Ozarks Profile: Alan R. Mettemeyer, PE

Mettemeyer Engineering LLC was founded in July 2000. I opened the doors on July 25, 2002. We currently have eight employees. We provide structural and civil engineering services in relation to building systems and site development, respectfully. We are currently licensed in 22 states to provide engineering services.

We have structurally designed numerous Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World retail facilities and John Q. Hammons hotels throughout the United States. Locally, our work includes Discovery Center’s three-story exhibit expansion. Civil projects include a 400-lot subdivision for Allen Bird in Willard and numerous commercial site developments.

Specifically, what is your job?

I take care of the day-to-day operations of the company, which include marketing, budgeting, writing contracts and proposals, and accounting. Also, I am the structural engineer in charge. I provide immediate personal supervision and input on each step of the preparation of structural plans and documents.

Why did you decide to open your own firm?

There are a couple of reasons why I started my own company. One was because at the time, there were no structural engineering companies in Springfield – quite a few one-person shops, but no companies. Two, I had worked for a couple of local architectural firms that provided structural engineering services, and I didn’t like the idea of working on only the projects that firm brought in. And finally, I always wanted my own company, so I went for it.

What are some of the biggest challenges in your work?

Finding professional engineers – current demand is high for professional engineers, and it is difficult to draw engineers to this area because of the larger companies in Kansas City and St. Louis that can afford to offer more comprehensive benefits.

Another challenge is the fast-track schedules often used for projects. Today more than ever, owners are squeezing schedules in order to generate revenues as soon as possible, which puts a strain on employees and the quality of documents they can produce.

What goals do you have for your company in 2006?

Our main goal is to provide high quality documents and services to our clients while meeting their expectations and deadlines. Other goals are to expand our client base beyond Springfield, open an office in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma, and to add surveying services to complement our civil engineering services.

What’s the last good book you read, and why did you enjoy it?

“Maverick” by Richardo Semler. I enjoyed it because it has similar ideas that I have on ways to run a company. Coming from firms that stressed hours worked, company policy and hand slapping for being 15 minutes late in the morning, I’ve implemented treating employees as adults instead of children and promoted quality of work, efficiency and self-motivation, which this book advocates.

Tell us about your family and your spare-time interests.

My wife Amy and I enjoy spending as much time as possible with our 10-year-old son Payton and our 1 1/2 year old daughter Paige. Payton plays sports year-round and Paige enjoys dancing and playing with Payton. When I can schedule some leisure time, I enjoy golfing, riding off-road motorcycles and riding bicycles on trails with my son.

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