Leadership Team
Joan Hennessey, C.P.A.
President
Why do I do what I do?
I’m very proud to carry on my dad’s tradition of providing a great place to work. That is very important to me. My dad said, “Everyone has their place and their own story. That’s what makes us strong.” I also enjoy using my accounting and business skills to help the communities we serve, mostly by procuring federal grants for infrastructure projects. We maximize the dollars to benefit the community.
What do I do in my off-hours?
My free time is spent with family and friends. I enjoy sharing our place in Northern Michigan.
John Hennessey, P.E.
Vice President
Why do I do what I do?
I grew up in this industry. Every weekend my father would take me to construction sites to observe the work and ensure the quality was up to his standards. I learned what they were doing and why. Some of the more interesting projects he brought me on required night excavations, which really piqued my interest in civil engineering. He was proud that his work improved the lives of many communities in Southeast Michigan. Now, our overriding goal as a company is to positively impact the dozens of communities we serve by maintaining and improving infrastructure and providing safe, accessible recreational outlets for families and residents.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I am curious by nature. I enjoy traveling and learning about new places and its history. It’s best when I combine that with skiing.
Meet Your Team
Why do I do what I do?
As a young boy growing up in Lebanon, I witnessed the destruction of my country. Bombings occurred regularly, so roadways and bridges needed to be reconstructed often. I observed how civil engineers quickly designed and constructed alternative methods. I knew then that I wanted to be a civil engineer.
What do I do in my off-hours?
My family is everything. I enjoy spending time with them.
Why do I do what I do?
Before I went to college, my dad and I built houses together. There was something special about using your hands to create something tangible. During college, I worked in land surveying while studying civil engineering, which brought it all together. Today, I enjoy helping people with their projects and challenges. I can help with property issues, design, planning, and construction. Helping the little guy on the street realize his dream is rewarding.
What do I do in my off-hours?
With three kids, I am either coaching my daughters’ softball team or volunteering to help my son in marching band. I am also the Vice-Chair of the Brownstown Township Planning Commission.
Why do I do what I do?
I grew up wanting to be either a female Walter Cronkite or a reporter for Rolling Stone magazine. I love interviewing people and finding out how they tick. So, why Marketing? It marries research, writing, creativity, and connecting with people to create an environment where business thrives. Continuously learning and celebrating success makes me happy.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I love cooking for family and friends because it brings them joy. I also need a regular dose of Vitamin D–sunshine. Playing outside and getting dirty is fun. My bucket list includes hiking in every national park.
Why do I do what I do?
Design is in my blood. My father was an architect and worked on several large automotive construction projects. That gave me exposure to the world of design and construction. I chose civil engineering because it combined the creativity of architecture with the precision of engineering and math. It’s a wonderful feeling when your project comes to life.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I get outside and walk my dog, or most often, we run. I also have a great group of friends that enjoy a glass of bourbon or two.
Why do I do what I do?
I grew up on a farm and every free minute was spent outside exploring endless creative possibilities. In school, my favorite subjects were math and science. It was only natural that my interests and passions would lead me to a degree in civil engineering. As an engineer, identifying problems and designing solutions to keep the public safe on our roads gives me great satisfaction.
What do I do in my off-hours?
Being a dreamer, relaxing is hard for me. There is no shortage of projects I want to tackle, places I want to visit, and activities I want to do. I love working on home improvements and being outside tending to my flowers and landscaping. I have a soft spot for animals, and I also enjoy reading, traveling, and learning about new places and people. Beaches, sunsets and cocktails are magnificent! The best times truly are those spent with my family and friends (and my Velcro dog, Sparty).
Why do I do what I do?
I grew up building things. That drew me into architecture first, followed by civil engineering, then land surveying. Designing and constructing buildings is my passion. Land surveying brings it all together. It ties together the history of a place or community by identifying what was there before and what will be.
What do I do in my off-hours?
My Up North getaway is my fun place. Spending time with my family, especially my granddaughter, is precious. I am also an amateur photographer.
