TZL 1453 (web)

TRANSACTIONS THE HFW COMPANIES AND TEXAS- BASED 4WARD LAND SURVEYING CREATE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ACCELERATE GROWTH. The HFW Companies, a fast-growing professional services firm with a national focus on the architecture and engineering industry, announcd a strategic partnership with 4Ward Land Surveying, a professional land surveying company providing services for commercial, residential, and public works projects throughout Texas. The new partnership allows 4Ward to accelerate its strategic growth plan and expand its geographic reach beyond Texas with additional services, locations, and people, according to Jason Ward, RPLS, president of 4Ward. “4Ward is experiencing incredible growth,” said Ward. “Our partnership with HFW gives us the boost we need to achieve our plan faster and with greater opportunity for our hard-working team.

We are excited to join forces with HFW and its architecture and engineering brands network.” 4Ward, founded in 2009 as a two-person surveying company, employs 50 people, serving a diverse client base from its office in Austin, Texas. The company’s extensive project experience includes large commercial developments, mixed- use subdivisions, multi-family housing developments, retail centers, and institutional and public works projects. 4Ward joins HFW’s network of growth- oriented AEC firms that share best practices, economies of scale, and unique areas of expertise, according to Michael Hein, AIA, CEO of St. Louis- based HFW. “Jason and the 4Ward team bring expert knowledge and experience, driven by the latest technology found in the survey industry.” HFW’s business model is designed to

retain and leverage each partnering firm’s own brand identity, loyal employee base, and the allegiance of its project partners to build a nationwide “house of brands” network of AEC member firms. “4Ward’s brand and reputation for quality work align well with our growth strategy,” Hein added, “this advances our position as a nationally preeminent network of AE firms focused on the country’s infrastructure.” Based in St. Louis, HFW is an AEC industry professional services company investing in architecture and engineering firms throughout the United States that are positioned for expansive growth in markets with significant infrastructure design opportunities. Our member firms, grounded by technical excellence, solve our built environment’s most challenging problems, making communities better through creative design, engineering, and planning.

VISIONARY , from page 7

when you need to. You can’t just push the easy button. You need to tell clients when things are good and bad. You need to work through the hard times together and celebrate the good times. Maintain transparency at all times,” he advises. Having been with the company for 38 years, Kissinger is nearing retirement and says not to underestimate having a strong ownership transition plan in place. GRAEF has no problems in that area. As it’s moving into its fourth generation of ownership, leadership is constantly updating the plan and there’s no mystery among staff. “Empathy is something that can’t be taught. 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.” “Pay close attention here,” he cautions. “Know your expectations. You don’t want surprises in this area.” As a self-described visionary and direction provider, Kissinger is looking forward to what the next five to 10 years hold. GRAEF recently expanded its geographic reach internationally, into Turks and Caicos and it’s well poised for what comes next. “It’s certainly a challenging time in our economy and industry and I’m very curious to see how technology and AI will evolve. For sure, it will be interesting,” he says.

Corporate headquarters located in Milwaukee. This is one of two kitchens and above is its Mezzanine. This is a collaborative space for any employee to use.

THE ZWEIG LETTER AUGUST 15, 2022, ISSUE 1453

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