Meet the Team
Melanie G. Platt, PSM
Title: Part-Owner | Professional Surveyor and Mapper
Melanie Platt (Lanie) has been a driving force in the evolution of our firm. Now a licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper and part owner, she serves as our Head Surveyor, overseeing all aspects of our surveying operations with expertise, precision, and leadership.
Melanie has been instrumental in shaping how we operate—streamlining workflows, optimizing GIS integration, and ensuring our crews have access to the resources they need in the field. She has modernized our approach to land surveying, from boundary determination and complex property calculations to mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D and overseeing the drafting of a wide range of surveys.
Her deep knowledge of FEMA flood elevation certificates and Florida’s floodplain building codes makes her an essential resource for both our clients and field teams. She not only ensures compliance but also educates clients and staff, keeping our firm at the forefront of industry standards.
Melanie leads with confidence and innovation as the backbone of our surveying operations. Whether she’s making critical boundary decisions, mentoring the next generation of surveyors, or refining our processes, her expertise and leadership drive our success.
Education:
- Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
- University of South Carolina – Associate's Degree in English Literature
- Florida Atlantic University – Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science
- University of Florida – Geomatics Certificate
Contact: lanie@manzieanddrake.com
Michael Manzie, PLS
Title: Professional Land Surveyor
Michael Manzie's career began in 1974 at the Palm Beach County Survey Department, where he swiftly progressed from rodman to crew chief in five years. His extensive field experience, spanning 20 years, provided invaluable insights not easily acquired today. Specializing in various surveying domains, including right-of-way mapping and subdivision platting, he garnered expertise under esteemed mentors before establishing his firm in 1994.
Throughout his 36-year tenure as a Registered Surveyor, Michael has been repeatedly selected as an expert witness, showcasing his adeptness in boundary law and determinations. His courtroom prowess and expansive knowledge have made him a sought-after consultant for litigation teams. Michael's expertise permeates his staff and field personnel, ensuring adherence to regulations and the thorough examination of evidence.
Experience:
- Field Experience: 20 years
- Project Manager: 25 years
- Registered Surveyor: 36 years
- Business Owner: 25 years
Education:
- Palm Beach Community College: AS Degree in Land Surveying
- Florida Atlantic University: Business Administration Courses
- University of North Florida: Business Administration Courses
- Land Surveyor, Florida Registration No. 4069
Contact: mike@manzieanddrake.com
Brett Manzie, P.E.
Title: Part-Owner | Senior Transportation/Civil
Engineer
Brett Manzie is a Senior Transportation and Civil Engineer and co-owner of Manzie and Drake Land Surveying. The son of surveyor Michael Manzie, Brett provides design services, management, drafting, and quality assurance. With over 17 years of experience in all areas of civil engineering, he has worked in both public and private sectors, focusing primarily on roadway design and land development. His expertise includes rural and urban roadway design, temporary traffic control, lighting design, water and sewer design, drainage, and signing and pavement marking design. Brett grew up around surveying in Nassau County.
Education:
- Fernandina Beach High School
- University of North Florida: B.S., Civil Engineering
Registration/Licenses:
- Professional Engineer, FL #74640
Professional Affiliations:
- American Society of Civil
- Engineers (ASCE)
- American Society of Highway
- Engineers (ASHE)
Contact: brett@manzieanddrake.com
Ken Douglas
Title: Survey Manager
Ken Douglas entered the surveying field in 1995 under Michael A. Manzie, swiftly advancing from field crew member to Instrument Technician and eventually Field Crew Chief within a year. After five years of hands-on experience, Ken transitioned to the role of CADD Operator and Project Manager, leveraging his computer proficiency.
With 20 years of experience as a CADD Operator and 15 years as a Survey Manager, Ken specializes in diverse surveying domains, including as-built surveys and subdivision platting. Additionally, he oversees the company's IT department, ensuring technological compatibility with clients' software.
Ken is characterized by his commitment to excellence, effective communication skills, and ability to collaborate across diverse teams. His enthusiasm for learning and adeptness in handling challenging situations with minimal guidance underscores his value to the organization.
Experience:
- Field Experience: 5 years
- CADD Operator: 20 years
- Survey Manager: 15 years
Education:
- Fernandina Beach High School
- ITT Technical Institute: Electronic Engineering Technology
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)
- Autodesk Certified Professional
Contact: ken@manzieanddrake.com
Gary Spikes
Title: Field Crew Coordinator
Gary, a Nassau County native, joined Manzie & Drake Land Surveying in 2012, bringing with him 23 years of surveying experience. In his role, he coordinates field staff, processes, and reviews field data, and conducts physical site surveys using various equipment. His extensive expertise spans across multiple sectors within the industry, allowing him to collaborate effectively with professionals like civil engineers, landscape architects, and urban planners.
Detail-oriented and meticulous, Gary ensures the accuracy of survey data by meticulously verifying measurements and conducting thorough analyses using mathematical and computer software tools. His proficiency extends to researching previous survey history, and adeptly locating and interpreting maps, deeds, and records essential for survey projects.
Beyond his technical prowess, Gary possesses strong communication skills, enabling him to engage confidently with clients to understand their surveying needs and present findings upon project completion.
Experience:
- Crew Chief: 16 years
- Instrument Tech: 5 years
- Rodman: 2 years
- GIS Operator: 5 years
- CADD Operator: 2 years
- Florida Public School Contractor: 9 years
- Nassau County School District: 9 years
Education:
- Fernandina Beach High School
Contact: gary@manzieanddrake.com
Michele Manzie
Title: Part-Owner | Office Manager
Michele joined the family business in 2022. She is originally from Nassau County and graduated from UNF with a degree in Science/Nutrition. After working for over 10 years in that field, she was drawn to the intriguing world of land surveying through her father-in-law Mike Manzie. She
brings her background in management and her love of working with people to our office of about 10 employees. She handles job scheduling as well as many other office management tasks. Her excellent communication skills and ability to learn quickly have made her swiftly become an asset to the team.
Education:
-Fernandina Beach High School
-University of North Florida: Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Nutrition
-Life University: Dietetic Internship
-Licensed and Registered Dietitian
Contact: Michele@manzieanddrake.com