Why do I do what I do?
I love exploring, helping people, examining historical documents, and solving puzzles. My job combines all those elements into one. It is also very rewarding to be able to help people out with their land-related issues. Seeing the relief on a clients face when you re-establish a lost property corner/ boundary line or a big smile when you layout a clients dream home is very satisfying.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I’m always up for a new adventure. In spring you might find me tapping maple trees, jigging for walleye, or planting a garden. In summer I could be kayaking down a river, scuba diving on a shipwreck, or cruising around on a motorcycle. Fall finds me hiking down leaf covered trails, riding a 4-wheeler, or sitting in a duck/deer blind. In the winter I may be zipping down a snowmobile trail, hitting a ski slope, or fishing in an ice shanty.
Why do I do what I do?
When I was growing up, I always enjoyed being outside. I spent time hunting, fishing, camping, blazing trails, and building “forts” in the woods. When I went to college, I knew I wanted to study math and science; Civil Engineering seemed the perfect fit for me. Now, 30 years later, I love being a part of constructing large projects that serve people and communities for many generations to come.
What do I do in my off-hours?
In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling and discovering places to hike, bike, and ski with my family and dog.
Why do I do what I do?
My interest in design and engineering began in high school when geometry quickly became my favorite subject. I loved the problem solving and way of thinking it involves. This is still one of my favorite parts of my job. I also love the teamwork involved with working on projects, and especially the people I’ve developed relationships with. This industry has some really great, down-to-earth people. I also love the scale of the projects Civil Engineers work on and being able to see the results our projects all around our great state.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband and three very busy teenagers. Sports are a huge part of our lives, and as a family most of our time is spent attending events and travel around the state for sports, which we all love.
Why do I do what I do?
Growing up, I wanted to design the next Ford Mustang, then I was introduced to civil engineering. Now, I love going for a drive and seeing our designs come to life. Through problem solving and teamwork, civil engineers bring a vision to reality. We make a positive impact on our communities.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I love to travel with my husband and daughters. I also enjoy golfing, hiking, and cheering on the Michigan football team. I also serve as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves, Civil Engineering Corps as a Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Why do I do what I do?
As a little kid, I was fascinated with construction crews at work. Whether it was a building site or road crew, I thought, “that’s what I want to do when I grow up.” I discovered civil engineering and knew it was the right place for me. I love the process of creating and designing that turns into a structure or finished project. I also love the positive impact it makes on a community.
What do I do in my off-hours?
Whether it’s at the beach, park, or home, spending time with my wife and children is the best. That is what makes me happy. I also love playing golf and hockey.
Why do I do what I do?
Our work makes a positive impact in each community we serve. I love making sure things get done correctly. Right now, my motivation comes from mentoring young engineers and inspectors, giving them the confidence to move forward in their careers. Teaching them the foundations of construction engineering and management keeps the industry strong.
What do I do in my off-hours?
Helping people makes me happy. I feel like it’s our responsibility to take care of each other. I also LOVE BBQ and cooking for family and friends. Anytime we can be together is a blessing.
Why do I do what I do?
I always loved math and science growing up and gravitated toward civil engineering. Every road or bridge construction presents specific traffic needs and requirements and I enjoy working on solutions to meet those challenges. It’s very rewarding being part of projects that enhance travel for the community, while doing what I love to do.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I enjoy gardening and home projects. I also love traveling, exploring places, and experiencing different cultures. Most of all, I love spending time with my family and friends.
Why do I do what I do?
I grew up with a deep appreciation of nature and the environment, spending as much time outdoors as possible. Math and Science always came naturally to me, so I knew I would end up in the engineering field, but I needed to be in a field that felt like I was making a positive impact on my community and environment. Civil Engineering was the perfect fit for me because of the balance between technical problem-solving, community service, and environmental sustainability.
What do I do in my off-hours?
I love spending time outdoors, camping, kayaking, or playing disc golf. I am also an avid music lover, playing guitar as much as I can, and attending as many live events as possible.