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Conference call: Jill Wells Heath President and CEO of CALYX Engineers + Consultants (Hot Firm #26 for 2018), a 224-person firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
A s president and CEO of CALYX, recently acquired by NV5, Jill Wells Heath sets the strategic direction for the firm, executes the company’s vision, and cultivates the firm’s business relationships and alliances. In 1993, Heath started with the company as an outside CPA consultant, and then as its contract CFO. In 2003, she became its full- time CFO; in 2006, president; and in 2008, the company’s 15th anniversary, she became CEO. In reaction to CALYX’s $36 million cash and stock acquisi- tion by NV5, Heath says, “This is a wonderful step forward for CALYX. We will provide NV5 a strong and successful presence in the southeast, and NV5 will provide us the op- portunity to build upon our service offerings, project op- portunities, technology, and talent.” A CONVERSATION WITH JILL WELLS HEATH. The Zweig Letter: Have you ever closed an under-per- forming office? If so, tell us about it. Jill Wells Heath: Unfortunately, I have had the terrible ex-
perience of closing an office. When the economy took a turn in 2008, we were forced to downsize and closed our offic- es in Jacksonville, Florida, and Columbia, South Carolina. The economy was the driving factor. Offices are expensive to have and maintain, and closing them was necessary. But the experience left me with internal scars. “Our value is too often dictated by our time spent and hourly rate. Yes, technology is increasing efficiency, but the value is in our deliverable, and demand for our services is high.” TZL: When did you have the most fun running your firm, and what were the hallmarks of that time in your profes- sional life? JWH: This is the best time! When your company is doing well, it’s fun to run. Trust me, I’ve run it in the best of times
THE ZWEIG LETTER Decem
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