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ON THE MOVE MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS JEFFERY R. KULLMAN, P.E., AS REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR THE FIRM’S MOUNTAIN REGION: KULLMAN FOCUSING ON DRIVING INNOVATION AND NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MOUNTAIN REGION Michael Baker International , a global leader in engineering, planning, and consulting services, announced that Jeffery R. Kullman, P.E., has joined the firm as senior vice president and regional director for the firm’s Mountain Region. Kullman will be based in Michael Baker’s Denver office and will report to Dale R. Spaulding, P.E., chief operating officer. In this role, Kullman will provide leadership, support and vision to the Mountain Region and will oversee the engineering business, marketing, and financial operations of the firm’s Denver; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Salt Lake City; and Anchorage, Alaska, operations. He also will be responsible for driving best practices to grow and expand work and market opportunities throughout the region to broaden the existing client base. “Michael Baker is firmly committed to solving the challenges the region faces due to its aging infrastructure,” said Spaulding. “Our Mountain Region has tremendous growth potential as our water, transportation, and design-build practices, among others, are well-positioned

to leverage innovative techniques and new technologies that will expand our footprint in the region and shape the future infrastructure to better meet the needs of the surrounding communities.” As a diverse professional with proven success in both the private and public sectors, Kullman brings more than 35 years of experience to his new role. Previously, he served as the vice president and West Sector manager, Department of Transportation business unit for Atkins. In this position, he exceeded the growth, revenue, margin, profit, and cash management objectives established for his first year in the position. He delivered more than $50 million a year in revenue while maintaining excellent profit margins and cash management and he successfully collaborated on the delivery of the $550 million Nevada Department of Transportation Project Neon. Additionally, Kullman previously served as the Transportation Division manager, Mountain Region for the Colorado Department of Transportation where he led a multi-discipline team of professionals to manage the transportation system in a nine-county region of central Colorado. “I am honored to join Michael Baker in this regional leadership role,” said Kullman. “I look forward to collaborating with our

local teams to contribute to the company’s culture of excellence by executing a strategic growth plan that diversifies our business and focuses on providing unparalleled client service.” Kullman actively contributes to the transportation industry and statewide community by serving in various capacities in key business, trade, economic development and metropolitan planning organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Colorado State University and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Colorado. Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction, and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support United States federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country.

CONFERENCE CALL, from page 7

MS: G2 has had several years of strong growth and with growth comes the addition of staff, many of whom lack sig- nificant experience. We have instituted several processes to address the issues such as training, mentoring, and better oversight. TZL: While M&A is always an option, there’s something to be said about organic growth. What are your thoughts on why and how to grow a firm? MS: Organic growth has been our primary method in gain- ing greater revenues. Relationships between our people and our clients are key. Finding the opportunities provid- ed by the relationships and offering great solutions to their problems has been most effective. As our tag line intimates: Smart. Results. Fast. TZL: Do you use historical performance data or metrics to establish project billable hours and how does the type of contract play into determining the project budget? MS: G2 uses a proprietary database to develop work and budget scope for all proposals. That database allows us to feel comfortable submitting on projects, knowing we have something we can live with when we win the project. TZL: What’s your prediction for 2018? MS: We anticipate another strong year. This past January and February were our best months ever in terms of reve- nue and profits. The backlog for the rest of the year is look- ing great.

results could take months, or even years, to materialize? Do you track any metrics to guide your marketing plan? MS: As with most firms, we track all of our social media metrics. I know our efforts are bearing fruit because of our significant growth and feedback from clients and competi- tors alike. “Part of the firm’s culture has always been ‘family first.’ As long as the clients are pleased and the revenues and profits are good, we don’t watch the clock of our staff. Many key people work from home when necessary.” TZL: The last few years have been good for the A/E indus- try. Is there a downturn in the forecast, and if so, when and to what severity? MS: There’s always the potential for a downturn, mostly due to factors over which we have no control. I don’t see any slowdown in the near future. TZL: They say failure is a great teacher. What’s the big- gest lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way?

THE ZWEIG LETTER May 14, 2018, ISSUE 1248

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