The Surveyors at SSE help AECI at Auction

 

POPLAR BLUFF, MO – Schultz Surveying and Engineering, Inc. (SSE) was chosen by Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) to perform surveying services on over 700 acres of land near their New Madrid Power Plant location.

The land was purchased by AECI in 2012 to construct a railroad spur from the main Burlington Northern line west of Highway 61 to the Cotton Belt line running to their power plant. The property no longer needed for the project is being auctioned off by AECI on July 12th. Before selling the property AECI knew they would need to provide accurate legal descriptions and maps for the real estate transaction.

The survey included 8 tracts of land comprising just over 700 acres in southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River. SSE owner Stan Schultz stated, “As a rural resident I love working with our cooperatives and AECI is a great group to work for.  We have also helped Sho-Me Power, Clay County Electric, Black River Electric and several other cooperatives before.  Having a staff that understands what it takes to produce and deliver electricity to rural Missourians makes working for our electrical cooperatives very enjoyable.”

Don Berry, R.L.S. of SSE concluded ‘The survey and subsequent plats, as well as the full-color aerial map we provided were a bit above the routine, but because this property was being auctioned off we knew the potential buyers would want a good view of what they were bidding on.  I always enjoy working for AECI because their folks are so professional and Mr. Murray gave very clear instructions.”

Mike DeLong Joins Schultz Surveying & Engineering

Mike DeLong Joins Schultz Surveying & Engineering

His 30 + years with Springfield City Utilities and with DNR

will help SSE continue their growth and expansion .



Mike DeLong, P.E.

Mike DeLong accepts key role for Schultz Surveying & Engineering.  DeLong is a Registered Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience in water, natural gas, and electric utility design and construction.  DeLong will be overseeing all operations in SSE’s Lake of the Ozarks and Branson offices.  Owner Stan Schultz said, “Because of SSE’s tremendous and rapid growth we needed an experienced engineer like Mr. DeLong.  Having Mike join our team as Operations Manager will prove to be a huge asset for our company.  His extensive background dealing with utility companies and MoDNR will be something that our current and potential clients find highly attractive about SSE.”

Stan Schultz, Brad allbritton and mike Delong pose together.

DeLong is also a certified MoDNR Class A Water Treatment Plant Operator, and a MoDNR DS III Drinking Water Distribution Operator, with certificates in both.  In his previous position as Manager of Developer Services with Springfield City Utilities, DeLong was responsible for working with customers on all new construction.  Along with engineering and customer service responsibilities, he also worked in community relations and business development for CU.

To welcome Mike, SSE hosted a small gathering in near his hometown in Springfield, Missouri. Friends and family gathered to join Mike in ringing in the new year, and new position.

Mike graduated from Crane High School in Crane, MO, and then went onto the University of Missouri at Rolla to obtain his BS in Civil Engineering.  When asked about what his hobbies were, Mike said, “When I told a friend that I did not have time for hobbies because I was always doing volunteer work, he pointed out that community service was my hobby.  I have spent my whole life learning how things work and how to build things, so people are always asking me to help fix or build something.”  Mike is also the current Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Springfield Contractors Association and has been the President of the Springfield Home Builders Association Charitable Foundation for the last two years.

Ken Farris is SSE's June Employee of the Month

Ken Farris, June 2013 Employee of the Month

 

LAKE OZARK, MO- Schultz Surveying and Engineering is pleased to announce that Ken Farris will be recognized as the June Employee of the Month. Ken was selected for his work with the drafting department at the Lake Ozark office.  Owner Stan Schultz said, “Ken is a fantastic SSE employee to be chosen for this award. Ken works hard and is always willing to jump in and help where and when needed. He puts SSE’s customers first. I always enjoy watching our employees learn and grow in their roles and Ken is a great example of an employee who has taken that initiative. ”

June Employee of the Month Ken Farris has been with SSE for 3 1/2 years.  In addition to helping with the engineering drafting, Ken also helps with the surveying drafting duties at the Lake office.  When asked what he likes about working at SSE, Ken added "I am so happy to work with the people at SSE and our customers. I like seeing a project idea come to life. Being chosen as Employee of the Month is not something I expected but I really appreciate the compliment."

In honor of Ken being awarded June’s Employee of the Month, SSE will donate $100 on his behalf to the St. Martin School Church Fund of Jefferson City. St. Martin School is where Ken’s young daughter Casey and son Caleb attend classes, and St. Martin is the church Ken and his wife Kelley of 11 years attend services.

“Ken has an excellent work ethic and I can always depend on him to do whatever I ask.  He is always ready to jump in and help anyone get a job out the door.  It does not matter what the task is, he is willing to do it if that is what it takes to get the job done,” concluded operations manager Mike DeLong.

