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Calvin

P R O F I L E

Conference call: Calvin Ladner President of LJA Engineering (Hot Firm #2 for 2016), the largest employee-owned civil engineering firm in Houston (600-plus employees).

By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent

Calvin Ladner: Unfortunately, one of the ways bad clients reveal themselves is by not paying. We try not to have that type of client. If they have a repu- tation for being problem payers, we avoid working with them. It’s in the best interest of our business plan to get rid of bad clients. “If they have a reputation for being problem payers, we avoid working with them. It’s in the best interest of our business plan to get rid of bad clients.” TZL: What’s the recipe for creating an effective board?

L adner has more than 35 years’ experience in civ- il engineering serving both public and private clients. He’s been involved in projects including de- sign of interstate highways, municipal utility dis- tricts, and land development projects. He also has experience in the planning, design, and construc- tion of water supply and wastewater systems, as well as roadways. He has been president of LJA for more than 20 years. A CONVERSATION WITH CALVIN LADNER. The Zweig Letter: What’s your philosophy on fee/ billing and accounts receivable? How do you col- lect fees from a difficult client?

Calvin Ladner, President, LJA Engineering

THE ZWEIG LETTER Ap

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