Environmental Science and Engineering Advisory
PEOPLE COME FIRST AT TRACE ASSOCIATES INC.
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by Rennay Craats
hen Darrell Haight and Rhonda Smith founded their environmental consulting firm in 2006, they wanted a meaningful name that reflected not only what they do but also who they are. They landed on “Trace” for its scientific definitions paired with their responsibility to trace the history of the land to understand contamination. The rest of the name speaks to who the company is. Rather than limiting the future scope of the firm by calling themselves Trace Environmental, Haight and Smith instead wanted it to be all about the people. Trace Associates Inc.’s (Trace) focus on people has been a major factor in its success and growth over the past 15 years.
“The thing that stands out about us is the people we have,” says Darrell Haight, CEO and co-founder of Trace Associates. “We’re employee-owned, and we want people to get involved in the business. Some of our best ideas come from every corner of the organization.” First as colleagues then as co-founders, the two dreamed of establishing a firm that did things differently and have attracted a group of likeminded and diverse people to join them. “For me, it was about having a bit more control over my own destiny and choosing who I work
TRACE ASSOCIATES INC. • 15 YEARS • 1
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