​NORTHVILLE, MI – NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) is proud to announce that, in partnership with Spackman Mossop Michaels (SMM) – Landscape Architects, NTH received a Merit Award for Engineering from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) at the recent ACEC/M Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards. The award was for the Livernois “Avenue of Fashion” Make-Over for the City of Detroit – Department of Public Works on which NTH also worked with Spalding DeDecker Associates (Surveying), RS Engineering (Traffic Signal Design) and CDA Engineering (Public Lighting).
 
For this project, Livernois Avenue, between Margareta and 8-Mile, was transformed into a welcoming streetscape with a dedicated left-turn lane, wider sidewalks, on-street parking, raised bike lanes and more. NTH provided the site-civil construction plans for a complete makeover, meeting the community’s vision. In coordination with SMM, NTH provided the plans for the removal of the median and existing travel configuration; completely re-designing the entire corridor to the right-of-way limits. NTH’s team of civil engineering professionals was able to accomplish the various aspects of this major design under a demanding project delivery schedule and site constraints to ensure access to existing business.

​“NTH is fortunate to have skilled, dedicated professionals who provide our clients with the quality of work that garners accolades from professional organizations such as ACEC/M,” said Jeff Jaros, NTH President and COO. “We are extremely proud of Keith’s long-time dedication to our firm and to the overall profession of engineering and congratulate him for receiving this well-deserved honor.”
 
About NTH Consultants, Ltd.
NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) has been providing professional engineering consulting services to the energy, community development, water / wastewater, solid waste, and transportation markets since 1968. From a small, Detroit-based, geotechnical engineering firm, our company has grown significantly, providing a wide range of services in geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and facilities engineering. For more than 53 years, NTH has helped our clients address some of the most challenging and complex issues facing our environment today and provides innovative and creative approaches for each project it undertakes. NTH is constantly exploring new technologies and solutions that are safe, well-developed, and cost effective for its clients. NTH is headquartered in Northville, MI and serves its diverse client base from five offices throughout Michigan.
 

​If the February 2021 “unusual” weather events in Texas drive home a salient point, it’s that the unusual should not be considered so unusual anymore. Whether it is the increased prevalence and magnitude of wildfires in the western United States and hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, or, closer to home, devastating rainfall and flooding events that overwhelm aging dam and stormwater conveyance structures in Michigan, these unusual weather events are likely here to stay. If these events have shown us anything, it is that our communities are perilously close to one significant weather-related event away from disaster.

While renewable energy is largely considered a more sustainable, long-term solution for energy production, the key to reliability is redundant systems and methods of delivery. In Michigan, Line 5 across the Straits of Mackinac delivers petroleum products that currently meets 55% of statewide propane needs to heat Michigan homes. Plans currently underway to ensure a more secure delivery method by locating Line 5 in a bedrock tunnel beneath the Straits is meeting fierce political and environmental opposition for a variety of reasons. On February 20, 2021, Governor Whitmer declared an energy emergency, removing trucking restrictions to ensure home propane delivery by vehicle is not impeded. Our public policy should not minimize or reduce the means and methods of energy delivery to our communities, but instead focus on increasing energy reliability in cost-effective and environmentally conscientious ways.
​
Politics aside, whether you believe in the science of climate change or not, one fact remains relevant based on the recent trends of significantly disastrous weather-related events: We must actively pursue more thoughtful approaches to engineering and designing our communities and infrastructure to be better prepared to handle the now “usual” extreme events, integrating natural and built features to achieve more resilient and sustainable communities.

Its National Engineers Week!  This week, February 21–27, 2021, according to the National Society of Professional Engineers, is “dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.”
 
Engineers week has been recognized annually since 1951 to acknowledge the men and women of this professional and thank them for all the hard work they do. Civil engineers do work hard to design, build, and maintain almost all the structures that surround us – our roads and bridges, water and energy systems, seaports and airports, and the infrastructure for a cleaner environment.
 
