Growth Without Compromise: The Pape-Dawson Success Story (Ep. 1)

In 2025, the fastest-growing civil engineering firm Pape-Dawson acquired 6 firms and promoted 19 employees. President Trey Dawson joins PSMJ Resources President Gregory Hart to explore how his Pape-Dawson has achieved growth and success. Pape-Dawson has been listed on PSMJ’s coveted Circle of Excellence for 13 of the past 14 years. This award recognizes superior financial and operating performance across 8 key performance metrics. Additionally, Pape-Dawson earned the No. 69 slot on Engineering-News Record’s ENR 500 list of the largest engineering firms, up from No. 93 on the list in 2024. So, how do they do it? How does Pape-Dawson achieve industry-leading results year after year? They’ve navigated generational change, private equity investment, geographic expansion, and more…yet they still continue to deliver consistent results and stand out on so many dimensions. In this wide-ranging discussion, Greg and Trey touch on everything from strategic planning to project management to growth through acquisition to give you new ideas to start 2026 strong. Complete the AE Financial Performance Survey for a chance to join the AEC Circle of Excellence 2026 here: www.psmj.com/SurveyParticipate Register for the AEC M&A Summit 2026 here: www.psmj.com/aecmasummit Not a PSMJ PRO member? Learn more here: www.psmj.com/psmjpromembership 00:00 Introduction to Pape Dawson Engineers03:01 Growth Trajectory and Achievements06:10 Family Legacy and Leadership Transition09:06 Company History and Expansion Strategy12:01 Diversification and Market Strategy15:11 Future Growth and Acquisition Plans18:03 Company Culture and Talent Management20:10 Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies22:06 The Value of Mergers and Acquisitions23:58 Client Relationships and Responsiveness27:36 Operational Discipline in Growth37:34 Preserving Company Culture During Expansion TakeawaysPape Dawson has experienced significant growth, moving from a regional firm to a national player.The firm has been recognized in PSMJ's Circle of Excellence for 13 out of the last 14 years.Family legacy plays a crucial role in the leadership and culture of Pape Dawson.Expansion strategies include both organic growth and mergers and acquisitions.Talent acquisition and retention are critical for sustaining growth and stability.Responsiveness to clients is a core value that sets Pape Dawson apart.Operational focus and execution are key to managing growth effectively.Maintaining a strong company culture is essential during periods of rapid expansion.Assessing cultural fit is vital when considering acquisitions.Communication and engagement with employees help preserve the company's culture.Host: Gregory HartProducers: Gregory Hart, Pete McPherson, Molly McElaneyEditor: Molly McElaneySpecial thanks to Riverside FM!