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diverse group of individuals work together to solve a problem and reimagine the way the firm does things. And, the GRAEF Foundation supports STEM-based careers and promotes diversity in a variety of different ways that include involvement with the ACE Mentor Program in Chicago. “I truly believe that if you’re inclusive, diversity and equity will follow,” Kissinger says. “We want people to be proud of where they work. Our core value is loyalty to employees.” SOME KEYS TO SUCCESS. Kissinger is part of the company’s third generation and says that their path toward the future includes not forgetting the humble beginnings from which they came. To meet that end, GRAEF holds immersion events where staff learn about the company’s past which has created a strong foundation and has led to a consensus-based leadership model. After 60 years in business, the company remains on a steady path to growth and is proud to be a national firm with a focus on each of its hometowns. “I attribute some of that success to having somewhat conservative financial management,” he says. “It’s important to not get over your ski tips.” As part of that philosophy, once a year, GRAEF outsources a company valuation that reveals book value and profitability. Knowing the company value serves to add to leadership confidence moving forward. Success also stems from creating a culture that’s flexible – even before it was “a thing.” “We want people to be proud of where they work,” he says. “Our core value is loyalty to employees.” Offices are designed to encourage collaboration and bring joy. They’re modern, open and airy, and there are indoor and outdoor spaces for staff to enjoy and work in while they collaborate on a variety of projects. And when it comes to projects, Kissinger puts them into three categories: 1. Problem/solution (a business needs more parking; add more spaces) 2. Problem/unknown solution (a bridge is structurally deficient or obsolete; how can we improve?) 3. Can’t agree on problem or solution (i.e., climate change)
“We’re most focused on the type two projects,” he says. “They’re the most fun and allow us to be creative and innovative. They also allow us to continue to evolve as an industry and to embrace AI – it’s here and moving fast and furious.” When asked what he personally feels are some of the greatest engineering projects of all time, two classics spring to mind – the Hoover Dam and the Brooklyn Bridge. “The Hoover Dam shows the beauty of a truly- engineered structure and the Brooklyn Bridge had so much groundbreaking technology for its time,” he says. LESSONS LEARNED. Kissinger reflects on the many lessons learned over the years and says he continues to learn, almost daily. One of his top mentors was a man named Bill Shook. As a colleague, Shook taught him how to manage large teams on complex projects and to have fun while doing it. “He taught me the importance of moving everyone forward,” he says. What he wasn’t taught, however, was empathy. “That’s something that can’t be taught,” Kissinger says. “I wish that’s something I knew about earlier on in my career. It’s not just about knowing the facts; it’s about understanding feelings too.” Over the years, he’s also learned not to settle. “Just because it may be the easy way out, doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. In many cases, it’s not. For example, just because a person is next in line for a promotion does not mean he or she is the best choice.” It’s a combination of these lessons learned and creating an open and successful business model that has fostered a culture of trust among clients too. In fact, Kissinger says that “trust is what we’re really selling.” “It’s so important to be honest and own up “We learned that some of our non-technical staff felt they didn’t have access to the same types of growth opportunities that technical staff did. We’re now looking at ways to develop stronger career paths in those tracks.”
HEADQUARTERS: Milwaukee, WI
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 280
YEAR FOUNDED: 1961
OFFICE LOCATIONS: Milwaukee, WI; Madison, WI; Green
Bay, WI; Chicago, IL (2); Minneapolis, MN; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; Sarasota, FL; Turks and Caicos Island. MARKETS: Aviation, Corporate Office, Cultural, Education, Government, Healthcare, Highway & Bridges, Hospitality, Industrial, Municipal, Ports, Retail, Sports & Recreation, Residential, Water
SERVICES: Site/ Civil Engineering;
Structural Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Plumbing/Fire Protection Engineering; Commissioning; Parking Structure Planning and Design; Landscape Architecture; Surveying and Field Services; GIS Technology Services; Environmental Services; Planning and Urban Design; Traffic/Transportation Engineering
See VISIONARY, page 8
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GUST 15, 2022, ISSUE 1453
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