Hello,
At WGI, we are driven by a singular vision: to embrace our clients’ challenges, create opportunities, and shape the future of the communities where we live, work, and thrive.
As I reflect on the close of the third quarter of 2024, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our associates and the confidence our clients place in us as their trusted professional services partner. These moments remind me how fortunate we are to work together towards shared goals. I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to our associates, clients, and community stakeholders -- all integral to our success.
As we step into the final quarter of 2024, we remain focused on navigating the evolving economic landscape, particularly the Federal Reserve’s efforts to manage inflation. Our private sector development markets show strong demand for industrial facilities, especially data centers and logistics hubs. These projects are proliferating across Texas, the Southeast, and the Carolinas, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and the continued rise of e-commerce. WGI is proud to be leading the way on many of these projects.
On the public side, we are also witnessing significant investment in infrastructure resilience, environmental services, transportation enhancements, and geospatial mapping. Our team is privileged to work on key projects across these sectors, contributing to long-term improvements that will benefit future generations.
One area where we continue to demonstrate leadership is in geospatial mapping. In our recent publication, Fulfilling America’s Need for Broadband, WGI Geospatial Operations Manager Sandor Laslo outlines the pressing challenges broadband providers face in meeting the ever-growing demand for network expansion. He explains how WGI’s cutting-edge technologies are streamlining field data collection through precise 2D and 3D mapping, crucial to designing and implementing fiber and small-cell networks. This article offers valuable insights for clients across multiple industries—not just broadband.
Another resource our clients may find invaluable is the 2024 Parking Structure Cost Outlook, which we released in June. With over 50 years of experience in the parking industry, WGI’s expertise made this report a benchmark for owners, contractors, and design professionals nationwide. Authors Ray Smith and Rob McConnell, Vice Presidents and Market Leaders for our Parking Solutions team, shared their insights in a July webinar that attracted over 100 clients and professionals.
Continuing on the theme of innovation, automated parking systems are becoming a vital solution for university campuses; however, many institutions have yet to unlock their full potential. In our latest paper, Universities Can Get More From Their Technology, we explore how Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems can revolutionize operations and efficiency for universities nationwide.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate some exciting leadership transitions at WGI. Matt Kane was promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) following his role as Financial Controller. Matt’s financial and leadership skills will undoubtedly strengthen our future growth. Additionally, over the next several months, Shad Shafie will transition from the Director of the Buildings Division to Chief Operations Officer (COO), overseeing our five revenue-producing divisions. Both Matt’s and Shad’s promotions underscore the success of our internal mentoring and personnel development programs, and we are thrilled to see them flourish in their new roles.
Lastly, we are excited to announce that Coriann Salas, WGI’s Corporate Program Manager, was appointed Vice President of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida for 2024-2025. Coriann’s leadership and commitment to excellence exemplify WGI’s core values, and we are incredibly proud of her continued contributions to WGI and the broader engineering community.
At WGI, we remain steadfast in our commitment to owning challenges, creating opportunities, and shaping a brighter future. My heartfelt thanks go out to our dedicated team, whose passion and perseverance continually drive our success, and to our clients, whose trust enables us to deliver world-class projects. Here’s to a strong and prosperous finish to 2024 for us all!
- David Wantman, PE
Chief Executive Officer, WGI
