Vincent LaSelva, the general conductor of New York Grand Opera. “Tear up that ticket,” LaSelva urged. “You’ll find a job. You have a real shot at becoming a professional opera singer.” The next day, Redd secured a new job and stayed in New York.
Balancing engineering consulting—known for its high-pressure deadlines—with the rigorous demands of the performing arts required immense discipline. When he made his New York City Opera debut at Lincoln Center, he was also working full-time as an engineering consultant. His days began in an office and ended on stage. The schedule was grueling, but passion fueled him.
Through it all, Redd prioritized health, family, and friendships. At one point, he realized his weight had spiraled out of control. A moment in front of a three-way mirror at a clothing store was a wake-up call. The next day, he signed up for a gym membership and hired a personal trainer, a decision that led him to an obsession with endurance sports. Over the span of five years, he completed marathons, triathlons, and swimathons, eventually joining the KIS Triathlon team for professional training and competing in Ironman races. In 2017, his determination in completing three half-Ironman races and one Full Ironman race earned him the title of “Ironman of the Year”by the KIS Triathlon team.
Business Mindset
As Chief Business Development Officer at PACO Group, Redd approaches business with a strategic, forward-thinking mindset. Leveraging the Blue Ocean Strategy, he focuses on identifying untapped opportunities and redefining value in the infrastructure and construction management sectors. Instead of competing in oversaturated markets, he drives innovation that addresses evolving industry needs, enhances efficiency, and establishes sustainable advantages.
Passion for Growth
For Redd, passion is the driving force behind every pursuit. His commitment to growth, self-improvement, and pushing boundaries defines his approach to life. Obstacles are not setbacks but opportunities to evolve. His resilience is evident in every challenge he has faced, whether in business, the arts, or endurance sports.
During his second Ironman, brutal headwinds dropped his speed from 21 mph to 12 mph. Even professional triathletes quit—but Redd refused. After conquering the bike leg, he faced a grueling 26.2-mile run to complete the race. Exhausted, surrounded by competitors who had already given up, he pressed forward. Step by step, mile by mile, he finished, proving that with grit and the right mindset, anything is possible.
Adapting to COVID-19
The pandemic disrupted a major project Redd was working on with the MTA, forcing him to pivot. When offered a project in Florida, quarantine restrictions meant he couldn’t return to New York on weekends. Instead, he chose to fly to Houston, where he spent invaluable time with his father before his passing. This unexpected turn of events provided a deeply meaningful gift amid the global crisis.
While the pandemic brought professional challenges, Redd adapted and found opportunity in adversity, reinforcing his belief that resilience and flexibility are key to success in both business and life.
