GeoEngineers

GeoEngineers is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and original founder Jack Tuttle is retiring. Remaining an employee-owned company is a priority, according to president Jim Miller. Maintaining profitability as key principals and long-time stockholders begin retirement is also an important concern, he said.

GeoEngineers provides services in geotechnical engineering, geologic consulting, hydrogeologic engineering and several other environmental areas. In addition to federal, state and local governments, clients include petroleum companies, pipeline companies, residential developers, commercial developers, utility companies and industrial facility users. The firm has grown by 15 percent this year, from 180 to 200.

Gross fees in 2000 are projected to be in excess of $18 million. “Business couldn’t be better,” said Miller.

Company goals continue to include attracting more qualified people and cross-selling existing and new services to existing clients. This yearn GeoEngineers was named a “Top Ten” medium-sized firm to work for in Washington state by Washington CEO magazine, according to Miller.

Another challenge for the firm is developing and maintaining client relationships in the age of technology, according to Miller. “The explosive growth of technology has made information available in ‘real time,’ and clients want and expect information instantly,” said Miller. “However, being there physically is an important element in our relationship-based business, and many clients want to work with local firms. “GeoEngineers meets the need to ‘be there’ for our clients by expanding geographically.”

The firm has opened offices this year in Everett, Olympia and Boise.