TZL 1547 (web)

July 29, 2024, Issue 1547 WWW.ZWEIGGROUP.COM

TRENDLINES

Determining raises

Annual, across the board At discretion of management Formal review process

These events offer firm leaders an opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate – this year with a focus on ROI. An experience focused on ROI

Other

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MORE CONTENT n ElevateAEC sponsors Page 2 n ALEC RUSSELL & SARA KARSTETTER: A resurgence in M&A activity Page 3 n KYLE AHERN: 2024 Best Firms To Work For insights Page 5 n ElevateAEC featured speakers Page 6 n 2024 Best Firms To Work For Award winners Page 7 n 2024 Hot Firm List Page 8 n Recruiting for success: Lacy Kiser Page 9 n ElevateHER® at ElevateAEC Page 12 n 2024 Marketing Excellence Award winners Page 12 n A spotlight on marketing excellence Page 13 According to Zweig Group’s 2024 Policies, Procedures & Benefits Report , raises given at management’s discretion have decreased from 74 percent to 66 percent since last year. A thorough formal salary/wage review process is the No. 1 method to determine raises. Moving to a structured salary review process can help motivate employees and maintain equity. Participate in a survey and save 50 percent on any Zweig Group research publication.

F or the past decade, we have seen the AEC industry soar past previous financial metrics and benchmarks, and, keeping to this trend, the industry is performing at historic levels in 2024. While the AEC industry as a whole is experiencing this upward trend, it’s important to note this success doesn’t necessarily translate to every firm, and there are still many challenges for leaders of AEC firms to overcome. However, despite the challenges that we still have to overcome, the success that we have the potential to achieve as an industry has never been greater. This is unique in my experience, and it demonstrates that we are truly experiencing an elevated industry. Both the 2024 ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala and M&A Next Symposium in Tampa, Florida, will be an environment where leaders can connect, learn, and celebrate this great industry we’ve dedicated our careers to. This year, our experience will be centered around a powerful theme: return on investment. The concept of ROI is both simple and complex. Most think in terms of dollars, which is understandable. However, in my experience, time is an equally important facet of ROI, particularly when it comes to the AEC industry. At these two events in September, we will push the limits of business perspectives, probing into what we at Zweig Group see as fundamental shifts in ROI that are creating the greatest changes to the AEC industry seen in a long time. Several dynamic elements of industry and economics are set to force profound changes in how consulting firms operate, which has the potential to create a very different future for AEC firms. Two events that will help you envision the future: ■ M&A Next Symposium – September 17, 2024. This event is a one- day, pre-conference symposium that focuses on firm transitions and acquisitions. Where other events are focused on creating a forum for buyers and sellers to engage, M&A Next is focused on higher level business strategies and approaches – shaped by unique sessions for buyers and sellers. With a focus on ROI, the event will be an experience that helps attendees design their future as a buyer or seller. We will kick this event off on the evening of Monday, September 16 with the most experienced legal team in the AEC industry – George Christaduolo and Peter Grupp. The pair will take us through a legacy that celebrates the AEC industry’s

Chad Clinehens, P.E.

See CHAD CLINEHENS, page 2

THE VOICE OF REASON FOR THE AEC INDUSTRY

E levateAEC SPONSORS

Interested in learning more

about the projects and ideas driving the AEC industry forward? Learn more with Civil+Structural Engineer Media.

CHAD CLINEHENS , from page 1

past while the group enjoys cocktails and looks forward to the future. The schedule for the full-day M&A Next event the following day is filled to the brim with insightful keynotes, engaging panels, and focused breakouts – providing high ROI for a one-day event. The M&A Next Symposium is sponsored by Ames & Gough and Unanet. ■ ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala – September 18-19, 2024. The ElevateAEC Conference follows immediately on September 18 and 19 with two days of activities shaped to drive connection and learning while celebrating our industry. We have an incredible line-up of speakers across both events including Linda Darr, CEO of ACEC, the premier national organization empowering engineers and architects; Joe Furey, CEO of world renowned Michael Graves Architecture; Kit Miyamoto, CEO of Miyamoto International and winner of the 2024 ENR Award of Excellence; and more than 20 industry experts who will provide insights into driving performance and returns in AEC today and in the future. After a few years of experimenting with schedule alterations, we are excited to try a new concept with a start on Wednesday and ending on Thursday evening. This will give attendees a full day on Friday to travel home or enjoy the Tampa-Clearwater area beaches. With the theme being ROI, we want to give those traveling for the event enough time to make it home to watch their kids’ games or do whatever they need to get their weekend started. Another notable schedule change is the awards gala taking place on Thursday evening. This will be the last activity for the evening and conference, meaning we all get to celebrate in a manner that befits the year our industry has had – without having to worry about conference activities the next day. From start to finish, we have kept a dedicated eye on our theme of “return on investment.” This theme will certainly shape the conversations that take place during the event, but it is our goal to walk-the-walk as much as we talk-the-talk. Your time is an incredibly valuable resource, and we have used your feedback over the years to maximize the use of your time with us. Join us in September for an inspired and highly curated event aimed at elevating yourself, your firm, and the industry. We are confident the return on your investment will be an inspired future! Chad Clinehens, P.E. is Zweig Group’s president and CEO. Contact him at cclinehens@ zweiggroup.com.

