As we continue our recognition of Engineers Week, we’re embracing the national theme of “Design Your Future.” With that in mind, we recently sat down with Rob Brigham, JEO’s Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff Henson, President of JEO Consulting Group, to get their insights on what’s to come in the industry and for us.

How do you see the industry evolving?

RB: Two major factors will shape our industry: technology and firm ownership. Technology will drive faster, more innovative work, improving design quality and cost efficiency. This will be critical as infrastructure demands rise and the number of engineers decline. Technology will allow engineers to focus more on problem-solving, collaboration, and guiding clients through increasingly complex decisions.

JH: Firm consolidation and acquisitions are transforming the industry, making it increasingly challenging for small engineering firms to stay independent. Firm consolidation and acquisitions are transforming the industry. Even in this environment, JEO is committed to remaining an employee-owned firm. We have always prioritized organic growth but recognize the impact acquisitions can have and will consider strategic additions, through both organic opportunities as well as acquisitions, as we continue to grow. We remain focused on what matters most: Supporting our clients and helping communities thrive.

Project delivery methods are shifting. Alternative delivery models like Design-Build and Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR) are becoming more prevalent. While adoption varies across different regions, we expect more clients to explore nontraditional delivery methods in the future. As these models evolve, firms that can navigate them effectively—while maintaining high-quality outcomes—will be best positioned for success.

How are we poised to address the challenges that often come with change?

RB: We remain wholly dedicated to keeping JEO an employee-owned company. We will also strengthen efforts to identify skills gaps, focusing our people development and recruitment to enhance our position. To sustain growth, we consistently retain a portion of our profits for reinvestment in the company.

JH: We are nimble and well-resourced—big enough to invest in people and technology but small enough for quick, strategic decisions. Our culture also sets us apart. We trust our people to use good judgment and empower them to make decisions at the right level. Additionally, our dedicated funding team helps clients navigate the increasing complexity of securing non-local dollars.

What expertise can we provide our clients who face those same challenges?

JH: JEO has built a deep bench of expertise to help our clients navigate challenges. As examples, our community engagement team can often fill in information gaps that lead to project success. Our Geospatial Services team is helping clients make data-driven decisions to complex challenges benefiting all stakeholders, as evidenced in the Lead Service Line projects in Kansas and Lincoln, Nebraska. The formation of Sand Creek Construction Company will transform how we serve clients by showcasing our ability to work as both designer and builder through Design-Build and CMAR projects.

Where do you see our biggest opportunities for growth?

RB: Opportunities for growth are vast, as seen in the combination of design, construction, financing, ownership, leasing, and/or managing infrastructure for clients. With increasing adoption of Design-Build and CMAR, we’re refining our expertise to lead in alternative delivery methods.

JH: We are expanding within our current geography and beyond, including a western corridor from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Rapid City, South Dakota. Additionally, thanks to the addition of key team members and our growing expertise, we’re finding success in the education sector. We’ve built momentum in this market, and we’re just getting started.

How do our projects help communities address their needs while also preparing them to meet future challenges?

RB: While working with outside partners, our recent Gretna Crossing Park project had a tremendous positive impact on the community. This new, multi-dimensional park meets the growing needs of Gretna, Nebraska, providing diverse spaces such as an aquatic center, outdoor water park, ballfields, playgrounds, and nature areas with walking trails, all which foster community engagement and recreation.

JH: Our work in Greenfield, Iowa, is about more than rebuilding after the EF-5 tornado: it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient future. We are working alongside the community to ensure they aren’t just restoring what was lost but building something that can withstand future challenges. In Nebraska, we’re part of a broadband expansion project that will connect small Nebraska communities over the next five years, enabling residents to tap into everything high-speed internet can provide.

How can we be a leader in infrastructure innovation?

RB: I envision us driving innovation by:

1. Leveraging our engagement expertise to guide clients in identifying the best solutions for their infrastructure needs, delivery methods, and financing options.
2. Providing design and construction under one contract.
3. Offering financing solutions, including construction and/or permanent financing, including options for ownership, leasing, and/or operations and maintenance.
   
   

JH: Our innovation goes beyond technology—it’s about smarter, more efficient ways to help communities thrive. We integrate creative solutions into real-world infrastructure challenges for high-impact results.

What is most exciting when you think of us in the future?

RB: Creating opportunities for people to shape their careers in ways that makes them excited!

JH: Our future holds limitless opportunities for both our company and people. We make a lasting impact in communities, and the best part is working alongside talented, driven, and passionate team members. By offering new challenges, leadership roles, and skills development, we create a workplace where people thrive and are excited to contribute.

Closing thoughts

RB: It always strikes me that unless you walk to the middle of nowhere where you can’t see a single road, power line, communications tower, or building, and there isn’t a plane or Starlink satellite in the sky, it is impossible to look anywhere without seeing something an engineer designed. The impact engineers have on our world is nothing short of amazing. And we have a company full of incredible people in and supporting the profession. I am proud and grateful to be a part of it.