A Conversation with Michael Henneman
Michael shares some insight into what distinguishes Henneman Engineering and has made the firm successful as it approaches 50 years in business.
Q. What are some of the top differentiating factors that you would like for people to know about Henneman Engineering?
MH: The first thing people should know about us is our longevity and commitment to the engineering business. We have a long, rich history and will celebrate our 50th year in business in February 2011.
The next key point has to do with our superb technical competency as engineers. It’s really about the experience we bring to each project whether it’s an engineering study or a $200 million building facility. Our clients know that we bring a very high level of sophistication and technical know-how to each and every project.
Q. What are some significant points regarding the firm’s history?
MH: Engineering has been always been a big part of my family tradition. My great-grandfather worked in engineering and construction and then my father started this firm in 1961.
Another very significant part of our history is the way we built the firm based on trust and long-term relationships. In fact, we have many long-standing clients from the 1960s and 1970s that we still work with including the Army Corps of Engineers and the University of Illinois.
Q. Talk about the importance of the people who work at Henneman.
MH: Certainly the most important differentiating factor we bring to the table is our people. I know that other firms may say this, but we truly have an all-star team of people, with many of them with us for more than 10 and 20-plus years.
Our team members really know how to connect with clients and this is a big factor that has contributed to our success. It really gets down to building relationships. So many of our people at Henneman bring both the technical expertise and the personal touch to their jobs. I think that’s why we have many long-standing client partnerships.
Q. What are some of your thoughts on Henneman being in business for almost 50 years?
MH: After almost a half century in business, we must be doing something right! I’m proud that our clients trust us and like coming back to us because they know we get it right. Our history lets them know we have the experience and a long track record of success. But more than being good engineers -- we are good communicators and often good friends with our clients.