At NTH, engineers are the foundation of our business, focused on engineering a sustainable tomorrow for our clients and our communities. They use their expertise, knowledge, and experience to counsel our clients across multiple markets to meet the most challenging project demands.
 
We are proud to celebrate their many achievements and contributions—especially during National Engineers Week.

Thank you to our dedicated engineering staff for all your hard work! 

NORTHVILLE, MI – NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) today announced the beginning of its transition to the third generation of leadership for the Michigan-based, professional engineering consulting firm. NTH’s focus on succession planning over the last few years has helped develop talent that will move the company into its next phase.
 
NTH was founded in 1968 by Jerry Neyer, Benedict Tiseo, and Kal Hindo. They created a company that has become a successful Environmental, Facilities, and Geotechnical Engineering firm in the community development, solid waste, energy, water / wastewater, and transportation markets. After their retirements, the next phase of leadership took the helm and guided the firm to, and beyond, its 50th year in business. Now, as these executives transition to different roles, new leaders are stepping up to steer the company toward its next stage.
 
“Evolving a business from its founders to the second generation of leadership is challenging, but successfully progressing to the third, especially in this uncertain market, is even more remarkable. Our succession planning efforts have helped us weather this, and many other past market difficulties. We are confident that our next generation of leaders will maintain the firm’s 52-year tradition of providing excellent service to our clients,” said Kevin Hoppe, Chairman & CEO.
 
Keith Swaffar, P.E., a 40-year veteran of the industry who has held many leadership roles at NTH including President and CEO, as well as his most recent position as Executive Chairman of the Board and Strategic Market Leader for the Community Development Initiative, will be stepping down from these roles as he looks toward retirement. He will now hold the title of Chairman Emeritus and will continue providing services to NTH clients, but will pass the Community Development Initiative leadership to David Lutz, P.E. David has 16 years of experience assembling and managing design teams on multi-million-dollar construction projects related to site civil, infrastructure improvement, environmental, and landfill construction. He will bring a fresh look, high-level project delivery experience, and proven leadership to this fast-growing market.
 
With Keith’s shift in responsibilities, several other changes will be made to the NTH Board. Kevin Hoppe, P.E. will hold the title of Chairman and CEO, Jeff Jaros will be assuming the role of Board President and will continue as Chief Operating Officer, and Jason Edberg, P.E. will be joining the Board as a Director and will be taking on a new role as Chief Business Development Officer. Jason has provided his leadership to the firm’s operations for a number of years and has also been instrumental in creating a vision for the Water / Waste Water market; now the entire firm will benefit from Jason’s direction and guidance as he oversees the business development efforts for all Strategic Market Initiatives.
 
“Our recent company awards, which include 2020 Top Workplaces and the 2020 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation, are a testament to the incredible teamwork that has allowed us to not merely survive, but thrive in even the most difficult situations. We are proud of the extraordinary efforts our employee-owners have invested to ensure our continued success,” said Jeff Jaros, President & COO.
 
About NTH Consultants, Ltd.
NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) has been providing professional engineering consulting services to the energy, community development, water / waste water and transportation markets since 1968. From a small, Detroit-based, geotechnical engineering firm, our company has grown significantly, providing a wide range of services in geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and facilities engineering. For more than 52 years, NTH has helped our clients address some of the most challenging and complex issues facing our environment today and provides innovative and creative approaches for each project it undertakes. NTH is constantly exploring new technologies and solutions that are safe, well-developed, and cost effective for its clients. NTH is headquartered in Northville, MI and serves its diverse client base from five offices throughout Michigan.  

After 28 years of service with NTH, Brad Venman is embarking on a new adventure - retirement.  As we celebrate this well-earned milestone with Brad, we reflect upon his career and contributions to the success of NTH. 

