Zweig Group Media: O Canada!

Jul 26, 2017

A visit with a successful principal from a fast growing MEP firm in London, Ontario. In this episode, Randy Wilburn interviewed Derek Reid, principal with Callidus Engineering in London, Ontario. Reid became a principal this past year. In addition to Reid, Callidus also recently named five new principals under the age of 40, securing future growth and any ownership transition plans. Reid talked about how Callidus fosters the firm’s culture and encourages everyone on the team with group meals, Nerf Gun wars, and plenty of firm get-togethers. Reid talked about how difficult it is to find good talent, and that Callidus looks for people with good soft skills and a desire to learn. They spoke about whether Reid thought the "Gig Economy" was coming for the design industry in Canada and elsewhere. He said it would be a tough adjustment, but that people and firms will become acclimated to the idea and figure out a way to hire talent on a project-by-project basis as necessary. They also had a chance to discuss the benefits of attending The Principals Academy. Zweig Group doesn’t train people from the latest business book but rather from experience and from consulting and researching peer firms in the design industry. The Principals Academy seminar will be in San Diego from October 26-27. Reid said he gets the latest information about the design industry from reading The Zweig Letter. He and Wilburn talked about the new subscription model, and Reid said he wants to get his whole office set up with an electronic subscription to the newsletter. If you'd like to learn more about the TPA, Zweig Group, or when we are coming north of the border please email us. Additional information: Contact: Derek Reid derek@callidus.ca For more information on The Zweig Letter podcast contact Randy Wilburn: rwilburn@zweiggroup.com twitter: @RandyWilburn Sponsor: Subscribe to The Zweig Letter for free! Click here for a free digital subscription to Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine!

About Zweig Group

Zweig Group, a four-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, is the premiere authority in AEC management consulting, the go-to source for industry research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group specializes in four core consulting areas: Talent, Performance, Growth, and Transition, including innovative solutions in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, financial management, ownership transition, executive search, business development, valuation, and more. Zweig Group exists to help AEC firms succeed in a competitive marketplace. The firm has offices in Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas.