As we approach the close of another remarkable year, it’s a time for reflection and gratitude. This year, our theme has been “Growth.” Growth has defined our journey, from increasing visibility through our Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) status, to expanding our Practice Areas, growing national accounts, strengthening our team’s expertise, and broadening our footprint with new offices in the Mid-Atlantic region and in Texas.
Let’s take a look back at some of the pivotal and exciting developments across WT Group:
Growing Visibility: MBE Status
This year, we proudly achieved MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certification. This milestone not only reflects our commitment to diversity but has also opened doors to new opportunities.
Through the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC), we gained valuable insights into key topics like AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, and equity in supplier partnerships. This engagement has strengthened our vision for a more inclusive future.
Building Future Leaders: Internship Program
Our Internship Program reached new heights this year with a record number of participants! We welcomed three Civil Engineering interns, three Structural Engineering interns, and two Design & Program Management (DPM) interns. Each of them brought energy, curiosity, and innovation to our team, and their experiences were captured in spotlight articles that highlighted their summer journeys. This program continues to be a vital part of WT Group’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Empowering Students: High School Shadow Program
Our High School Shadow Program continued to make a significant impact. What began as a pilot program in 2022 has grown into a valuable initiative providing local students with hands-on exposure to engineering, architecture, consulting, and construction. This year, we partnered with Alignment Collaborative for Education, a network of business and community leaders working with local school districts to prepare students for future careers.
Fostering Collaboration: Leadership Meeting in Orlando
In March, our leadership team gathered in Orlando for a transformative meeting focused on diversity, growth, and change. Practice Area and Department Heads collaborated on shared projects, built stronger connections, and aligned on a vision for WT Group’s future. CEO Karel Gomez shared, “I truly felt like everyone involved was genuinely engaged and bonding with one another.”
Giving Back through the WT Foundation’s Grip It, Rip It, Trace It Event
The WT Foundation hosted its 3rd Annual Grip It, Rip It, Trace It event, raising funds for scholarships supporting students passionate about STEM. This event continues to inspire and drive our mission to invest in the future of our industry.
Practice Area Highlights
Accessibility Consulting
The City-County of Butte-Silver Bow in Montana retained us to complete their transition plan, a project that will run through 2026.
In Travis County, Texas, we are implementing recommendations from 2021 with staff training and interpretive services.
The Western Connecticut Council of Governments engaged us for a broad scope of work, including audits, program and policy reviews, and transition plans for 16 municipalities.
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) in Kentucky extended our partnership into 2024.
Aquatics
Completed a full pool replacement at Bryn Mawr Country Club in Lincolnwood, IL, featuring a new lap/leisure pool, splash pad, and optional hydrotherapy pool.
Selected as the designated Aquatic Engineer for SafeSplash Swim School, with one project completed in Alexandria, VA, and four more in progress.
Led the Lake Hinsdale HOA pool replacement project in Willowbrook, IL, with all engineering handled in-house.
Civil Engineering
Expanded national project experience across 13 states, including Florida, Texas, and California, alongside exciting local projects such as the Elgin Community College and Habitat for Humanity-Carter Crossing Subdivision in Carpentersville, which have provided our team with diverse responsibilities to complete.
Collaborated with the DPM team to design a gas station, car wash, and retail facility for CWPD in Smyrna, TN.
Team growth: Evan Calhoun and Omar Cruz joined us, while Adrian Martinez and Omar Cruz passed their EIT exams, while Esther Markwart Camacho was promoted to Project Manager.
The team bonded during a memorable fishing trip on Lake Michigan.
Design & Program Management (DPM)
Team members Chris Pacanowski, Ken Mell, Ryan Triphahn, Rodrigo Diaz, and Joan Manuel Colina Rincon attended the Source University - Petroleum Design Training Camp.
The Daiso team delivered over 90 permit sets in 2024 and participated in the 2nd Annual Daiso Design and Construction Summit in Rosemont, which included meetings, team-building activities, and a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour.
Construction is underway on TXB’s first SIP building, with the shell completed in just five days! Thanks to our DPM, MEP, and Structural teams for their outstanding collaboration and efforts.
DPM produced nearly 100 additional permit sets in 2024!
Environmental & Program Management (EPM)
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest office in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in January as we expand this Practice Area.
Land Survey Illinois
The Land Survey Illinois team collaborated with our Texas branch on solar farm projects across southern Illinois.
Land Survey Texas
Our Land Survey Texas team rebranded late this year, expanding our service portfolio in Texas and solidifying our position in this growing market.
More information about our expanded service offerings will be unveiled in the coming months!
MEP Engineering
Partnered with FGM Architects on multiple fire station projects across Illinois.
Delivered innovative designs for entertainment clients such as Activate Games, Escapology, and TopGolf nationwide.
Designed a new 250,000 ft² Woodman’s Food Market in Racine, WI.
Jesus Alvaro expanded his PE licensure to include Indiana and Wisconsin.
Pratum Construction
This year we were thrilled to unveil our new logo, a fresh look that reflects our commitment to growth and innovation. This is just the beginning—stay tuned for even more exciting developments coming in 2025!
Pratum is honored to be named the General Contractor for DAISO’s first two stores in Illinois.
Structural Engineering
CJ Starke expanded his engineering license to include California.
Team members demonstrated thought leadership through Kyle Herbster's speaking engagement at MSOE and Stephen Dominguez's published articles in the Zweig Letter.
Hosted team-building activities, including the Chicago Architectural Boat Tour.
Expanded client relationships, including new partnerships with AutoZone.
Telecommunication Engineering
Achieved a milestone with 200 additional projects, reflecting steady growth over the past few years.
Launched our first EV/Solar project in Tennessee in collaboration with DPI.
Spearheaded numerous low-voltage projects in residential and commercial multi-unit dwellings.
Supported high-profile events in Las Vegas, including work on the DAS at the Sphere and a major motorsport race.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this year of growth, we are energized for what lies ahead in 2025. WT Group’s continued success is made possible by the hard work, dedication, and passion of our talented team members. Together, we are building a future where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrive.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another year of growth, success, and new opportunities!
The WT Group provides clients with a single-source engineering solution to help maintain the integrity of all projects from start to finish. With over 50 years of experience, WT Group’s highly skilled engineering, design and consulting teams ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy in the most cost and time-efficient manner.
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