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CONFERENCE CALL, from page 7

started by a staff member who proposed they could do the job. We get behind them and learn together. Get out of the way and let people do what they do best. You learn more when you listen. TZL: In the next couple of years, what A/E segments will heat up, and which ones will cool down? RC: Urban density projects and master planned communi- ties will heat up – places that have high walkability in ur- ban areas. Every city is challenged with affordability is- sues. Infrastructure is not spreading out as much. Trans- portation is also hot. How people are moving will remain a hot button issue. Things are really going to change. More and more people want to live and work in the same community so they have more free time. It’s fascinat- ing to think about and I could go on and on about the subject. 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? RC: We’re not opposed to M&A. In fact, we’re much more open-minded about it than we used to be. We realize there’s risk, so it would take a unique opportunity, but we’re open to it. Never say never.

And if they crash, how do you get them back out on the road, so to speak? RC: Project managers are the lifeblood. Give them all the information, tools, and resources that they need. Try to make their lives as easy as possible. The dashboard I men- tioned before helps with forecasting, too, and makes it possible for them to get ahead of a problem so they can be proactive, not reactive. We also have to be flexible. Un- derstand that people have lives and need to take their kids to school, go to a soccer game, etc. We encourage balance. TZL: What is the role of entrepreneurship in your firm? RC: It’s vital for our firm and structure. We’re always look- ing for entrepreneurial qualities and even mentor and teach those qualities. To date, we have not grown by acquisition. We’ve grown organically and just about every office was “To date, we have not grown by acquisition. We’ve grown organically, and just about every office was started by a staff member who proposed they could do the job. We get behind them and learn together. Get out of the way and let people do what they do best. You learn more when you listen.”

TZL: What’s your prediction for 2018?

RC: We’re in growth mode. This year, we’ve had about 10 to 15 percent growth in revenue and anticipate a strong fin- ish.

THE ZWEIG LETTER November 26, 2018, ISSUE 1273

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