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Chad Clinehens | Publisher cclinehens@zweiggroup.com Sara Parkman | Senior Editor & Designer sparkman@zweiggroup.com Tel: 800.466.6275 Email: info@zweiggroup.com Online: zweiggroup.com/blogs/news LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/22522 Instagram: instagram.com/zweiggroup Twitter: twitter.com/ZweigGroup Facebook: facebook.com/p/Zweig- Group-100064113750086 Published continuously since 1992 by Zweig Group, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. ISSN 1068-1310. Issued weekly (48 issues/year). © Copyright 2024, Zweig Group. All rights reserved.

2024 ELEVATEAEC CONFERENCE & AWARDS GALA The largest in- person gathering of industry leaders and award-winning firms, this year’s conference promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a jam-packed agenda designed to help you connect, learn, and celebrate like never before. Join us September 18-19 in Tampa Bay, Florida. Click here to learn more!

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

OPINION

A panel discussion during the 2023 M&A Next Symposium.

A resurgence in M&A activity

The AEC industry is experiencing a resurgence in M&A activity, driven by strategic partnerships, technological integration, and geographic expansion.

T he AEC industry has seen a robust resurgence in merger and acquisition activity recently, following a dip in the latter part of last year. The number of closed transactions reflects a strong recovery and an upward trend compared to previous quarters. This renewed activity highlights the industry’s resilience and the strategic importance of acquisitions in the current market landscape.

Alec Russell, MBA

Here are some more recent trends we’ve been following this year: ■ Increasing firm size and strategic partnerships. One notable trend is the increase in the average size of firms involved in transactions. The average firm size has grown to 30 full-time equivalents, up from 25-26 FTEs in previous years. Larger firms are increasingly acquiring specialized boutique firms to enhance their expertise in niche sectors such as sustainability, environmental services, urban planning, and digital design solutions. This trend underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in strengthening market positions and expanding service offerings.

Geographic expansion and integration of technology. Geographic expansion continues to be a significant driver of M&A activity. Regional firms are consolidating to achieve national or international presence, responding to the rising demand for integrated services across diverse markets. Firms are also focusing on acquiring technological capabilities to enhance project efficiency and client outcomes. Key areas of technological integration include building information modeling, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics.

■

Sara Karstetter, MBA

■ Economic recovery and infrastructure spending. Economic recovery efforts post-pandemic and

See ALEC RUSSELL & SARA KARSTETTER , page 4

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

support the growth and management of AEC companies by providing mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance. ■ International market expansion. There has been a noticeable increase in international deals, with the proportion rising from 32.4 percent in Q2 2023 to 34.3 percent year-to-date. This shift highlights the growing importance of global market expansion for larger AEC firms as they seek to diversify their portfolios and tap into emerging markets. Expanding internationally helps firms mitigate regional market risks and capitalize on cross- border opportunities. The outlook for M&A activity in the AEC industry remains positive, despite external challenges such as regulatory shifts, economic policy changes, and political uncertainties. Business leaders must stay current with industry trends and proactively navigate the dynamic landscape. Developing a robust strategic plan that aligns M&A activities with overall business objectives is essential for leveraging acquisitions as a critical tool for growth, especially in turbulent market conditions. Alec Russell, MBA is a senior analyst within Zweig Group’s mergers and acquisitions advisory group. Contact him at arussell@zweiggroup.com. Sara Karstetter, MBA is a mergers and acquisitions advisor with Zweig Group. Contact her at skarstetter@zweiggroup.com.

ALEC RUSSELL & SARA KARSTETTER, from page 3

increased infrastructure spending have significantly influenced M&A activity. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have created substantial opportunities for firms to position themselves strategically in the market. These legislative measures have spurred demand for engineering services, particularly in sectors such as water/wastewater, transportation, and infrastructure projects. ■ High demand for engineering services. The demand for engineering services remains strong, particularly in civil and environmental engineering. Single-discipline engineering firms have been highly sought after, with civil engineering and environmental services accounting for 24 percent and 17 percent of all deals through Q2, respectively. This high demand is driven by ongoing needs in critical infrastructure projects and regulatory initiatives, such as the newly established national drinking water standards for PFAs and the substantial funding allocated for PFA detection and treatment systems. ■ Private equity’s growing role. Private equity firms continue to play a crucial role in the AEC industry’s M&A landscape. In Q2 2024, PE-backed firms or buyers accounted for 36 percent of all deals, indicating strong interest in direct investment within the sector. Unlike the traditional view of PE as focused solely on profits, many PE firms now

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

OPINION

Garver accepting their first-place prize for the 200+ Employees category during the 2023 ElevateAEC Awards Gala. They were No. 1 in the 200+ Employees category again in 2024.