City of Doniphan chooses SSE for four new projects

Stan Schultz is pleased to announce that the City of Doniphan has chosen Schultz Surveying & Engineering (SSE) for four of their new area projects. The four will include a sidewalk with access road, a recreational trail, a Safe Routes To School sidewalk, and a box culvert. Schultz said, "Helping the city of Doniphan on these projects is exactly what SSE specializes in.  Of course we are very capable of handling the technical and design responsibilities, but our real value is in helping small towns obtain the funding they need to do these types of projects. It’s very satisfying to be able to help the city of Doniphan increase safety and improve their city with projects like these."

The Quick Creek Park sidewalk and access road consists of approximately 870 linear feet of sidewalk connecting the parking lot of the Doniphan High School to the parking lot in Quick Creek Park.  There is a 5 foot wide sidewalk on the school property and a 6 foot wide sidewalk going up alongside the access road to the City Park.  The sidewalk project is funded by transportation enhancement grant funds provided through MoDOT.   The City is providing the match required of 20% of the total project cost.  The 550 foot access road is being funded entirely by the City.  The Park will include a ball field, a rain garden, walking trails, and outdoor classrooms. 
The property was donated by the Doniphan School System to the City of Doniphan in order that the park could be built.  The City and the School have worked together so that what was developed in the Park would benefit both entities.  The project is currently under construction and is anticipated to be completed in approximately one month.

The recreational trail is a project funded partially through a grant from the DNR.  The project consists of approximately 1 mile of walking trails.  The trail system will include a half-mile walking trail, an access route to the ball field from the parking lot, and a trail around the rain garden within the confines of Quick Creek Park.  It will also have an extension outside of the Park following Quick Creek of approximately1,600 l.f.  The trail will be primarily asphalt.  This project is currently in the bidding phase.

The Safe Routes To School (SRTS) sidewalk is funded 100% by grant funds through MoDOT for the design and construction of sidewalks to the community’s school.   The project consists of two main segments leading to the Doniphan R-1 Elementary School.  These are the most heavily traveled pedestrian routes to the school.  The first segment is along Vine Street extending from the intersection at Summit Street to the intersection at Sprigg Street.    The existing sidewalk will be replaced with a 5 foot sidewalk that is ADA compliant.
The second segment is along Summit Street from the intersection at Maple Street to Elm Street.  The new sidewalk will be widened to 5 feet and hand railing will be installed along a small section to provide fall protection. The City is currently obtaining easements for this project.

The box culvert project is to replace an existing bridge (box culvert), which has a width of 18 feet, with a new box culvert that will be 24 feet wide.  This will improve the turning radius for the school buses which frequently use this bridge to convey students from one campus to another.  Currently, the school buses have to swing over into the oncoming lane in order to negotiate the turn.   The bridge also has a pedestrian walkway attached to it.  The existing 4 foot walkway will be replaced by a 5 foot walkway.  There will be several improvements made with the new bridge that will increase the safety of the pedestrians and the drivers that will use the bridge.

This project is currently in the design phase.  It is being funded through a cooperative agreement between the City of Doniphan and Ripley County, utilizing BRO funds that the County has, with the City providing cash match.




Doniphan’s Mayor Terry Cooper stated, “"Choosing SSE was easy. Stan and the staff were able to help the city gain the necessary funding for these projects. Using their knowledge of project funding has proven to be invaluable in securing necessary funds and without SSE I am unsure the city would have been able to provide our town with these upgrades."

Lake area residents will soon be able to use two new sewers

Lake of the Ozarks – Lake area residents will soon see  two new area sewer systems begin construction. Sunrise Beach  and Rocky Mount have both been approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State revolving loan fund and have chosen contractors for the upcoming projects.

 

The Sunrise Beach Board meets to discuss
their wastewater option

Sunrise Beach began considering different wastewater options in early 2011, unanimously choosing SSE for their engineering needs. After a year of design, grant applications, and consideration, The Clean Water Commission placed the Sunrise Beach Phase 1 sewer project on the fundable list for $6.12 million in state revolving funds from the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Natural Resources. Village Mayor Curt Mooney stated, “Having SSE pick up the ball and run with it has made this wastewater system possible. SSE has worked hard to ensure the village received funding, and designed a system that can handle our needs as well as future growth. This is infrastructure Sunrise Beach has needed for some time now and I am glad we have SSE’s expertise on top of our project.”

 

The project was then fast tracked to fit construction of the new Woods Supermarket, located at the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway F in Sunrise Beach, and to beat funding deadlines. On May 13 the village board approved the bid for construction by Don Maggi Construction of Rolla, MO. The project is set for final approval of funding closing on June 26, 2013, from which Don Maggi will have 270 days to complete construction.