Before joining us in 1992, Brad held the position of Chief of the Waste Characterization & Land Application Unit in the MDNR (subsequently known as the MDEQ and now EGLE). During his career with NTH, Brad has stayed actively involved in many of the State’s environmental compliance initiatives. With a couple years left on his appointment to the Environmental Permit Review Commission as well as EGLE’s Response Activity Review Panel and The Solid Waste & Sustainability Advisory Panel, Brad will continue to contribute his expertise.

Highly regarded by industry and regulatory peers, his experience and technical prowess have earned Brad recognition as one of the most informed environmental professionals in Michigan. He has been an invaluable regulatory and technical resource for staff, during his tenure at NTH. 

Because he helped craft many of Michigan’s current environmental regulations while employed with MDNR/MDEQ/EGLE, Brad was able to provide meaningful interpretation of rules and statutes to help clients address complex permitting and compliance issues across all industries we serve. 

Articulated by colleague, Jeff Jaros, “Brad’s relationship with staff and leadership at the State’s environmental department was one formed on respect. While Brad worked with many of the staff prior to his years at NTH, it is the respect these professionals had for Brad that fostered the relationship mutually beneficial for NTH and our clients. His ability to respectfully disagree with agency staff, advocate for clients and articulate his interpretation by providing background and context on the rules is a sheer talent.”

Colleagues across the NTH organization shared these comments about Brad’s contributions:

“When asked about a particular rule or statute, Brad knew its history, who was involved, and how it might change in the future.” Alan Erickson

“I always could count on Brad to answer my environmental regulatory questions with diligence, tact, and a keen ability to track down all of the references and cross-references to make sure we could inform the client of the most practical solution to meet environmental regulatory requirements.” Dave Lutz

“Air Quality Group’s secret weapon! On numerous occasions, his expertise paid dividends to the outcome of our projects.” Rhiana Dornbos

“I have always relied on Brad to provide context regarding the drivers affecting regulatory language so that we can best assist our clients with compliance. I could always count on him to dig into the details of a problem, research the issue, understand why it is occurring and suggest alternate solutions. Brad’s education, expertise and knowledge of toxicology and epidemiology has allowed me to be a better consultant by helping me better understand analytical data, methods and procedures.” Jeff Jaros

Brad’s contributions extend far beyond knowing regulations. His genial nature and ease with which he discussed complicated issues made Brad an invaluable member of the NTH team. Leading by example, using his excellent character, smarts, and charm, he demonstrated how to keep a client. He could wrap up an audit by often giving clients bad news, but in such a firm but gentle way that clients wanted to solve the problem and welcome NTH back for more next year. Shared eloquently by colleague, Rick Burns, “Brad is the consummate professional and gentleman, and the epitome of class and grace.” 

A resolute team player, Brad was always very approachable and offered great advice in a humble manner. He willingly offered help, even on short notice or with demanding clients. In the many emergency situations where his help was needed, Brad would readily “jump in” to assist, day or night, even from his prized UP cabin while on vacation, often travelling several miles out-of-the-way to find a decent cell signal to join project calls or virtual meetings.

“Brad’s reputation as a technical expert in so many environmental programs allowed him to form strong relationships grounded in trust. His legacy lives on in those who were privileged to receive technical guidance, mentorship and friendship during his nearly 30 years with NTH.”  Jeff Jaros

Brad, we hope that you will enjoy a well-deserved retirement.  You will be missed.

Please leave a comment below if you have a special memory, funny story or just something nice to say and we will be packaging the comments up for Brad to take with him!

After 50+ years of dedicated service to NTH and the geotechnical profession, Harry Price retired from NTH on December 18, 2020. 

Throughout a career that spans nearly six decades, Harry achieved legendary distinction in the industry. Summed up best by colleague, Larry Gilbert: “The term “legend” is appropriate for Harry as there are few individuals in the engineering profession who do not know Harry either professionally, personally, or perhaps simply are aware of his reputation as an unequalled resource for historical information.”  

