At a time when many design and engineering firms are downsizing, Great River Engineering Inc. has been expanding. Brian Orr, a structural and project engineer in Great River's structural building division, is one reason why.
Orr, who began his career in Oklahoma, joined Great River Engineering in 2004. At that time, the firm specialized in civil engineering and bridge design. Orr's expertise in building design allowed the firm to expand its services and client base, establishing the structural building division in 2007.
Since then, Orr says, the company has been chosen as the prime design consultant for more than 10 building projects with counties throughout Missouri.
While other firms have been downsizing, our structural department at Great River Engineering has been expanding," Orr says. "Our backlog of projects continues to grow. ... We provide structural and civil engineering services for approximately a third of the counties in the state (and several) cities and communities throughout Missouri."
Orr says his proudest accomplishment to date is his work on Greene County Bridge No. 1480230 on Farm Road 148. Although this one-of-a-kind structure looks like a typical bridge, it contains no steel in the deck or guard rail. Instead, it uses prefabricated modular glass fiber reinforcements, which accelerated the construction process.
"The 142-foot-long bridge replacement was completed in just five days," Orr says.
Orr recently launched a campaign to help southern Missouri counties and school districts secure Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to build tornado storm shelters and bridges. While grant writers normally charge a 5 percent commission on grants, Great River provides grant writing for free, allowing that 5 percent to be put back into the project.
"In 2008, we helped secure (more than) $10 million for our clients and saved them $500,000 in grant fees," Orr says. "In March, we submitted (more than) $40 million in grant applications that could potentially save our clients (more than) $2 million in grant fees."
Regarding his approach to leadership, Orr tells the story of an old farmer watching his cattle dogs rounding up the herd.
"He pointed out that the best leaders are not in front, but behind the herd," he says. "A good leader provides his employees the tools and guidance needed for a successful career and is there to round them up and guide them down the correct path."
He notes that he has used this theory when mentoring interns throughout his career.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
