Anderson Engineering’s former chairman, CEO retires

Anderson Engineering Inc. former board Chairman and CEO Steven Brady retired after 45 years working for the civil engineering and land surveying firm. His retirement was effective April 29, according to a company news release issued this morning.

Brady served as chairman and CEO until last year, when he passed the reins to his son, Neil. The company’s board of directors appointed Neil Brady president in 2008 to groom him in succession to his father, according to the release.

Steven Brady’s retirement comes on the heels of record revenue and a growing employee stock ownership plan. Brady and colleague Bruce Rhodes were instrumental in starting Anderson Engineering’s 100 percent ESOP in 2000, and both served as trustees.

“In the 17 years since the inception of the ESOP, the company stock has increased in value an average of 9.57 percent each year,” Brady said in the release. “Everyone benefits from this growth.

“The company is on track to eclipse the record revenue recorded in 2015. I am happy to be leaving Anderson Engineering in a strong condition.”

Neil Brady said the company posted 2015 revenue of $7.7 million.

In August, the 75-employee firm begins its 62nd year in business. With headquarters at 2045 W. Woodland St., Anderson Engineering operates six offices, including branches in Joplin and Crocker, as well as Miramar Beach, Fla. It recently added commercial drone services to complement its engineering design, surveying, construction materials testing and geotechnical/drilling services.

A 2013 acquisition of Sprenkle & AssociatesInc. added offices in Carthage and Monett.

In 2012, Springfield Business Journal recognized Brady asthe Top Local Executive in the annual Dynamic Dozen Awards.