Unlocking Success: HDR's Journey to Employee Ownership

In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, we delve into the transformative journey of HDR, an employee-owned engineering firm. From its founding in 1917, HDR has evolved through various stages of ownership, culminating in a buyback in 1996 that established its current employee-owned model. Join host Jeff as he engages with a panel of esteemed guests, including Eric Keene, former CEO and current chair of HDR, Tom Sanders, senior vice president, and Aaron Slayton, Transportation Program Management Director and ESOP board member. Together, they explore the impact of employee ownership on HDR's culture, growth, and operational success. The discussion highlights the unique benefits of HDR's ESOP structure, fostering a culture of connection, collaboration, and resilience. Discover how this ownership model has influenced HDR's recruitment and retention strategies, enhanced financial literacy among employees, and guided the firm's growth and acquisition decisions. Tune in to learn how HDR's commitment to broad-based employee ownership has created a thriving environment for innovation and excellence in the engineering industry.