Hi, I’m Mike — a civil engineer by trade, NC State football fan by blood, and bourbon enthusiast by choice.

For years, I treated tailgates like a Saturday escape. Then I realized: all the skills I use to design stormwater systems and grading plans… could be used to build better game day setups.

I created The Tailgating Engineer to share DIY gear builds, layout hacks, and bourbon-fueled wisdom with fans who want to enjoy game day smarter — not harder.

Whether you’re rigging a tailgate from PVC and zip ties or pairing pulled pork with a bottle of Weller, you’re in the right place.

So pour a glass. Light the grill. Let’s build something awesome.