Three engineers were working comfortable administrative positions at Yandell & Hiller in Fort Worth. Bill Baird was in charge of marketing and worked as a civil engineer, Merlin Hampton oversaw production and electrical engineering, and Les Brown was a senior project manager and mechanical engineer. But they missed their true passion: building partners through interactive engineering work.
Bill and Merlin left Yandell & Hiller to form Baird, Hampton and Associates. One month later, Les heard they had left, and was confident the two would need a good mechanical engineer on their team; so, he called Bill and Merlin to ask if they had room available for one more. They welcomed him and together they founded Baird, Hampton & Brown, a firm dedicated to principal involvement at every stage to ensure quality results from start to finish. The company started in a three-room suite with a commitment to staying out of debt, developing their own client base, providing quality service, and thoroughly enjoying their jobs. At BHB, principals would also invest in the next generation of civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, serving as mentors and leading by example. While the team was originally anticipated to grow to eight or ten people, the company expanded to nearly 100 employees in 25 years.
Recognizing that they could positively impact the built environment on a broader scale, BHB broadened their suite of services to include land surveying and landscape architecture. Time proved that BHB’s visionary model was sound, and satisfied clients have helped ensure that the firm never lacks for work. Principals are still involved in each project from start to finish, and up-and-coming engineers continue to experience excellent industry guidance.
Ultimately, the founders owe the continuous success of BHB to the talent, creativity, and dedication of their employees. They believe the diverse work experience, loyalty, flexibility, and solutions-based designs have been unique factors that set BHB apart from other engineering firms. BHB doesn’t measure their success by awards or money, but by the impact they continue to have on communities, client retention, and the value and quality of their employees.
Now, with three offices in North Texas and over 25 years of engineering excellence, BHB is looking to the future of the industry. Sustainable engineering practices are needed now more than ever, and BHB is leading the charge in inventive, long-term solutions that will benefit clients and communities for years to come.