 

The route of Phase I Sunrise Beach Sewer

The initial phase will consist of service to approximately 25 residential and 40 commercial customers, travelling from Spring Cove Road (Lake Road 5-39) to the Hurricane Deck Bridge. Local resident and business owner Ron Duggan commented, “Things now can start happening here in Sunrise Beach; it’s great for all the businesses here. We’re thrilled to have SSE on board. Stan has done a lot of great work here at Lake of the Ozarks. This is going to help bring more business to the area by being able to provide better services and infrastructure. This is a huge deal for the west side of the lake and could not have been done without the help of the folks at SSE.”

 

Rocky Mount is ready to begin their long awaited sewer improvement project. On June 6, 2013, bids were opened paving the way for J.C. Industries, Inc. and SSE to start the construction phase that will serve approximately 250 customers of the Rocky Mount area, with later phases planned to serve an additional 1200 customers.

 

Rocky Mount Sewer Board Chairman
Red Jennings

It has been just under six years since residents voted to bring sanitary sewer improvements to the Rocky Mount area. The project was slated to begin years ago but delays have set the project back until now. SSE was able to assist the District in receiving $3 million in grant funding as well as a $1 million loan to complete the necessary improvements. District Chairman Red Jennings said, “SSE has been instrumental in helping the District get the funds needed to bring sewer to our area. The failing septic systems around the lake are contributing to pollution, lower home values, and dangerous ecological impact to our lake. The system designed by SSE will be a huge step in the right direction for keeping the lake healthy for ourselves and future generations.”

 

A user rate hearing is being set for Rocky Mount, and the next step will be for the MoDNR to award the Notification to Proceed to the District, green lighting the way for SSE and J.C. Industries to move forward.

 

As part of  SSE’s  commitment to environmental sustainability of the lake, they  included in the design ‘growth socks’ on the lake front lying residences connected to the sewer system. These socks provide an area of native Missouri plant growth that naturally provides for the cleaning of storm water run-off, one of the largest contributing factors to pollution of the Lake of the Ozarks.  Local watchdog group Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance (LOWA) has promoted the use of the growth socks, and Director Donna Swall stated, “Including these socks in the design is a key part of keeping our lake clean. SSE’s use of modern technology in such a simple and cost effective way shows their forward thinking and willingness to find the best solution to each unique situation.”

 

The Rocky Mount Sewer District

The District and SSE are excited to see the hard work start to come to fruition. Future phases are already planned to bring the whole of the District into the state of the art aeration plant that will allow residents to be in compliance with state mandated wastewater requirements.

 

SSE owner and founder Stan Schultz said, "It’s projects like this that remind me of why I became an engineer and started this company. A beautiful area like the Lake of the Ozarks should remain beautiful. The only way to do that is by giving those of us who own homes in the area the means to do so. By providing more centralized sewers, less raw sewage is flowing into the lake, where my children, my employees, their families, and even I swim and fish."

SSE Adds New Professional Engineer to Branson Operations

Stan Schultz and Brad Allbritton pose with two awards Brad has helped SSE win;
ACEC Design Honor Award & the Better Business Bureau Gold Star

Branson, MO – Schultz Surveying and Engineering is proud to announce that Brad Allbritton recently passed his Professional Engineering exam and is now a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Missouri. Company founder Stan Schultz said, “We are so proud that Brad has become a PE so early in his career. I’m sure his experience in managing projects in Branson was an advantage on the exam. What many engineers in training (EIT) are studying to learn in books, Brad has actually worked on in real life.”

 

The PE exam tests an applicant’s ability to practice the engineering profession competently. It is designed for engineers who have gained at least four years experience. It is typically the last step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer. The exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions. It lasts 8 hours and is split into a 4-hour morning session (40 questions) and a 4-hour afternoon session (40 questions). “It is not an easy test”, added Allbritton. He continued, “I put a lot of effort into my studies, but actual experiences as an engineer came in handy on several of the questions.”

 

Brad joined Schultz Surveying and Engineering in 2000 after graduating high school, where he first learned the basics of surveying and engineering. Brad commented, “Working for SSE as a young surveyor sparked my interest in engineering, and to go from being a rodman on a survey crew to designing projects and to finally have my PE designation is a very satisfying feeling.”

 

He graduated from Arkansas State University with a B.S. in civil engineering in 2008 and has been a project engineer managing the Branson office since 2010. Schultz added “Brad is a dependable employee who has been taking care of our customers’ needs the last three years. Watching him finish his degree and pass his PE test has been very encouraging. With the PE designation, Brad is becoming a key part in how we provide engineering services to our customers.”

