Best Places to Work 2014: BKF Engineers

SANTA ROSA -- BKF Engineers takes pride in its professional-development plan that has allowed principals over the firm's 99-year history to rise through the ranks from college graduates and interns.

One such principal is Greg Hurd, who leads the 18-employee Santa Rosa office. He was a BKF intern in the 1980s before joining newly formed Carlenzoli Associates in 1987 on his graduation. That firm merged with BKF five years ago.

Redwood City-based BKF provides: civil, transportation and water engineering; land surveying; and planning, design and entitlements for public works, commercial and residential projects. It started in 1915 and has 10 California offices.

"When you put together highly trained technical designers, who have a great deal of passion for their work, you have the ingredients for a good company," said David LaValle, president and CEO. "When they also care deeply about the community, the clients they work for and each other, you have the recipe for a great company."

"There's a small group of owners who are personally interested in what's best for the company," an employee said. "Many of the owners, as well as other managers, have been at BKF the majority of their careers. BKF strives to hire people with strong people skills, making the environment enjoyable. The employees are all believers in doing what's best for our clients."

An employee noted a key role of management.

"She has my professional growth in mind," the worker said. "She doesn't micromanage and is an effective communicator. I have fun, happy, capable people around me."

"There are lots of opportunities to get my license and work on an assortment of projects," one employee said.

"I like the availability of resources at my disposal and the willingness of the company to assist me in achieving my career goals," another employee said. "It also takes an active role in assisting in me taking my [professional engineer] exam and offers reimbursement for my expenses in taking the test."

The firm reimburses the cost of a successfully passed state P.E. exam and half the cost of review courses, and BKF covers annual professional license renewal dues.

Outside work, BKF has a Lake Tahoe condominium available for employees to rent at a low rate. But the casino also comes to BKF headquarters annually, with employees bused in for lunchtime food and gaming fun. There are also softball games, picnics, holiday parties, a wellness program and snacks such as oatmeal, bagels and fruit.

Philanthropic pursuits include Rebuilding Together and American Heart Association Heart Walk.

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