NEWSROOM

March 21, 2019

IIW Co-founder “Retires” After 37 Years

Dennis Waugh, PE, SE, IIW co-founder, is retiring after 37 years with the company.

Dennis, along with Carl Schoenhard, co-founded IIW in 1982 with just two employees, offering land survey and structural engineering services. Today, IIW has grown to a full-service 75 employee firm offering architecture, engineering, land survey, and construction services.

In his 40+ year career, Dennis has planned and designed hundreds of civil and structural, bridge, roadway, and site grading projects. While Dennis is officially retiring, he will serve as a Technical Advisor at IIW, assisting on projects and providing insight and assistance with his engineering expertise.

“ I’ve been very blessed to practice engineering since 1976, with both the opportunities I’ve been presented and the co-workers I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’m especially honored for the opportunity to co-found, and contribute to, the continued success of IIW, P.C. In my opinion, IIW is one of the best engineering firms in the region! ”

Dennis Waugh, PE, SE

Dennis is grateful for the loyal support from his many longtime friends and client relationships he’s built. As he takes a step back and transitions to a Technical Advisor, Waugh says, “I’m looking forward to continuing those relationships in my retirement, and to continue to share my expertise with the future leaders of IIW.”

“ Dennis is a wonderful combination of passion, generosity, pragmatism, and humility. It is no surprise he has influenced so many. He leads by example and helps others to improve. It’s exciting to see the influence he has had on our employee-owners, and how he has transitioned his expertise to the next generation of IIW. Congratulations, Dennis, as you move on to the next chapter in your life. Thank you for 37 devoted years and helping make IIW what it is today. ”

Michael Jansen

IIW thanks Dennis for his dedication and years of service and wishes him well in his “retirement.”

Employee owned since 1999.

This Sunday, April 26, marks the anniversary of Origin Design becoming an ESOP. Recently, a few members of our team attended the NCEO Conference in Milwaukee, where we deepened our understanding of ESOP culture, leadership, sustainability, and employee engagement.

At Origin Design, employee ownership means more than a retirement benefit. It means building sustainable wealth, fostering leadership at every level, and investing in shared long term success.

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Mary Abbott, Senior Design Technician, and Tasha Vondal, Project Support Specialist, have spent the past year working closely on DOT funded projects. Mary has shared her 40 years of expertise in contract administration, guiding Tasha through every phase of the process, from project setup and bidding, to construction administration, payments, and change orders. This collaboration reflects our commitment to mentorship, teamwork, and delivering consistent, high-quality solutions for our clients.

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Happy National Architecture Week!

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Hannah recently joined our team as a Marketing Coordinator, where she’ll support proposals, marketing materials, social media, and more to help promote our services and brand. We’re excited to have her on board. Welcome to the #origincrew, Hannah!

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We’re proud to recognize Laurie Wehrspann, who was nominated for Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque Women of Achievement Awards.

For almost 35 years, Laurie has been a steady, behind-the-scenes force at Origin Design. As our accounting assistant, her dedication, precision, and institutional knowledge are integral to our day-to-day operations and long-term success. Her commitment and quiet impact do not go unnoticed.

Congratulations, Laurie, on this well-earned recognition, and thank you for all you continue to do.

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International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is driven by diverse perspectives. We’re proud to recognize the women of Origin Design whose skill, vision, and leadership strengthen our culture, our projects, and our future.