The civil engineering firm that Barbara Mulkey founded in 1993 survived the recession, but it was painful learning experience.
Like many companies, Mulkey Engineers & Consultants came out "leaner and meaner" after slowing demand forced the Raleigh firm to retrench.
Now there are signs that things are picking up again, but the company is sticking with its retooled strategy for competing in the new economy and won't rush to hire. Last week, Mulkey Engineers named three new board members to beef up its expertise and bring in fresh ideas.
Mulkey, an N.C. State alumnae who is on the university's board of trustees, spoke by phone about her company, the economy, the importance of staying politically active and more. Some highlights:
On shrinking: At its peak a few years ago, Mulkey Engineers had about 225 employees in Raleigh, Charlotte, Atlanta and South Carolina. Now it employs about 125 people.
The downsizing was "hard and painful," said Mulkey, who serves as chairwoman and is often the company's public face in the community. "This is our baby. Do you let your arm or your leg go? But we did it to protect our company."
Jill Heath, left, who Mulkey promoted to CEO in 2008, had the courage to make tough decisions quickly and effectively. One important factor was that Heath reduced the leadership team that reports to her to five managers from 11.
"When opportunities are reduced, we must adjust to fit those changes," Mulkey said. "The companies who try to wait for the market to change to fit them are the ones that most likely will not continue to be in business."
On hiring: Mulkey isn't convinced that there won't be another downturn, but the company is hiring as it wins new business. "We're in a mode where we are back to healthy, slow growth," Mulkey said. "The market and economy will support that in 2011. We don't have any illusions that it will be easy. We're trying to be realistic. We believe in being optimistic."
Mulkey declined to provide specific financial results for the private company, but said that it is profitable. She expects 2011 revenue will be about the same as this year, but being more efficient will boost profit.
On new opportunities: The company's core business will continue to be transportation planning and design. The latest contract involves engineering design for the Monroe Bypass project, a N.C. Turnpike Authority toll road in Union County.
Mulkey Engineers also is seeking projects tied to energy and sustainability, and is working to get more involved in project financing. And there are "huge needs" for infrastructure improvements in transportation and education, despite budget limitations at the state and federal levels, Mulkey said.
On staying politically connected: Mulkey encourages her employees and managers to get involved in whatever way they feel comfortable. That could include writing a check, writing a letter or making a phone call.
"Engineers aren't always comfortable in the political arena, but in our job, we have to follow the funding," Mulkey said. "These are our elected officials. I don't see it as trying to get favoritism, I see it as giving them information. We don't want to get overlooked because someone else is crying louder.
"I don't think people should apologize for being politically active, I think they should apologize for not being politically active."
On expanding the board: Adding three new members gives Mulkey Engineers a board of seven people, including Mulkey and Heath. The additions "bring multiple strengths to our board," Mulkey said. "We want fresh ideas, creative thinking and unique perspectives on our industry.
Here are the new members, and Mulkey's take on what they'll bring:
-- Bill Marley is the former highway administrator for the N.C. Department of Transportation, and has important public sector experience, with more than 42 years working on highway planning, design, construction and management.
-- Terri Helmlinger Ratcliff is executive director of the Industrial Extension Service at N.C. State. She's also chairwoman of the N.C. Licensing Board for Engineers and Surveyors, and will provide guidance to ensure that Mulkey Engineers remains above reproach ethically and professionally.
-- Loren Sokolow is the chief financial officer of a California civil engineering firm, and will provide national perspective.