The Best Firms To Work For survey provides a comprehensive view of the organizational climate across the industry, highlighting achievements and areas for growth. 2024 Best Firms To Work For insights

I n the ever-evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, understanding the pulse of employee sentiment is paramount. The 2024 Best Firms To Work For employee survey, which focuses on the employee experience across the industry, has revealed intriguing shifts. These shifts highlight areas of commendable progress and those requiring strategic attention.

Kyle Ahern

Here, we delve into the data, focusing on the most significant trends observed in the industry: ■ Areas of notable improvement. One area of significant improvement industry-wide is the balance of workload and prevention of burnout. This positive shift underscores successful efforts in managing workloads and supporting employee well-being across various firms. By prioritizing a balanced workload, firms have not only enhanced productivity but also fostered healthier, more sustainable work environments. Respect and equity within the workplace have also seen substantial growth across the industry. This improvement reflects an ongoing commitment to creating inclusive and respectful workplaces. It is likely the result of targeted

initiatives aimed at promoting equity and respect at all organizational levels. Opportunities for social interactions and celebrating special events have increased industry-wide as well. Enhancing these opportunities has paid dividends in boosting team cohesion and morale. Firms’ increased focus on these activities is building stronger relationships and more vibrant workplace cultures. The comfort of the work environment has also seen a rise. Improvements in physical work environments are resonating with employees across the industry. Whether through ergonomic

See KYLE AHERN , page 6

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

E levateAEC FEATURED SPEAKERS

LINDA DARR, PRESIDENT & CEO, ACEC Linda Darr has more than 30 years of experience in transportation and infrastructure policy. As ACEC’s CEO since August 2018, she represents 5,600 member firms involved in America’s infrastructure design. Under her leadership, ACEC successfully lobbied for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and became a key player in its implementation. Linda also serves as the 2021 FIDIC North America Chair and collaborates with a federation of 51 state and regional organizations. She led the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow, marking the first collaboration between ACEC, APWA, and ASCE to showcase infrastructure projects and promote workforce development.

KIT CEO, MIYAMOTO INTERNATIONAL Dr. H. Kit Miyamoto built a worldwide engineering and disaster management firm from a small engineering practice into 25 locations on four continents with one purpose: make the world a better, safer place. Its purpose-driven mission and a strength-focused culture drive the growth of the company and attract equally purpose-driven, passionate, teamwork-focused team members. Dr. Miyamoto is a world-leading expert in disaster resiliency engineering, disaster response and reconstruction. He provides expert engineering and policy advice for USAID, World Bank, UN agencies, and various governments. MIYAMOTO, GLOBAL

JOSEPH FUREY, PRESIDENT & CEO, MICHAEL GRAVES ARCHITECTURE Joe Furey has more than three decades of experience in the AEC and other professional industries leading business operations, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic and financial planning, analysis, and reporting. He joined the firm in 2008 as the CFO focused on the business, growth strategies, and succession planning, and became president in 2018. He has built the continued growth and prosperity of the Michael Graves companies around common purpose, cooperation, and teamwork. Based on his passion for sports (meaning football), he knows how to coach a team to win and have fun at the same time.

that every employee understands and aligns with the company’s mission and values is essential for a unified organizational effort. Lastly, the effectiveness of diversity and inclusion initiatives in recruiting and retaining employees has also dropped. This suggests that many firms may need to reinvigorate their efforts in these areas. Strengthening diversity and inclusion programs will not only foster more inclusive environments but also enhance the attractiveness of firms to potential and current employees. The 2024 Best Firms To Work For employee survey provides a comprehensive view of the organizational climate across the industry, highlighting both achievements and areas for growth. While we celebrate the strides made in workload management, workplace respect, and social opportunities, firms must address the concerns around compensation alignment, IT support, and diversity initiatives with equal vigor. By taking a proactive approach to these insights, firms can continue to build workplaces that not only meet but exceed the expectations of their dedicated employees. Together, the industry will strive to create environments where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Kyle Ahern is an employee experience and data strategist at Zweig Group. Contact him at kahern@zweiggroup.com.

