Randall Homel’s entrepreneurial journey is one of dedication, growth and leadership within the engineering and science industry. His story began as an intern at Foth in 1979 where he gained experience in wastewater lab work, surveying and software program. His entrepreneurial spirit started to shine during his time as a project engineer. For the next nine years, he worked as a mechanical engineer before transitioning to a project manager, then a client team leader and eventually the Business Unit Leader and Vice President of Foth Production Solutions. He promoted to the role of COO before assuming the position of CEO at Foth in 2013.
“Randy’s 44-year journey at Foth, from an intern to the CEO, showcases the power of dedication, continuous learning and visionary leadership,” said his staff. “His story exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit within the context of a long-term commitment to a single organization, resulting in substantial growth, industry recognition and a legacy of success.”
The Foth Companies engineering firm combines science, engineering and technology with ingenuity and passion to build enduring client partnerships and create bright futures for team members. The company’s purpose is to solve clients’ toughest science and engineering challenges.
According to his colleagues, Homel has a collaborative management style that allows him to work with his management team and get everyone aligned with the direction forward. “This style allows Randy to set challenging, yet achievable goals for profitability, stability and growth that the entire management team can rally around and work to achieve,” they said.
During his time as Foth’s CEO, the company’s revenue has more than doubled, while simultaneously delivering on set profitability and stability goals. The company’s projects also continue to grow in scale and complexity – and with 660+ members in 28 offices and working remotely, project management skills as well as the ability of all project team effectively is critical, said Homel.
“There are many factors that can be attributed to our success, but it all comes back to attracting, developing, engaging and retaining high-performing team members who share a common purpose, mission and vision,” said Homel.
Homel said the brand identity speaks volumes. “It is our spark of inspiration,” he said. “It tells our story about the inspiring, dynamic energy that is created through partnerships, and it represents our history of excellence, partnership and stellar results.”
Getting buy-in from co-workers and clients is critical, said Homel. “True buy-in is first hearing your message repeated back to you using their words, then seeing it develop into action,” he said.
For continuing to truly buy-in to the mission of Foth Companies, Homel has been named a titan.
