Etica Group

Take a 2 minute break from your inbox for a quick environmental history lesson! The Spanish-American War in 1898 might seem like an unusual starting point for a discussion about environmental policy. However, it played a crucial role in shaping modern environmental law.   Just months prior to the Spanish-American War, the U.S. deployed the USS Maine battleship on a “friendly” visit to Havana Harbor to protect American interests during the Cuban War of Independence. On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine mysteriously exploded, killing all 266 onboard. The combination of limited forensics, political pressure and an already tense standoff with Spain, the escalation to war was practically a foregone conclusion. The sinking of the USS Maine was a rallying cry, "Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!" that sparked the first attack in Manila Bay.

From all of us at Etica Group to you - Happy Holidays! Wishing you a joy filled holiday and a prosperous New Year!

Phones are ringing, wishes are happening! We are so excited for the opportunity to volunteer again this year at the WZPL 99.5 Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana Request-A-Thon. There’s still time to donate! Matching hours are happening NOW - 6pm! For donations: call 317.228.1099 or visit https://lnkd.in/g4QJyCcW

This week's #staffspotlight features Etica Group's Environmental Project Manager, Paul Killian! Paul gives insight into how our Environmental services fit into a projects lifecycle and what excites him about the work he does! Hear more from Paul below: Years of experience: 12 Length at Etica: 1+ yr How do your services fit into the entire project lifecycle? Environmental projects tend to weave in and out of the project lifecycle by design. It’s built as a mechanism to inform design of potential pitfalls in a project early on so informed decisions can be made on the tolerances to impacts on the environment, the public and the project fee and schedule. Once these decisions are made and impacts are accounted for, we step back until design progresses to a point we can showcase the project to the public to finalize the environmental document. After that, we make sure permits are secure so construction can start breaking ground.     What excites you about the work you do? Environmental services is often a problem solving endeavor, which means there are rarely two projects following the same path to completion. It’s very satisfying to face a veritable mountain of problems and chip away at it on behalf of a grateful client, then look at the final product after construction is complete. What has surprised you about working at Etica Group? The diversity of services at Etica Group provides an interesting mix of projects to get involved with here. 

Exciting News! The Pike Township Fire Department Decontamination and Maintenance Facility is the only project in Indiana recognized in Firehouse Magazine (page 86). This amazing facility would not have been possible without the dedication of Trustee Annette Johnson, Retired Chief Chris Tragesser and current Chief Jeff Beam along with many others. Want to learn more about how Pike Township is leading the way with decontamination to protect their firefighters? Reach out!

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂 Today, we’re pausing to reflect on all we’re grateful for—our incredible clients, trusted teaming partners and our amazing Etica team. Wishing you a day filled with joy, gratitude and plenty of delicious food!

You've gotten to know Robert Priolo, PE through Things that keep University Facility Managers up at night. Today, we are featuring him as this weeks #staffspotlight! Hear what surprised Bob when he joined the Etica Group team and what he enjoys most about his job below: Role: Senior Project Manager and Client Services Representative Years of Experience: Bob's a Structural Engineer with over 30 years of experience as a designer and project manager. Additionally, he has 15 years of experience as a Facilities Manager in Higher Education. Years at Etica Group: About 1.5 years! How do your services fit into the entire project lifecycle? My experience in facilities management is helping Etica Group on the front end of projects, with a focus on Higher Ed and K-12 markets. Given the broad range of services we provide, from Survey all the way to Construction Administration, Etica Group is an asset to any client with multiple buildings in a campus setting. I’m working with existing clients to expand the project types we help with and targeting the right new clients to introduce them to the Etica Group difference. What do you enjoy most about your job? The people. As I’m nearing the end of my career, I’ve learned how you build up those you work with is just as important as what you build. Etica Group believes in generational diversity and takes advantage of folks like me with lots of years to come alongside the college interns they hire. Etica Group is walking the talk in this area for sure. What has surprised you about working at Etica Group? The “employee first culture” was such a pleasant surprise. Etica Group is intentional about making you want to come to work and be part of something that’s going to enhance the experience for our clients. Etica Group listens to the suggestions and needs of the employees and is willing to make changes, such as hybrid work schedules. They also have an above average professional development program. Quick story, we had a new intern from Ball State, and they said the previous intern said, “you gotta meet Bob, he is so funny.” I smiled because the interns are actually talking about the old guy. #AceIt

Honoring those who've served and sacrificed. This Veterans Day, we pause to remember your courage and express our heartfelt gratitude to the heroes who have protected our freedom. Thank you, Veterans! #VeteransDay #ThankYou

Did you know clogged gutters may lead to ice dam build-up along the eaves that can cause moisture to wick up under the roof system? This will end with deterioration of the structure and more costly repairs. Click the link below to read what you can do to get ready for winter. #AceIt

This week's #staffspotlight features our Director of Architecture and Building Envelope, Toby Winiger! Toby finds that problem solving and catering to each clients specific needs are his driving factors on projects. Hear more from him below: Years of Experience: 26 Years Length at Etica Group: 6 Years What types of projects do you work on? We work on a lot of aviation, transportation and municipal projects. I work on about a dozen projects and am heavily involved in about 3-4 projects at once. Our lifecycle is usually about 6-9 months for design and then we are involved in the construction process which can take anywhere from 12-24 months. What are typical challenges you need to solve for clients and what makes your solutions unique? I always find the process of exploring the specific needs of the client and finding ways to solve their problems are my driving factors and passion in projects. There’s never a one size fits all solution; we try to cater to our clients, look at each problem uniquely and bring new perspectives. What has surprised you about working at Etica Group? The level of support I get at work, getting to pursue the projects we want to pursue, there’s a level of autonomy and support for everyone’s perspective. We take our jobs seriously but have fun while doing it. We promote an environment of professionalism and fun; they don’t have to be separate!