KYLE AHERN, from page 5

adjustments or upgraded facilities, these efforts are making workplaces more comfortable and conducive to productivity. Lastly, trust in management’s grievance handling has significantly improved across the board. This boost indicates that employees feel more secure in voicing concerns, reflecting a strengthened commitment to transparent and responsive communication channels within firms. ■ Areas of concern. However, there are areas that have seen notable declines across the industry, starting with the alignment of compensation with responsibility. This decline points to growing dissatisfaction with compensation fairness. Addressing this will be crucial to ensuring that remuneration strategies effectively recognize and reward employee contributions. The efficiency of IT support has also decreased. This suggests issues with IT support responsiveness across various firms. Efficient technical support is vital for maintaining productivity, and this area will require immediate improvements to meet employee expectations. The clarity of mission, vision, and values has seen a decline. This decrease indicates potential communication gaps regarding core principles in many firms. Ensuring

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

2024 BEST FIRMS TO WORK FOR AWARD WINNERS Zweig Group’s Best Firms To Work For Award honors outstanding workplaces at AEC firms, evaluates them on culture, workplace practices, employee benefits, employee retention rates, professional development, and more – from both management and staff perspectives. Awards were given in multiple categories based on firm size and discipline. This program also produces the largest employee experience survey in the AEC industry. This year, Zweig Group partnered with School of PE to present the Best Firms to Work For Award. Click here to see the full list of winners!

10 TO 49 EMPLOYEES 1. Above Group, Inc. 2.

9. Gale Associates, Inc. 10. Mulhern & Kulp Structural Engineering, Inc. 11. Wright Structural Engineers 12. Burdette, Koehler, Murphy, and Associates (BKM) 13. Randall-Paulson Architects, Incorporated 14. Schaefer 15. HMB Professional Engineers 16. Environmental Design Group 17. Lea & Braze Engineering, Inc. 18. Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates 19. MKN 20. EKFox 21. HASTINGS Architecture, LLC 22. Pierce Engineers 23. RLG Consulting Engineers 24. Geotechnical & Environmental Services, Inc. 25. AE Works 26. Baisch Engineering 27. Shield Engineering Group, PLLC 28. HDJ 29. Croy 30. J2 31. Vierbicher Associates, Inc. 32. Entellus, Inc. 33. Eclipse Engineering, PC 34. Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. 35. Cedarville Engineering Group 100 TO 199 EMPLOYEES 1. Patel, Greene and Associates 2. Pure Power Engineering 3. TETER, INC. 4. Harper Houf Peterson Righellis 5. Kleinschmidt Associates 6. EHS Support 7. OBMI 8. DBR 9. R&M Consultants, Inc.

10. G3 Quality, Inc. 11. Green International Affiliates, In. 12. Passero Associates 13. BranchPattern 14. KL&A, Engineers & Builders 15. RJN Group 16. Chen Moore and Associates 17. Taylor Design 18. Suburban Consulting Engineers, inc. 19. Grace Hebert Curtis Architects 20. Bennett & Pless 21. Foresite Group, LLC 22. KSA Engineers Inc 23. TowerPinkster 24. EMC Engineering Services, Inc. 25. raSmith 26. RRM Design Group 27. Consulting Engineering Services 28. EAPC Architects Engineers 29. SGM 30. BHC 31. Miyamoto International, Inc. 32. SWBR Architecture, Engineering & Landscape Architecture, D.P.C. 33. Better Communities Collaborative 34. CMTS LLC 35. O’Connell Robertson 36. EMA Engineering & Consulting 37. Hanbury 38. Gaskins + LeCraw 200+ EMPLOYEES 1. Garver 2. MBP 3. Bowers + Kubota Consulting Inc. 4. Baxter & Woodman, Inc. 5. Wallace Design Collective 6. TPD 7. AE2S

LJA Engineering

9. SME 10. Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group 11. Wade Trim 12. Dunaway 13. Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC 14. Matrix Design Group, Inc. 15. McAdams 16. Atwell, LLC 17. Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. 18. CEC 19. GATE Energy 20. ISG 21. CobbFendley 22. WestLAND Group, Inc 23. Haley Ward, Inc 24. DLB Associates Consulting Engineers PC 25. BRPH Companies, Inc. 26. H&H 27. Binkley & Barfield | DCCM 28. Thomas & Hutton 29. TLC Engineering Solutions 30. The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. 31. Colliers Engineering & Design 32. RRC Companies 33. VLK Architects 34. RTM Engineering Consultants, LLC 35. Galloway & Company, Inc. 36. Ardurra 37. Allana Buick & Bers 38. Cushing Terrell 39. The Vertex Companies, LLC 40. Westwood Professional Services 41. CPH Consulting, LLC 42. IPS 43. BB&E Inc. 44. McKim & Creed

Southern Steel Engineers

HCL Engineering & Surveying

Comprehensive Environmental

Calibre Engineering

proHNS LLC

e2 engineers

BASE

Zephyr Rail

10. EDG 11. Redtree Engineering 12. CWE 13. Affinis Corp 14. Bennett Engineering Services 15. Cuono Engineering, PLLC 16. CAGE 17. Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck 18. Performance Engineering 19. ARS Engineers, Inc. 20. SMA Architecture and Design 21. Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation 22. Kluber Architects + Engineers 23. S. Tipton Studio 24. Caldwell Architects, Inc. 25. CORE Consultants 26. Neumann Monson Architects 27. Tamarack Grove Engineering 28. Axiom PLLC

29. DY Consultants 50 TO 99 EMPLOYEES 1.

Campos Engineering

Garmann Miller

Choice One Engineering

ANS Geo

MWM DesignGroup, Inc.

