Something Kevin Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Benesch, learned over the past few years is the importance of being adaptable. “In 2020, I watched as our staff packed up their desks for what we thought would be two weeks of working from home, but that stretched on for years,” he said. “While it was certainly a shock to the system, we adapted. As an employer, I think that our ability to adapt remains important as new generations enter the workforce and employee expectations change.”
Fitzpatrick said the company continues to adapt by creating structured mentorship, learning and development and engagement programs as a critical component of the evolution of Benesch.
Headquartered in Chicago, Benesch is a multidisciplinary professional services firm specializing in transportation planning and engineering (aviation, bridges, railroad and roadway), environmental, waste/wastewater, geotechnical, landscape architecture, site development and construction engineering and inspection. The firm is dedicated to creating spaces, providing connections and improving infrastructure to enhance mobility, sustainability and safety in communities nationwide.
For nearly four decades, Fitzpatrick has been dedicated to the engineering profession and has had the honor of managing some of the largest public projects in Chicago. “Being able to walk through the streets of this city and see the impact of Benesch’s work inspires me every day,” he said.
The work continues to grow with the development of a five-year strategic plan that positioned the company to grow both in revenue and employee count. The revenue has climbed year after year with a FY 2022 to FY 2023 increase in over 20% in net revenue and Benesch now has more than 1,000 employees in offices across the country.
Fitzpatrick has also led the company through four acquisitions, supported the expansion of the leadership development program and improved employee engagement. He makes it a priority to regularly visit each of the 47 offices. “This allows me to not only provide employees with company updates, but I also get to connect with the team and get to see some of the incredible projects we are working on in person,” said Fitzpatrick.
He credits his success and the success of the firm with the efforts to empower others. “I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t surrounded myself with talented, hardworking people,” said Fitzpatrick. “The people you surround yourself with will be critical to not only your professional development, but also to your personal growth.”
For continuing to impact the city, his employees and the growth of Benesch, Fitzpatrick has been named a titan.
