Title: Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Company: Underground Aquaponics, PBC
Location: Deltona, Florida, United States
Nickolas Rodd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Underground Aquaponics, PBC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Aquaponics and Infrastructure Engineering.
Mr. Rodd has established a reputation for innovation and dedication throughout a multifaceted career spanning more than a decade in the engineering and design sector. As the founder and chief executive officer of Underground Aquaponics, PBC, since 2023, he has led the company from his home office, maintaining a rigorous eight- to nine-hour workday.
Among a range of responsibilities, Mr. Rodd is involved in testing an aquaponics bed specifically designed for use in typical Florida lakes and ponds. Over the course of more than a year, he has overseen the successful cultivation of crops, such as tomatoes, peppers and lettuce, while refining a specialized system that efficiently manages solids without requiring constant cleaning. This approach allows for the continuous movement of solids through the system, supporting both plant growth and aquatic health.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mr. Rodd continues to serve as a senior designer at Metric Engineering, a full-service civil consultancy in Miami, Florida, specializing in transportation and technology. Since 2018, he has focused on traffic engineering, with an emphasis on roadway and intersection design and sidewalk infrastructure. His expertise in Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and grading is central to his work, ensuring that all designs accommodate individuals with disabilities, including those who use canes or wheelchairs. Mr. Rodd’s ability to visualize complex designs before they are rendered on paper distinguishes his approach within the field. Notably, his commitment to integrating accessibility features began as a personal interest and evolved into a professional imperative, reflecting his dedication to inclusive infrastructure.
During 2023, Mr. Rodd also contributed his skills as a project manager and senior designer at Wicks Consulting Group Inc., where he managed civil engineering projects and oversaw design initiatives. From 2012 to 2023, he operated as a self-employed civil engineering designer, undertaking diverse assignments ranging from site design, plans and geometry to grading and drainage, which honed his technical proficiency and adaptability across various aspects of land development. Earlier in his career, Mr. Rodd spent approximately 20 years in land development roles before joining Metric Engineering. He has also owned his own business and engaged in numerous side projects that expanded his practical knowledge base.
Mr. Rodd’s educational background included coursework in cinematography and film/video production at Florida Metropolitan University in Orlando, as well as advanced AutoCAD coursework at Orlando College in Orlando. While he did not pursue extensive formal education due to work commitments, these academic experiences have supported his technical development and creative problem-solving abilities.
Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Rodd has demonstrated civic engagement through volunteer basketball coaching. This endeavor reflects his commitment to community involvement.
Among Mr. Rodd’s most significant achievements was the acquisition of a U.S. patent for an innovative aquaponics system, which is now publicly available. He regards this accomplishment as a foundation for future innovation and is actively pursuing additional patents as of 2026. To advance his projects further, Mr. Rodd aims to collaborate with grant writers to secure funding from government agencies and other sources.
Mr. Rodd’s introduction to aquaponics in 2022 inspired the founding of Underground Aquaponics, PBC, the following year. Recognizing the efficiency of aquaponics as a natural method for producing food and fish, he identified opportunities to address nutrient management challenges in these systems. Consequently, he developed a solution that filters out supplemental nutrients before the water is returned to fish tanks, an advancement that supports both plant health and aquatic welfare. Ultimately, Mr. Rodd’s vision encompasses large-scale structures capable of providing food production facilities alongside living quarters, schools and community spaces, particularly benefiting regions affected by conflict or food insecurity.
Eager for the future of his career, Mr. Rodd continues to be guided by a central mission: creating projects that generate meaningful, positive impact worldwide. He believes that empowering communities through sustainable solutions defines the core purpose of his work and remains dedicated to advancing innovations that foster self-sufficiency and resilience across diverse populations.
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