1255

America to share companywide prog- ress, financial updates, and best prac- tices. Additionally, on a monthly basis, the executive team engages with each office to discuss financials and opera- tions in their respective region. We are proud of the success of our business and don’t shy away from talk- ing about it. It’s important to all of our leaders to share information about the health of the company with our dedi- cated staff. “It takes a lot of hard work and planning to identify the next leadership team. The succession plan needs consistent consultation with trusted advisors such as lawyers, accountants, and insurance agents.” TZL: Zweig Group research shows there has been a shift in business development strategies. More and more, technical staff, not marketing staff, are responsible for BD. What’s the BD formula in your firm? LA: Our business development strat- egy has always centered on the techni- cal staff leading the BD. Our market- ing team has always been a strategic, in-house asset supporting BD objec- tives. We have found this is the most effective formula to build our busi- ness. TZL: Diversifying the portfolio is never a bad thing. What are the most recent steps you’ve taken to broaden your revenue streams? LA: Ware Malcomb has been focused on diversification since the ‘90s. When we initially expanded to four offices in 1990, we focused on interior growth and continued firm diversification. It’s great to see all of the hard work pay off. Today, I’m proud to share that we are ranked No. 27 on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants. Our firm-wide focus on diversifica- tion remains within the corporate and commercial real estate umbrella. Ini- tiatives also include science and tech- nology, branding, healthcare, and civil engineering design services.

We made a strategic acquisition in 2016 and acquired a Denver-based civil engineering firm, Jansen Strawn Consulting Engineers, to augment our growing civil engineering practice. In May, we announced another acqui- sition – WorkSpace Plans, a building measurement services company. This addition to the company expands our service offerings and provides our cli- ents with the latest technology and expertise in building measurement. TZL: While plenty of firms have an ownership transition plan in place, many do not. What’s your advice for firms that have not taken steps to identify and empower the next gen- eration of owners? LA: My advice for firms that have not taken steps to identify the next gener- ation of owners is to start the succes- sion planning as soon as possible. Succession planning has been an im- portant part of our culture for more than 30 years. Ever since we transi- tioned Ware Malcomb from the origi- nal ownership, Bill Ware and Bill Mal- comb, we’ve been in constant plan- ning for the next transition. It takes a lot of hard work and planning to iden- tify the next leadership team. The suc- cession plan needs consistent consul- tation with trusted advisors such as lawyers, accountants, and insurance agents. At Ware Malcomb, our succession planning is also tied to the vision for the company. It has never been about the current one or two owners; we fo- cus on the bigger picture. The vision set for the company focuses on build- ing a 100-year business and beyond. To make that happen you must em- brace ownership and leadership tran- sitions. TZL: What is the role of entrepre- neurship in your firm? See CONFERENCE CALL, page 8 “Entrepreneurship is a guiding philosophy at Ware Malcomb. We encourage our team members to grow from within and provide opportunities for them to do so.”

YEAR FOUNDED: 1972 HEADQUARTERS: Irvine, CA OFFICES: 22 offices across North America (U.S., Canada, Panama, and Mexico) NO. OF EMPLOYEES: 440 SERVICE OFFERINGS: ❚ ❚ Architecture ❚ ❚ Branding ❚ ❚ Sustainable ❚ ❚ Interiors ❚ ❚ Corporate accounts ❚ ❚ The United Workplace ❚ ❚ Civil engineering ❚ ❚ BIM ❚ ❚ Building measurement services COMPANY CULTURE: They are passionate about: ❚ ❚ Design ❚ ❚ Community ❚ ❚ Philanthropy ❚ ❚ Wellness They are involved, active, and engaged. GIVING BACK: Ware Malcomb values teamwork, design, creativity, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of excellence. As a result, it started the Ware Malcomb Foundation which offers scholarship opportunities to the children and dependents of Ware Malcomb employees. The employee must have been a full-time Ware Malcomb employee for a minimum of three years. Scholarships are given to those who emulate the company’s values.

uly 9, 2018, ISSUE 1255

Made with FlippingBook Annual report