It is with fond memory that I look to when I was first given the opportunity by Bill Fenstermaker to come to work here in 1972. I knew nothing of what the company did at the time, and came on as a survey crew chainman (rodman position in today’s world). At that time the company consisted of four, 4-man survey crews with eight people in the office! I didn’t know if I’d like the work but was willing to try. My first day had me in the Atchafalaya Basin up to my waist in swamp water, cutting and clearing a line of sight for a survey instrument-man. I am humbled by the good fortune afforded to me from that first day through all the years to where I have progressed. It has been a fantastic ride doing work that improves lives!

I feel deep pride in the knowledge that the work of this company truly has helped contribute to better communities and better lives.

• We’ve helped develop greater energy production and distribution, which fuels our country and in turn, helps drive the economic engine that sustains this country and contributes to its energy independence and security.
• We’ve helped create and maintain the infrastructure needed to drive commerce and quality of life.
• On a local level, the work we’ve accomplished here in Louisiana protects and creates the stability of our state’s fragile ecosystem for the common good of all its citizens.

It would be remiss of me to not mention the atmosphere of family that is woven throughout the fabric of this company. It was created many years ago, continues to thrive today, and will thrive in the future. I’ve always been so proud to be associated with a company that espouses the virtues of fairness and compassion.

If I’ve left a legacy behind me, I hope I’ll be remembered for my passion, my loyalty, my dedication, my willingness to fulfill any role or task asked of me, my best given, and my heartfelt love and gratitude for this company and for all it stands for. I truly care for Fenstermaker & Associates, and all my fellow team members and it has been a privilege to have been associated with them. I am honored to have been part of this organization that C. H. Fenstermaker, Jr. created and to have been given the opportunity to contribute to its growth and success.

“For me personally, R.J. has always pushed me into new challenges and roles in the company. I felt like he always looked after my career here. For that, I can’t thank R.J. enough.” —Charles Fenstermaker, President

It is with great pride that I see where this company has progressed to its present status of over 260 employees at 9 different offices/field offices in two states, offering a diverse suite of solutions to clients’ problems and needs. We have come a long way since my first day of work, with many business cycles in between and certainly more to come. I will be eagerly watching (from the beach) as this company continues its trajectory to higher and higher levels of success.

My hopes for you all are to always maintain the timeless principles and purposes of the Fenstermaker core values; to focus on the “right” issues — those opportunities and challenges most important and strategic to the future success of Fenstermaker, its employees, clients, and key stakeholders; to continue to grow and prosper; to continue to obtain and retain not just great employees but great people; to create a larger regional footprint as First in Class in the consulting world in all disciplines; and to continue to listen to the needs of clients and to creatively, uniquely and safely service those needs always.

“R.J. was a consistent force who made sure that we were always on the RIGHT path.” —William Fenstermaker, Chairman/CEO

I will miss the wonderful and very talented people I have been so fortunate to know and work with in this company throughout my years here. I could not have imagined a finer group of people over the years to have spent most of my waking hours with. I will always cherish how blessed I have been to have worked for such a wonderful organization that allowed me to have such a fulfilling career and to provide for me and my family. It doesn’t get any better than that!

I want to thank Bill Fenstermaker and the entire Fenstermaker family for having allowed me to be part of something so special!

Now that I am at this point in my career, it truly amazes me how quickly the time has gone from that first day to now. It looks like that adage, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” is very appropriate for me now.

My advice is to enjoy and embrace that ride!

 

 

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