At Fenstermaker, family is more than a guiding principle—it’s the foundation of our culture, strengthened by every individual who joins our team. It’s reflected in our multi-generational workforce, deep commitment to community, and the way our employees mentor the next generation, ensuring these values endure. For this reason, bidding farewell to a team member who has been instrumental in shaping our culture is truly bittersweet.

After 32 remarkable years, Fenstermaker bids a deeply appreciative farewell to our Vice President of Engineering, Raymond Reaux, P.E., as he embarks on a well-earned retirement. His tenure has been nothing short of transformative, leaving a lasting impact on our engineering division, our company, and countless colleagues who have had the privilege of working alongside him. 

 

A Challenge Fulfilled

When Raymond joined the Engineering team in 1993, eight years after earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1985 from what was then the University of Southwestern Louisiana, he stepped into a small, six-person team. He fondly recalls, “That group was half a dozen when I started. We were a tight-knit team with our work cut out for us—small but determined to carve out our place.” At the time, Engineering ranked a distant third in revenue behind the more lucrative Oil & Gas and Environmental divisions. The challenge? Expand the division’s scope, build a steady project backlog, and establish Engineering as a key player in the state of Louisiana. 

Through his leadership, vision, and commitment to something greater than himself, the team grew to 71 professionals, taking on projects that strengthened our standing in the engineering world. Two projects that stand out in Raymond’s mind include:

• The Louisiana Watershed Initiative, a large-scale effort involving the collection of topographic and bathymetric data for flood modeling across nine parishes, supporting the state’s flood defense mission
• The US 90 (I-49 South) Design Build, where Fenstermaker served as lead design firm on a project widening US  90 from four to six lanes.  

At its peak, the team grew to 100 professionals—a testament to Raymond’s ability to cultivate talent, win work, and build lasting relationships. 

Raymond often reflects on how intertwined his life became with Fenstermaker over the past three decades. “You work somewhere as long as I have, and it just becomes a part of who you are,” he shared. “This company has been my home, and this team—my family.” But, as he is quick to point out, his success has never been about him alone. “I didn’t build anything. We built this together. I was just the coach, and the credit belongs to the entire team.” 

 

A Passion for Engineering, A Dedication to People 

Beyond his leadership at Fenstermaker, Raymond has played a pivotal role in shaping the engineering profession. For 10 years he served as City Engineer for Youngsville, overseeing the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure. A passionate advocate for engineering professionals, he has dedicated time to state and local boards as well as ACEC, working tirelessly to uphold the rights and integrity of licensed professionals. Beyond the projects he’s led, he has shaped policy, mentored the next generation, and strengthened the industry. In 2022, his contributions were honored with the A.E. Wilder Award from the ACEC.

 

But for Raymond, his career has never been about accolades or achievements—it’s been about people. It’s the relationships he’s formed, the careers he’s helped shape, and the memories he’s made along the way. “I don’t know if people will remember me in five or ten years, and that’s okay,” he says humbly. “Life goes on. But what I do hope is that those I’ve worked with can look back and say, ‘I had a career, not just a job.’ That’s what it’s always been about.” 

Raymond has been a mentor, a sounding board, and a steady leader to many within our firm. While he’s quick to express his pride and admiration for the entire Engineering team, and the larger Fenstermaker family, he highlights three colleagues who were instrumental in the division’s growth. For over 15 years, he has worked closely with Dax Douet, P.E., Jeanne Arceneaux Hornsby, M.S., P.E., CFM, and Luke Hebert, P.E., describing them as more than colleagues—they were true partners in building something special. “We weren’t just a team; we were a force,” he said. “And I have every confidence they will continue leading this group to even greater heights.” 

Raymond also acknowledges the invaluable mentorship of the man who first hired him, William “Bill” Fenstermaker, Chairman & CEO. He describes Bill as his safety net, proding guidance, encouragement, and support through challenges, including health scares.

Bill shared his thoughts on Raymond:

“It has been a privilege of mine to be associated with Raymond. I remember when he came from Florida thirty years ago to interview for a job—we were excited to bring him on. Since then, I’ve been proud to watch him develop into a leader for his team. Raymond is not your typical engineer. He’s thoughtful, dynamic, and principled, unafraid to challenge his colleagues and push for their best. He earns respect. He has been a great steward of our Engineering group, and we will miss him.” —Bill Fenstermaker, CEO

A Bittersweet Farewell, A Future Filled with Possibility

As he prepares to step away, Raymond reflects on the bittersweet nature of this transition. “I’ve been in charge for 25 years, and you don’t walk away from something like that without feeling a little torn,” he admitted. “But the time is right. I’ve given it my all, and I know this team is more than ready to carry the ball forward.” 

Reflecting on Raymond’s departure, Charles Fenstermaker, President, shared his heartfelt appreciation: 

“Raymond’s leadership has shaped our company, strengthening our engineering division and beyond. Under his guidance, our team grew in capability and reputation, delivering some of the largest projects in our history. His mentorship, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on our firm and the people within it. He has always led with integrity, strength, and a deep sense of responsibility for the people around him. While his presence will be greatly missed, his influence will continue to be felt in the generations of engineers he has helped cultivate. We thank him for his years of service and wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.”

Reflecting on the past three decades, Raymond shares the personal core values that have shaped his journey:

“I don’t have a lot of words about myself or my legacy. My priorities have been three-fold: my Faith, my Family, and Fenstermaker—in that order. I got those jumbled up now and then. Sometimes work took the front seat when it shouldn’t have, but those principles have kept me moving in a positive direction. And that’s what I’d say to anyone struggling to balance their home and work life: Faith, family, work. If you can aim for that order, your life, your values, your purpose for being here will be clear. Well, mostly clear. Life is messy.” 

While he may be stepping away from the day-to-day, Raymond’s influence will live on. His leadership, his guidance, and his passion have left an indelible mark on our firm and the people within it. And while he jokes that after retirement, he’ll “fly back in his imaginary helicopter” to check in, we know that no matter where he is, his legacy will keep rising. “I want to look back and see that the flag we planted together is higher up the mountain than when I left,” he said. “Because we can. Because this team is capable of anything.” 

 

Thank You, Raymond 

Raymond, from all of us at Fenstermaker—thank you. For your leadership, your guidance, and your support. For the humor, wisdom, and mentorship that have defined your time here. You have built more than an incredible career—you have built a community, a culture, and a legacy that will last for generations. 

We wish you all the best in this next chapter—filled with faith, family, and well-earned relaxation. 

Please join us in celebrating Raymond’s remarkable career and sending him off with our deepest gratitude and best wishes for his retirement.

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