Through his presentations, experience, and expertise, Harry became well known and respected in the Civil Engineering Fraternity. His infamy extends nationally with work he has done with NASSCO (through which Harry is a PACP / MACP / LACP trainer), MWEA, and other organizations. He has presented in numerous National conventions and authored / coauthored articles published in countless magazines. Harry is recognized as the go-to resource for institutional knowledge, including Detroit sewer systems, sewer rehabilitation technologies, construction materials, grouting, and Confined Space Entry protocols, among many others

The well-earned legendary status even extends to Harry’s personal archival collection of technical papers, carefully administered to a level of organized efficiency somewhere between a graduate library and a paper recycling plant. Suffice it say, however, if a person needs technical information, Harry has it, and more astoundingly, can always locate it. (Larry Gilbert)  An example of this extraordinary filing style is shared by colleague, John Kosnak: “When we were working on the Hudson Building shortly after it was razed, there was a green water in the lower basement that the client called us out to check.  As Harry and I were walking back to the Detroit office (at Harmony Center on Gratiot), he mentioned that Mr. Tiseo had written a paper, years earlier, about something similar.  He went to his desk, sat in his chair, spun around and opened a drawer on one of a few file cabinets behind his desk, reached into a file and pulled out the report.  It was obvious that he hadn’t pulled the file before we went to the site.”  

Harry is a prolific collector of old books. Many of which have been used over the years to assist in the evaluation of structures built 50 to 100 years ago.  Whenever asked, Harry could find the reference with a description or photograph of how things were done.  His collections grew, as he always saw a need to keep things for future reference.  He was usually right.  In instances where owners no longer had records, Harry usually had something.

Perhaps his most renowned “superpower”, a photographic memory.  Best said by colleague, Saju Sachidanandan: “Harry is like a sponge, the more you squeeze, the more you get out of him!” Through the years, engineers and contractors have called upon Harry as their “go-to” guy for his photographic memory. Not even technology could compete with the vast library he can summon of the things he has seen and done, even remembering numbers and details of projects from 20, 30 or 40 years ago. 

Throughout his career, Harry worked to keep NTH on the forefront of technology.  In the middle 1980’s he came up with the idea for using shotcrete with steel fiber reinforcement to reline a tunnel, a cutting- edge concept at that time. From air-packs to gas detectors to fall protection devices, Harry’s passion for technology and safety kept NTH’s underground safety protocols current and exemplary.

Harry leaves in his wake a legacy of mentorship. A passionate volunteer, Harry devoted a lifetime to the Boy Scouts of America; and did not miss an opportunity to mentor students and colleagues alike. Shared by Larry Gilbert, “Harry’s impact on his colleagues, particularly the young and aspiring ones, remains an important aspect of this man’s legend. Speaking of impacts, Harry’s traditional “slap to the back of one’s head” gently delivered (well, usually) to address an unfortunate oversight has left many of us with a lesson not easily forgotten.” 

I suspect that all of us in the engineering and heavy construction field have benefitted individually from a small handful of instructors, mentors, and professional colleagues that have established an indelible mark on our own presence and our preferred way of “getting things accomplished. There exists a standard of excellence in the engineering profession that all aspire to achieve, but relatively few truly succeed. Harry Price is one of those rare mentors who indeed meets, and surpasses, that standard. Larry Gilbert

Equipped with a full arsenal of military accomplishments, hands-on field experience in many of the most difficult, inconceivably challenging environments Imaginable, and possessing a willingness to always explore new arenas, Harry has pretty much done it all, with a “charming and gentle presence as well.”

True to the legend’s status, there are no doubt many, many people who will miss Harry that never actually met him, but know him by the mark he has left.

Harry, thank you for your support/help and being our “NTH-pedia” throughout the years! 

Please leave a comment below if you have a special memory, funny story or just something nice to say and we will be packaging the comments up for Harry to take with him!

​Recently, the Engineering Society of Detroit, sent out their newsletter with this short message and the above image, “In 2011, Alexandria Provencher (in purple) did not know what she wanted to do when she grew up. After ESD’s Future City Competition, she knew. “It was the start of my career,” she says. Today, she is a Staff Engineer at NTH Consultants—the sponsor of the award she won back then.”
 
