9
OPINION
Managing a firm today
Nothing prepares you for the challenges of managing a firm like putting your feet to the fire and learning from everyday experiences.
W hen I started in my career, I absolutely loved designing, and I still do. In my excitement to learn the business and see projects built in the field, I would work 60-hour weeks. I craved the opportunity to build my skills so I could work on future exciting projects. And then, after a few years down this path, something happened that changed the course of my career: Two key people left the company I was working at to start their own firm, and they offered me an opportunity to join them as their first employee, along with a chance to invest in the firm.
Dan Houf, P.E.
Since that day, 33 years ago, I have gone from an EIT with a startup civil engineering firm to the president and senior principal of a multidiscipline firm with four offices and 120 employees in two states. I was fortunate to be involved in the management and growth of our firm organically and learn the nuances of building the business along the way. I was also fortunate to work with talented principals and professionals who are driven by client service and who share a mutual respect. As our company grew, I also grew in my profession and in my ability as a leader. Nothing prepares you for the challenges of managing
a firm like putting your feet to the fire and learning from everyday experiences. However, you must also try to connect with others in your industry who share common experiences. You can do this by meeting with other firm leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities for improving your company, and our industry, or perhaps by seeking out printed resources. I have been a huge fan of Mark Zweig and his writings over the years. Reading his work, I would think to myself, “This guy really understands what we are dealing with day-to-day.” I genuinely appreciated his thoughts and wisdom, and I am grateful to have an
See DAN HOUF, page 10
THE ZWEIG LETTER MARCH 25, 2024, ISSUE 1530
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