From left to right: Chris Dusza, Shem Hawes, David Song, Bed Dawadi, Greg Ripperger, David Byrum & Andrew Shroads
In 1986, Civiltec was founded on the principles of superior client services and technical excellence. The team has remained committed to upholding these standards by utilizing the latest technology and employing a stellar group of creative engineers.
Since our humble beginnings over 30 years ago in Pasadena, Civiltec has flourished. The firm has expanded its services to cover a broad range of general civil engineering and water and wastewater projects with long-term clients and nearby public agencies. Additionally, the team itself has grown, filling three offices in two states.
The leaders of Civiltec continually discuss the evolution and future growth of its employees. If Civiltec is to prosper and maintain its competitive edge, it must grow beyond a firm whose reputation is linked with its two Original Founders to a firm associated with additional Principals and new leaders.
The Leadership and Ownership Transition (LT/OT) Plan emerged from years of upfront planning by the Original Founders and these discussions. Currently, the firm is led by the Original Founders and a handful of Principals and Associates. The LT/OT Plan encourages every employee to work at their own pace toward one of four levels that fits their skills and professional and personal goals. Each level – Founder, Senior Principal, Principal, and Associate – has subjective and objective criteria for attainment.
Associates are to be considered “bridging the gap” between regular employee status and Principal status. These employees are instrumental in office management and development, in addition to carrying out their daily responsibilities. As part of the LT/OT Plan, Andrew Shroads, Bed Dawadi, and Greg Ripperger were elevated to Associate level on January 1, 2018.
Andrew Shroads began working at Civiltec as a part-time intern in 2004 while attending the University of Arizona (UA). He started his full-time employment in 2011 after earning both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from UA, and has become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM). During his time at Civiltec, he has been involved in many projects throughout Arizona including the Schultz Area Flood Mitigation in Coconino County and the Deck Park Tunnel Drainage Improvements in Phoenix.
“When I first started working at Civiltec, I envisioned myself with the company for the long haul,” said Andrew. “I am honored and excited to move to the Associate position. I have been striving for leadership and ownership in the company by working hard, staying motivated, and doing good work to the best of my ability. Doing high quality work and being dedicated carries into success, which leads to the company improving and growing.”
Bed Dawadi completed his undergraduate education in Civil Engineering from the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University in Nepal and later earned his Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, focused on Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems, from South Dakota State University. He joined the Civiltec team in 2012 and has managed numerous projects in California, such as a groundwater treatment project at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena and a Perchlorate and VOC treatment system for California Domestic Water Company in El Monte. Bed thanks his colleagues at Civiltec for supporting his career:
“One part of Civiltec’s culture is providing services to our clients with the highest quality and satisfaction,” Bed stated. “Another part is to acknowledge and reward the potential of the people have worked hard, provide excellent services, and help achieve the firm’s goals. I am glad to be a part of that culture. I look forward to helping grow the philosophy our founders have established and assisting my teammates – and our firm – in becoming champions.”
Greg Ripperger received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He joined Civiltec in 2013 after working as a project engineer for the US Army Corps of Engineers in Oklahoma and California. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and has a background in a broad range of water engineering projects. He has led Civiltec’s design and implementation teams as Project Manager on many projects, such as the design of a 1.5 MG reservoir, writing multiple Water Master Plans, and the construction of the Station Square project in Monrovia.
“I have always enjoyed the business side of Civiltec and am excited to help chart the company’s vision and course for the future,” Greg said. “Part of that vision is bringing some of Civiltec’s Arizona project experience to southern California, such as hillside restoration, watershed assessment, and flood plain drainage. There is a lot of need for that expertise in this area, a need highlighted by the recent fires and subsequent mudslides. I am looking forward to being a part of the solution to restore and protect those devastated communities and prepare them for the future.”
Moving forward, Civiltec is committed to continuously recruiting and growing new leaders from within. Leaders like Andrew, Bed, and Greg will reflect Civiltec’s core values and help the company advance in the industry through high quality work and empowering their team.
Congratulations to Civiltec’s newest Associates!