EMCS, Inc.

Faller, Davis and Associates, Inc.

Prairie Engineers, P.C.

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

2024 HOT FIRM LIST Zweig Group’s 2024 Hot Firm List honors the fastest-growing firms in the architecture, engineering, planning, environmental and construction industry. Firms are ranked based on three-year growth in revenue, by both percentage and dollar growth. This year’s firms have outperformed the economy and competitors to become leaders in their chosen fields. For more information about the Hot Firm List or to see past winners of the award, click here.

1. UES 2. Verdantas LLC 3. Salas O’Brien

35. Garver 36. Wade Trim 37. Luminaut 38. EDG 39. Langan 40. Zephyr Rail 41. WithersRavenel 42. TLC Engineering Solutions 43. LJA Engineering, Inc. 44. Above Group, Inc. 45. Larson Design Group (LDG) 46. DRMP, Inc. 47. EAPC Architects Engineers 48. Arora Engineers, LLC 49. G3 Quality, Inc. 50. Parametrix 51. HMB Professional Engineers, LLC 52. Miyamoto International 53. Woodard & Curran 54. Drummond Carpenter, PLLC 55. Pacifica Engineering Services, LLC 56. DBR 57. Dennis J. Swart Architecture, PC 58. Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. 59. Apex Companies, LLC 60. Enovate 61. Passero Associates 62. Dunaway 63. The Vertex Companies, LLC 64. The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. 65. Chen Moore and Associates 66. Crabtree Rohrbaugh & Associates 67. Lawrence Group 68. Stone Group Architects, Inc.

69. Ware Malcomb 70. ThinkForm Architects 71. CobbFendley 72. WestLAND Group Inc 73. Hayduk Engineering, LLC 74. GSI Environmental Inc. 75. CWE 76. Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C 77. CROFT & Associates 78. Vierbicher 79. EPS Group, Inc. 80. BSA LifeStructures

4. RMA Companies 5. Ardurra Group, Inc.

6. Bowman Consulting Group 7. Colliers Engineering & Design

8. Woolpert 9. ANS Geo 10. Atwell, LLC 11. WSB

12. RTM Engineering Consultants, LLC 13. Westwood Professional Services 14. ALL 4 15. Michael Graves 16. Fleis & VandenBrink 17. VLK Architects 18. Ulteig 19. IPS-Integrated Project Services 20. P2S, LP 21. HASTINGS Architecture 22. Hanbury 23. Grace Hebert Curtis Architects, LLC 24. Patel, Greene & Associates, LLC 25. McAdams 26. SSOE Group 27. Galloway & Company, Inc 28. ECS Group of Companies 29. Cedarville Engineering Group 30. Wallace Design Collective

81. G2 Consulting Group, LLC 82. Wright Structural Engineers 83. Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental 84. ADC Engineering 85. Cyntergy 86. Syska Hennessy Group 87. TETER, Inc. 88. INFOTRAN Engineers & Architects P.C 89. Hillmann Consulting, LLC 90. Bowers+Kubota Consulting, Inc. 91. EMC Engineering Services, Inc. 92. Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists & Land Surveyors, D.P.C. 93. DB STERLIN CONSULTANTS, INC. 94. Ensero Solutions Inc. 95. CEC 96. Allana Buick & Bers 97. HCL Engineering & Surveying LLC 98. KSA Engineers, Inc. 99. BB&E Inc. 100. Matrix Design Group, Inc.

31. CPH Consulting, LLC 32. O’Connell Robertson 33. ISG 34. HIPP Design + Consulting

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

PROFILE

Recruiting for success: Lacy Kiser Chief administrative officer at UES (Orlando, FL), a privately held, rapidly growing engineering and consulting firm and No. 1 Hot Firm four years in a row.

By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent

L acy Kiser is the newly-appointed chief administrative officer (CAO) at UES, the No. 1 winner for the fourth year in a row of Zweig Group’s Hot Firm Award. We wanted to know more about what’s happening at this sizzling firm, so we reached out to Kiser to get the scoop. EXPANDING SERVICE LINES AND OFFERINGS. “It’s been a big year for UES and being recognized as the 2024 Hot Firm winner is a testament to the strong, growth-oriented leadership and exemplary work done by our nearly 4,000 UES team members. We’ve focused on strengthening our offerings in our three core service lines: environmental and earth sciences, sustainable infrastructure solutions, and geophysical technologies,” Kiser says. UES has worked on expanding its environmental service line to include ecological practices like ecosystem identification and mapping, protected tree inventories, and wetland permitting. It’s also expanded its team of natural resources experts to help clients assess, manage, and mitigate the environmental impacts of their projects and ensure sustainable use of natural resources. To develop its geophysical technologies service line, it’s

established a virtual design consulting team that uses advanced techniques such as 3D building information modeling (BIM). This provides cost-effective, non-destructive alternatives for comprehensive subsurface analysis of buildings and roadways and saves clients significant time and money when compared to older, traditional methods. The company is also continuing to grow service offerings that support sustainable infrastructure solutions across the country. Right now, its Milestone Inspection Program in Florida is in high gear working with condominium clients who must have structural integrity assessments conducted by year-end per a new law enacted by the governor to ensure building safety for older condominiums. Additionally, UES has placed significant focus on further developing its National Account Program. It’s added account managers with expertise in specific industries to work with clients who have expansive geographical footprints and are looking for a service provider who can support their development projects across the U.S.

