2 take on new leadership roles
Larson Design Group, a 260-person engineering, surveying, and brand architecture firm with 11 offices across four states, has created a new position to meet expanding markets. Paul H. Lee has been appointed to the new role of national market leader for energy in order to leverage his targeted growth expertise in the energy sector.
As national market leader, Lee will oversee development of the LDG Energy Group, which expanded significantly in 2012, leading to new office openings in Pittsburgh; Morgantown, W.Va.; and San Antonio, Texas.
"It's exciting to think about where LDG will go beyond the Marcellus, Utica, and Eagle Ford Shale Plays," Lee said, according to a news release. "Our best opportunities are built upon relationships with existing clients. The quality of our work, our understanding of how we fit into the industry, and our ability to help our clients succeed has been instrumental in our development within the energy sector. This has been proven in our ability to follow an existing client to new opportunities in the Eagle Ford Shale Play. How quickly we can get to other shale plays? I think we'll be surprised; it could happen sooner rather than later."
Lee moves into his new position after serving as chief operating officer for 10 years. He joined the firm in 1989.
The chief operating officer position has been filled by Andrew Keister. Keister's rising future with LDG began when he joined the firm as senior project manager in 2000. He most recently served as vice president of civil engineering, a position he held for four years. In that role, he served under Lee, whom he credits with supporting his success at LDG. "Paul has given me a lot of freedom to gain experience across the firm, to develop management expertise, and to operate independently," said Keister. "His guidance and direction were great preparation for this position."
Keister is advancing new methods for the firm to serve clients. He reports that "LDG is developing sales growth both internally, with new services, and externally, with new geographies. We are focused on implementing the key elements of our strategic plan as the framework for our new growth."
Keister will complete training at the American Council of Engineering Companies Senior Executives Institute in March. LDG has not yet appointed a new vice president of civil engineering.
Real estate agents complete training
Seven members of the sales team at Weichert Realtors - Premier have been certified as Weichert lead specialists. Realtors Lori Solomon, Amie Penfield, Jody Harlan, Julie Hughes, Stacy Snyder, Amy Schemery and Christina Beiter successfully completed the agency's first quarter lead specialist training on Jan. 30, equipping them to interface with Weichert Lead Network.
The network sends leads direct to agents from consumers who call into the Weichert call center as a result of viewing listings online. The system enables agents to be reached within minutes of the call center's receipt of an inquiry about a "local" property from anywhere in the country. "Realtors who take advantage of this unique service show the relevancy of technology in today's marketplace, putting them clearly at the proverbial cutting edge," said broker and owner Chris Pardee.
Pardee and real estate agent and owner Marcy Benson facilitate the quarterly training sessions on the platform that "Weichert agents who have been certified as lead specialists are held to a higher standard of an already high standard" at the Williamsport agency. Certified Weichert lead specialists, Benson said, "are characterized as exceptional agents who are dedicated and hard working and who consistently listen to help achieve their client's goals and wishes."
