Seattle-based Shannon & Wilson is a geotechnical and environmental consulting firm specializing in solutions for complex subsurface projects. Clients of the 45-year-old firm include architecture and engineering firms, transportation consultants; railroads; municipal, state, and federal governments; and the private sector.

There are currently 135 people in the Seattle office, a 5 percent increase from this time last year. In Seattle, Shannon & Wilson expects about $21 million in gross fees this year. There are also offices in Richland, St. Louis, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

"One of the biggest challenges we face is in staffing," according to J. Duncan Findlay, senior vice president and Seattle Branch Manager. "Attracting and retaining good, qualified staff has been tough the past couple of years. It's been an interesting challenge to market the company to prospective new employees and really define what sets us apart from the competition in terms of what we can offer," he said.

"Business has been excellent this past year, and we expect the next year to be good as well," said Findley. "However, we do not expect the same rate of growth as we have experienced in the past two years. Changes in the political and economic climate are starting to catch up to Seattle."