See RECRUITING FOR SUCCESS , page 10

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

RECRUITING FOR SUCCESS, from page 9

“This helps us to grow organically by using our nationwide network of experts and certified laboratories to support these clients and uncover new business opportunities,” he explains. RECRUITING FOR SUCCESS. At UES, there are job opportunities at all levels, from entry-level to expert. “We’ve found that many job seekers choose to join UES because of our commitment to career development and providing the tools necessary for people to reach their long-term goals,” Kiser says. For example, UES offers:

HEADQUARTERS: Orlando, FL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 4,000

UES’s core values are safety, teamwork, responsiveness, integrity, value, and excellence.

YEAR FOUNDED: UES does not celebrate a specific founding date because it’s made up of more than 25+ legacy companies, each with long-standing histories. OFFICE LOCATIONS: 90 branch locations across the U.S.

infrastructure – and not just roadways and bridges – but also building sustainable power solutions such as power plants, renewable energy systems including solar, winds, and hydropower. Kiser says that its organic growth and active acquisition strategy have helped them to focus on expansion in high-growth markets in the South, Midwest, and West and that by building a portfolio of best-in-class legacy companies that can represent shared values while bolstering expertise in fast-growing sectors is a key to success. “In the past year, we rebranded from ‘Universal Engineering Sciences’ to ‘UES’ to better represent a more cohesive visual identity for legacy companies. The new brand reflects our commitment to our clients, employees, shareholders, and the communities where we work,” Kiser says. Right now, the company’s top goal is to continue focusing on its clients and providing solutions for their ongoing engineering, environmental, and materials testing needs. “Our team members are dedicated to demonstrating our core values of safety, teamwork, responsiveness, integrity, value, and excellence (STRIVE), and by keeping our clients’ needs and project requirements top of mind, we work to establish a trusting partnership,” he says. Internally, UES continues to invest in technology and tools to help its teams provide top-quality service to customers and drive efficiency and innovation within the business. It’s also onboarding newly-acquired companies. “And of course, we remain committed to recruiting top talent to contribute to projects we currently have in the pipeline and in markets where we are expanding,” he adds.

UES University, an online learning platform that provides access to thousands of online courses ranging from technical skills to leadership development training.

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On-the-job training.

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Paid certification testing to increase skills and pay.

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■ Service line councils, a nationwide network of experts in multiple fields that share best practices and project resources. “We’ve discovered that many new employees, including those who have just joined us through an acquisition, like joining UES because their professional network grows overnight as they immediately have access to over 4,000 Team UES experts,” Kiser says. “We also give our employees the opportunity to relocate and work at another UES branch location. That’s often appealing too.” Last year, UES conducted an all-employee survey that garnered direct feedback from its more than 4,000 team members. The data helped the company determine areas where immediate, impactful improvements were needed. For example, some team members wanted more information from their field leaders and to hear directly from the executive leaders. In response, UES began having virtual town hall meetings multiple times during the year. It also created additional communications materials and talking points for leaders in the field to use when meeting with their teams to help share consistent information across the company. In addition to formal training opportunities and access to an extensive network of experts in the AEC space, Kiser finds that people are most excited about the projects they get to work on. Many of these projects will help to improve the long-term sustainability of the nation’s

MARKETS:

Commercial

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Education

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Healthcare

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Industrial/ manufacturing

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Government/military

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Infrastructure/ transportation

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Power

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Residential

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Undeveloped land

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SERVICES:

Engineering

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Environmental consulting

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Building materials testing services

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THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

ElevateHER® AT ElevateAEC

2024 MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS Zweig Group’s Marketing Excellence Awards recognize outstanding, results-driven marketing in the AEC industry. Marketing Excellence Award entries were judged by a team of

