MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Bowman Consulting Group Expands Engineering Operation in NJ
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Bowman Consulting Group has been on a growth juggernaut since it went public in 2021 and now the Virginia-based engineering firm wants to expand its New Jersey operation with Michael Sylvester at the helm .
Gary Bowman , a civil engineer , founded the company in 1995 . He started with five employees headquartered in Vienna , a small town in Northern Virginia . Two years ago , when the company first went on the stock exchange , Bowman employed 700 people . Today , it has nearly tripled in size with 2,000 workers operating in 80 offices across the nation .
The expansion occurred organically and with strategic acquisitions . The firm offers a wide range of talents and skills , which it simply defines as delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own , develop , and maintain the built environment . As Bowman extended his operation up the East Coast , he acquired Omland Engineering Associates in Cedar Knolls about 10 years ago . The 40-person firm was established by Stanley Omland , a charismatic executive with an extensive network of connections throughout the state .
Bowman was impressed by the select group of private and municipal clients Omland had developed and expanded as he diversified the firm to provide multiple disciplines , including site / civil engineering , municipal public works , surveying , landscape architecture , master and city planning and traffic and transportation engineering .
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Stanley Omland continued with Bowman in the transition but ultimately retired to Florida .
In aiming to expand his Garden State operation , Bowman is again turning to a man with deep New Jersey roots , who commands respect in the business community . As the new Vice President , Sylvester brings more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sector , especially in brownfield development , where he is recognized as a leader in the field .
Sylvester was flattered that both Gary Bowman and Michael Bruen , the chief operating officer , personally recruited him . A half-hour into their conversation , Sylvester remembers there was an easy rapport with them , and he was excited at the prospect of joining the firm . The feeling was mutual . “ We are poised for growth in the region , and we are confident that Michael ’ s contributions will have a profound impact on area businesses , development , employee advancement and project delivery ,” Bruen said .
Bowman said : “ We brought Michael in to inject energy into the growing of the office .” Already there are plans to enlarge the ranks , which are currently at about 100 . The firm is based in Parsippany with newly expanded and renovated space , as well as additional offices in Freehold and Burlington .
Sylvester has been impressed by the amount of talent and experience throughout the organization , as well as the senior leadership teams currently in place . “ In additional to our professional staff of managers and engineers , New Jersey has extremely loyal clients and a tremendous network of strategic partners which has
Gary Bowman , Founder , Bowman Consulting Group
been the cornerstone for success over the years . We are eager to build upon this tradition .”
The federal infrastructure legislation , and New Jersey ’ s continued commitment to renewable energy , are expected to generate many projects requiring engineering services . “ This company is well positioned and has an incredible opportunity to make a significant and continued impact in New Jersey ,” Sylvester said , adding to one of his priorities will be elevating the company ’ s local and regional profile . “ I am thrilled to be part of this journey and eager to help this team reach its full potential .”
Bowman Consulting ’ s recent book of work has included large residential complexes in South Amboy and Linden , as well as a parking study in Princeton , a highway design , and a hotel in Bordentown . Nationwide its customers have included Walmart , Costco , Dunkin Donuts , 7-Eleven , Wawa and many other Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies , as well as retail groups .
2024 will be a springboard for continued growth throughout New Jersey and the Northeast region . The company will continue developing and expanding talent and growing it ’ s services while maintaining a standard for high quality and customer service !
Bowman Consulting ’ s success is in its people , the founder said . “ We have a strong culture of work sharing and cross referral of work . It ’ s a very collegial culture and we certainly work hard ,” Bowman said .
“ We love being in New Jersey .”
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