Building on a Strong Foundation Universal Engineering Sciences Triples in Size in Past 18 months
With nearly six decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting, Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), headquartered in Orlando, is a familiar name in Florida. But those outside of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry may not realize that UES has transformed itself into the fastest-growing engineering and consulting firm in the United States through 12 significant acquisitions in 24 months and notable project wins. The company has tripled in size and now employs more than 3,100 engineers and other industry professionals in nearly 70 locations in 20 states. It has more than doubled its revenue and has received significant investment capital from BDT Capital Partners LLC.
Strengthening the Leadership Team with Industry Experts Former AECOM Chairman and CEO Michael Burke joined the board of directors as chairman in 2021 and made a significant investment in the company. President Brian Kirkpatrick, one of the initial investors in partnership with Palm Beach Capital, leads day-to-day operations and is heavily involved with mergers and acquisitions. Newly appointed CFO Michael Dear joined the company in January with more than 30 years of global expertise in engineering services and construction with both privately held and public organizations.
Capitalizing on Population and Infrastructure Trends UES is capitalizing on two key trends: the migration of the U.S. population to states in the South and West and the increased funding to support infrastructure projects nationwide. “UES is well-positioned to be the leading
infrastructure company in the geotechnical engineering space,” Burke says. “UES has the ideal combination of business strategy, leadership, industry talent, strong reputation and client relationships to help shape infrastructure and development in communities nationwide for decades to come.”
Maintaining and Attracting Great Talent
UES’ professional engineers, geologists, scientists, inspectors and field technicians are registered throughout the United States, and most hold advanced degrees. The company plans to hire an additional 1,500 people over the next three years, many of those in Florida. Team members have passion for their work and are committed to excellent client service and a warm, friendly culture. “UES is growing purposefully, adding locations and new partners to serve areas of the U.S. that are experiencing tremendous development growth and the need for our diverse set of services,” Kirkpatrick says.
UES’ Contributions are Everywhere
Team members joke that they enjoy getting their hands dirty because they work in the dirt all day. You may not see them working underground, but their work is critical for the roads and bridges we drive on the buildings we work and live in, the structures where we enjoy arts, entertainment and sports, and the schools our children attend. UES has developed a reputation as the problem solvers, the engineers you call when you need to figure how to build a performing arts center over 6 feet of water or a skyline-defining signature bridge through the heart of one of the nation’s busiest downtowns. UES has grown into a significant market leader in the AEC industry.
UES has contributed to hundreds of projects throughout Central Florida, including: Winter Park Library , I-4 Ultimate (opposite page), Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts , Brightline High-Speed Rail and SunRail (above).
Brian Kirkpatrick, President
26 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | i4Biz.com
Universal Engineering Sciences founded in Merritt Island
Palm Beach Capital begins consolidating engineering firms, acquiring GFA International and UES
BDT Capital Partners becomes majority shareholder
Kansas-based GSI joins UES as 12th acquisition
UES includes more than 3,100 team members and nearly 70 branches in 20 states