Talent acquisition and retention remains one of the most important contributors to the success of AEC firms. This year, the ElevateHER® project teams once again set out to tackle this industry- wide challenge head-on with fresh eyes and fresh minds. After six months of hard work, they will share their findings and solutions with the ElevateAEC Conference audience. In a dedicated one-and-a-half-hour segment on Thursday, September 19, five project teams from the 2024 ElevateHER® cohort will showcase their final theses and pragmatic solutions on the main stage. The projects include #AECIRL whose mission is to deliver a readily implementable social media toolkit aimed at recruiting the next generation of AEC professionals. The AEC Language & Communications report analyzes and quantifies language and communication of a sample group of AEC firms with the goal of creating a definition for AEC-literacy, which can be applied to improve educational programs. EducateHER builds upon two past ElevateHER® projects and focuses on go-to-market and retail strategies for a mass rollout of AEC character library kits. RetainHER stays razor-focused on curating a comprehensive guide for AEC employers to properly and meaningfully support employees through different seasons of their career and life, so they can sustainably retain talent. MentHER+ also builds upon past ElevateHER® team projects, refining the mentoring program framework previously created and adding current mentor training in the hopes of launching a pilot mentoring cohort. The audience not only gains actionable plans from these presentations, but also has the opportunity to pledge to adopt/ implement one or more of these plans at their own firm. The project teams will host roundtable discussions immediately following the presentation, and offer implementation advice to interested firm leaders. The project that receives the most pledges will be developed further and brought to market in the near future, fulfilling ElevateHER®’s mission to bring about positive change to the AEC industry and fostering sustainability, diversity, and growth for a brighter future.

marketing professionals and evaluated based upon overall creativity, messaging, results achieved by the campaign, and level of design. For more information about the Marketing Excellence Awards or to see past winners of the award, click here.

ADVERTISING 1. Kleinschmidt Associates 2. PK Electrical, Inc. 3. WSB BROCHURE

NEWSLETTER – INTERNAL 1. Kleinschmidt Associates 2. WSB 3. Benesch PROJECT PURSUIT 1. Patel, Greene and Associates, LLC 2. ISG 3. Environmental Design Group RECRUITMENT/RETENTION COMMUNICATION 1. Baxter & Woodman, Inc. 2. ISG 3. BHC SOCIAL MEDIA 1. HFA 2. Miyamoto International 3. LJA SPECIAL EVENT 1. Garver 2. WithersRavenel 3. ISG VIDEO MARKETING 1. Baxter & Woodman, Inc. 2. Garver 3. McKim & Creed, Inc. WEBSITE 1. McAdams 2. LandDesign 3. LJA

1. WSB 2. WSB 3. ISG CORPORATE ID 1. Thriven Design 2. UES 3. McKim & Creed, Inc. HOLIDAY 1. Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc. 2. Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc. 3. AFG Group, Inc. INTEGRATED MARKETING/BRAND AWARENESS 1. Calibre Engineering 2. Garmann Miller 3. BHC 4. Garver INTERNAL MARKETING 1. Westwood Professional Services 2. ISG 3. WGI, Inc.

NEWSLETTER – EXTERNAL 1. Baxter & Woodman, Inc. 2. WSB

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

PROFILE

ISG staff celebrating their Marketing Excellence win at the 2023 ElevateAEC Awards Gala.

A spotlight on marketing excellence Zweig Group’s 2024 Marketing Excellence Award winners share the strategies behind their winning campaigns and the impact on their firms’ success. A cross all categories, the winners of Zweig Group’s 2024 Marketing Excellence Awards have created some

on our firm’s reputation and position in the AEC industry is significant. This campaign showcased our commitment to celebrating diversity and supporting the arts, aligning our brand with values of inclusivity and cultural appreciation. It highlighted our ability to innovate beyond traditional industry boundaries, positioning us as thought leaders who are willing to take risks and embrace new ideas. Overall, the campaign not only amplified important voices but also strengthened our brand’s credibility and appeal, setting a precedent for future initiatives that reflect our internal values and resonate with our audience. TZL: Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in AEC marketing, and how does your firm plan to stay ahead of these trends? Ryan Delwiche, Senior Graphic Designer, WSB: Looking ahead, the AEC industry is poised for a digital transformation, and we are embracing these changes at WSB. We anticipate a shift toward immersive digital experiences that engage clients and stakeholders more interactively and personally, which is part of the reason we submitted a digital brochure for our award. These digital experiences will not only enhance our presentations but also allow for a more collaborative and See A SPOTLIGHT ON MARKETING EXCELLENCE , page 14

outstanding marketing campaigns, displaying incredible imagination, creativity, firm-wide involvement, and client involvement. The creativity of these campaigns and results achieved by this year’s winners highlight the innovative spirit that drives our industry forward. Here’s what some of this year’s No. 1 winners had to say about their wins. A CONVERSATION WITH MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS. The Zweig Letter: Winning this award is a significant achievement. How do you plan to leverage this recognition and build on your success in future marketing initiatives within the AEC industry? Tanya Castella, Media and Communications Specialist, HFA: What set our campaign apart was the innovative approach of intersecting art and architecture, and commitment to celebrating Black History Month in an authentic and meaningful way. By collaborating with Walker Noble, a renowned multi-disciplinary artist, we ventured beyond the typical boundaries of our industry, embracing influencer partnerships – a relatively uncommon practice in the architecture and engineering sector. The positive impact

THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 29, 2024, ISSUE 1547

this campaign, and our collaborative spirit shines through. This recognition inspires us to continue making a meaningful difference and, hopefully, encourages others to join us in promoting social equity. Richard Carbone, Managing Principal for Growth and Strategy, Thriven Design: We are thrilled that our new identity launch resonated with the judging panel as much as it does with our team every day. It’s incredibly energizing to utilize our new logo, messaging, website, and marketing materials to convey our firm’s story. The collaborative rebranding process has not only enhanced our external presence but also strengthened our internal team dynamics, creating lasting positive effects. Emily Villines, CPSM, CPC, ACC, MA, Vice President, Strategic Communications, Calibre Engineering: Calibre may be a small business, but we dream big in our marketing efforts. We strive to set the marketing bar in the AEC industry – and then rise above it. We say regularly, “This team is unstoppable.” We feel impassioned, rewarded, and recognized for this achievement. Winning this award shows what a small team with bright, intuitive minds can accomplish through hard work, planning, and dedication. “Winning these awards has boosted our reputation, demonstrating our team’s outstanding capabilities to staff, new recruits, and clients! This recognition validates the hard work put into our initiatives and adds considerable value to our marketing toolbox.” Katie Batill-Bigler, Marketing Director, Patel, Greene and Associates: When PGA is recognized for exceptional marketing, I am so proud personally because I know how hard (and smart!) our staff work to craft a compelling story and vision for our clients. Furthermore, an award in the “Project Pursuit” category showcases the awesome collaboration between our marketing staff and our technical staff, who lead the project approach and design. It’s a testament to not only how we work creatively and strategically, but how we are able to deliver work that is truly greater than the sum of our parts. We celebrate this award, and what it represents, companywide and it further motivates our team to continue raising the bar! Jen Deal, Director of Marketing, McAdams: It feels incredibly rewarding to have our marketing campaign recognized at this level. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, creativity, collaboration and dedication of our entire team. We are all elated and motivated to continue driving excellence in our marketing efforts. This recognition reinforces our commitment to setting high standards in the AEC industry. Heather Barrett, Brand & Creative Director, Westwood: Our team is honored and grateful to be recognized for our internal marketing campaign. Achieving first place is gratifying and validates our team’s hard work and creativity. Winning motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of our work and to continue delivering innovative ideas to elevate the AEC industry.

A SPOTLIGHT ON MARKETING EXCELLENCE, from page 13

engaging sales process. Our firm invests in digital technologies in other departments, so we make a conscious effort to produce marketing materials that reflect that. GinaRenee Autrey, Director of Marketing & Communications, Kleinschmidt Associates: The digital landscape is currently undergoing a seismic shift and marketers are looking for steady ground. The impact of generative AI and LLM tools will increase our productivity greatly, allowing us to focus on more strategic initiatives and drive real change at our firms. We adopted the use of generative AI early in 2023 and have been experimenting with various tools to see what works for us and are pleased with the results. We intend to stay on top of these trends through continual learning and embracing change. TZL: What do you think set your award-winning marketing campaign apart from others in terms of innovation and effectiveness? How do you believe it has positively impacted your firm’s reputation and position in the AEC industry? Laura Nick, Chief Communications Officer, Garver: What we loved most about our Engineers Week campaign is that it not only served Garver but the engineering industry as a whole. This outreach initiative checked a lot of boxes: it addressed a pressing industry workforce shortage and gave us an outlet to showcase our corporate giving program along with our engineers and their passion for STEM education. One of the coolest parts was that we weren’t telling a story – the initiative was a story in and of itself. And it was our engineers who were the ones telling it in their respective markets. Thanks to their efforts, our EWeek story was shared on local TV stations, social media, and more and helped raise awareness surrounding an ongoing industry challenge. Lori Polantz, Corporate Communications Manager, Baxter & Woodman, Inc.: Our award-winning “Who is B&W?” video, quarterly B&W e-newsletter, and HR Evolution recruiting campaigns demonstrate how our team can work creatively and effectively across several departments to foster collaboration and deliver on our strategic goals. We blended visually compelling elements with concise, impactful messaging to make our campaigns memorable and effective. Winning these awards has really boosted our reputation, demonstrating our team’s outstanding capabilities to staff, new recruits, and clients! This recognition validates the hard work put into our initiatives and adds considerable value to our marketing toolbox. We can now proudly present our award-winning communications team as the top choice for clients seeking exceptional public outreach and messaging services. These accolades give us a competitive advantage, demonstrating our ability to deliver effective communication strategies. TZL: How does your team feel to have your firm’s marketing campaign recognized as one of the most outstanding and effective in the AEC industry? Stephanie Flury, Digital Marketing Manager, Little: We are deeply honored to have our MLK Day Culturally Inclusive Book Drive recognized for its outstanding impact. This award reflects the incredible power of teamwork and shared vision, showcasing the passion and dedication of Little employees who live out our core values of Care, Stretch, and Spark daily. Championing literacy and diversity is at the heart of

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