What a great story, and perfect example of why we support the ESD Future City Competition every year. This competition brings 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students together to “imagine, research, design, and build cities of the future that showcase their solution to a citywide sustainability issue.” Each year, NTH sponsors this program and sends a team of staff members to judge the “Best Engineered Project” for the Special Awards competition. Our judging team is always thrilled to participate in the competition, and we enjoy seeing the enthusiasm, intelligence and creativity from these young students.
 
In our follow up blog post after the 2019 competition, we wrote, “We expect to be working alongside some of them in the future here at NTH!” Little did we know that would be happening sooner than we thought! Alex joined our team as a staff engineer in October of 2019 after graduating with a BS, Environmental Engineering from the University of Windsor. She now works with our environmental group conducting due diligence site assessments and hazardous materials survey and abatement.

On the heels of our Metro Detroit Best & Brightest win, NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) is pleased to announce its selection as both a 2020 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation by the National Association for Business Resources, and a Top Workplaces 2020 by the Detroit Free Press. For these awards, nominated companies were assessed by independent research firms regarding criteria such as HR practices, Employee Enrichment, Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Work-Life Balance, and more, both via company applications and anonymous employee evaluations.
 
For the Top Workplaces award, the Detroit Free Press partnered with Philadelphia-based Energage to rank the Top Workplaces in Michigan. The process was based on a scientific survey of employees who rate their workplace culture and give company insights about what makes them unique. The 150 winners were named in three categories, small, midsize and large and were celebrated in videos streamed online, which can be viewed here.
 
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition identifies organizations that display a “commitment to excellence and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance.” Companies are scored regionally, and those regional winners are then entered into the National Competition. This national program celebrates those companies that are “making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community.” Best and Brightest National honored 151 winning organizations from across the country out of 1,100 nominations. A full list of the winners can be found here.
 
“Receiving these awards is incredibly meaningful to NTH as it reinforces what we’ve done to create a culture where our employees feel engaged and appreciated,” said Jeff Jaros, Executive Vice President & COO. “Even with the current pandemic, NTH has worked hard to maintain a supportive culture that prioritizes safety, fun and cohesiveness, even when we cannot be physically together. We are honored to receive these awards, but even more so that our employee-owners acknowledge the efforts we’ve made.”
 
Through the course of our 52-year heritage, NTH’s vision, mission and core values have remained the same. The words may have changed over the years, but the meanings have not. Our culture has always been grounded in a desire to provide high quality solutions at a fair price, conduct ourselves with the highest levels of integrity, and treat others with respect.

Over the years, his unwavering work ethic exuded the NTH commitment to quality and professionalism and set an example for all to follow. He was on the job, on time, every day, putting in whatever level of effort was required. From showing up in the middle of the night to working 16 hour or more shifts, to the coldest or hottest days of the year, Ernie never ushered a single complaint.

Embracing opportunities to pass along his knowledge and professionalism, Ernie trained a significant number of younger staff over the years, demonstrating the quality way of performing tasks and supporting them until they felt comfortable on their own. He always went the extra mile to answer questions about a construction project and/or related tasks in a detailed, methodical, and understandable way. 

Colleagues at all levels within the organization resoundingly reflected upon Ernie’s professionalism, poise and up-beat approach to every situation, no matter how difficult.  His calm demeanor always wore off on the client and / or the contractor so that problems could be solved in a collaborative rather than adversarial manner.
​
Ernie’s impact on NTH is summed up eloquently by esteemed colleague, Larry Gilbert: “Ernie is a respected and able veteran of the construction world, cheerful in all weather, never shirked a task, as dependable as a close friend, and a professional by every definition – he is a difficult guy to replace and he leaves behind a legacy worth emulating.”

Please leave a comment for Ernie below, giving him your well wishes, telling a story about him, or letting him know he will be missed!