 

Schultz concluded, “Brad has an ability to look at each project individually and quickly determine how much time it will take to complete and what resources he needs to get it done. He has an uncanny knack for detecting where problems may arise. These traits have allowed him to keep our projects on time and under budget.”

 

In his 5 years with SSE,  Brad Allbritton has worked on numerous sewer, water, road, and utility projects in America’s heartland, including: MoDOT contracts, Mo-Ark Water Company, site design for companies like HCW, Dollar General, and Branson Ziplines, and the Corps of Engineers/FEMA Joplin Ballfield design.

The ZweigWhite 2012 Hot Firm List Ranks Schultz Surveying and Engineering 43rd Among the Most Successful AEC Firms in the USA

The ZweigWhite 2011 Hot Firm List Ranks Schultz Surveying and  Engineering 43rd Among the Most Successful Architecture, Engineering,

and Environmental Consulting Firms in the USA



Mark Zweig and Stan Schultz proudly display SSE's recognition.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.  —Every year since 2000, ZweigWhite has recognized the most successful architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms with The Zweig Letter Hot Firm List. Over the years, the "Hot Firm" designation has become synonymous with success in the industry.  2012 marks the second time Schultz Surveying and Engineering has been named to The Zweig Letter Hot Firm List. In 2011, SSE ranked 54th among these top firms and they moved up 11 places to 43rd in 2012.   “We are extremely proud to have made this prestigious list during these economically challenging times.  I am very thankful to  our customers who rely on our services and the SSE employees who work so hard to meet their needs,” said SSE owner Stan Schultz.





Stan Schultz, Mark Zweig and Ted Maziejky
pose for the camera.

Zweig White, the nation's leading consulting, publishing, and training firm for the

architecture, engineering, planning, and environmental consulting industry, recently released the names of firms making The Zweig Letter 2012 Hot Firm List.   Mark C. Zweig, ZweigWhite founder & CEO said, “Getting on The Zweig Letter Hot Firm List for 2012 is an amazing accomplishment, particularly when you consider the depressed state of the A/E/P industry. I am so proud of these firms I cannot tell you! They are making it happen in spite of many obstacles to their success.”

 

The 2012 Hot Firm List, compiled by ZweigWhite, recognizes firms that exhibit the fastest growth in the last three fiscal years. SSE was ranked on their average percentage revenue growth and absolute dollar revenue growth from 2008 to 2011. Entrants were limited to firms based in the United States or Canada that derive the majority of their revenues from the practice of architecture, engineering, planning, environmental consulting, or allied disciplines. Design/build firms that provide both design and construction services were also eligible.

 

While being ranked #43 on the ZweigWhite list is quite impressive, SSE was also the second faststMissouri based company on the list.  “This recognition makes all of the hard work and effort we have been doing seem worth it, added SSE Branson Operations Manager Brad Allbritton.  “Coming in at #43 in America and #2 in Missouri just confirms the trust our clients have in our services.”

Cardno USA, the American arm of the Brisbane, Australia-based Cardno Limited, a global infrastructure services firm, took the top spot again this year.  All of the companies that earned a spot on The Zweig Letter 2012 Hot Firm List – which range from firms as small as six people to as large as 10,000 employees – were celebrated at the 2012 Hot Firm Awards Banquet during the Zweig Letter 2012 Hot Firm Conference at the St. Regis in Aspen, CO.

 

The top 10 on the 2012 Hot Firm List:

1. Cardno USA, Portland, OR

2. Exp Global Inc., Brampton, ON

3. Surveying and Mapping, Inc., Austin, TX

4. Gkkworks, Irvine, CA

5. Sullivan International Group, Inc., San Diego, CA

6. Vanir Construction Management, Inc., Sacramento, CA

7. Allen & Shariff Corporation, Columbia, MD

8. HAKS Engineers, Architects and Land Surveyors, P.C., New York, NY

9. Nobis Engineering, Inc., Concord ,NH

10. Dade Moeller, Richland, WA

 

Schultz and his wife Kathy, along with SSE CFO Ted Maziejka and his wife Leslie, attended this year’s Hot Firm Conference, which featured presentations by 12 Hot Firm CEOs.  The event also offered an excellent opportunity to network with some of the most successful companies in the engineering industry.  “Talking with other leaders was very refreshing and I left the conference with a wealth of good ideas for SSE.  I also made some great contacts that could lead to very good partnering opportunities,” concluded Schultz.

 

Stan and Kathy Schultz with Leslie and Ted Maziejka at the banquet.

 

ZweigWhite founder and CEO Mark Zweig said the following about the Hot Firm List and what it means to the A/E industry, “No one can tell me that the companies on the TZL Hot Firm for 2012 aren't special. They achieved success despite all odds!”

For more information about the Hot Firm list, go to www.zweigwhite.com.