Woodlake & QK Partnership

Woodlake & QK Partnership

The City of Woodlake has grown remarkably over the past decade and is a thriving Central Valley community under the guidance of City Administrator, Ramon Lara. QK has partnered with the City for over 40 years, supporting the community’s vision to be a destination for future families, jobs, and visitors.

Growth by the Numbers:

  • 500+ New homes
  • 150+ New jobs resulting from the industrial park expansion
  • 1.52% Annual population growth (compared to the national average of .9% in similarly sized cities)
  • Significant retail and commercial developments

In partnership with the City, QK has executed numerous successful projects that brought immediate benefits to the community and will continue to do so far into the future. As a trusted consultant, our team works tirelessly to support the City’s aggressive development strategies over the last decade, successfully attracting residential, commercial, and industrial investments. Looking ahead, Woodlake aims to continue this trajectory by delivering ongoing projects including new parks, affordable housing, and recreational facilities. Through continued collaboration and a shared commitment to high standards, the QK/City partnership will undoubtedly continue to enhance the quality of life for Woodlake’s residents for years to come.

Downtown Revitalization: From Struggling Street to Vibrant City Center

One of the greatest testaments to our successful partnership with the City is the revitalization of Woodlake’s downtown area, which needed updated and added infrastructure like streetlighting and safe sidewalks. The downtown now vibrates with a welcoming atmosphere, attractive landscaping features, and an inviting downtown plaza. Along with City, QK was integral in securing the grant funding that made this transformation and other nearby projects possible.

Transportation improvements, including two new roundabouts with two more in design, the Community Center, the Downtown Plaza, a transit center, and numerous parks have made Woodlake an increasingly attractive area for housing developers and families. These projects have not only enhanced the City’s aesthetics but have also fostered a sense of community pride and increased local engagement.

City Engineering Partnership

Over a decade ago, the City of Woodlake chose long-time QKer, Monique Mello, PE, QSD/QSP, as its City Engineer. She has spearheaded numerous projects for the City, and constantly advocated for Woodlake residents. In her own words:

“It’s been an honor to be Woodlake’s City Engineer for over a decade where I get to help the City’s vision come to fruition. All of our projects have added much-needed infrastructure in addition to enhancing the vibrant beauty of the community. I can’t wait to see what the next ten years holds for Woodlake, and I am so grateful to be a part of its success.”

Looking Forward

The City of Woodlake isn’t slowing down. The community continues to introduce new amenities for residents and visitors, including concerts and movies in the park along with other community-focused events. QK continues to help Mr. Lara and City execute its vision by aligning our work with Woodlake’s needs. We carefully allocate our resources to maintain open and strong communication channels with City officials, and we listen to residents and local stakeholders to truly understand community needs. As Woodlake continues to expand its businesses, tax revenue, housing, and jobs, QK will be there every step of the way to ensure that every member of the community has access to the infrastructure and amenities they need to grow and thrive. 

A Thousand Flags

A Thousand Flags

Bakersfield’s annual A Thousand Flags Ceremony is more than just a Memorial Weekend tradition; it’s a profound display of respect and gratitude for the fallen heroes who have served their nation. For the past ten years, QK has played an integral role in this moving tribute, setting the points for flag installation with precision and reverence.

Surveyor Brandon Walker reflects on the firm’s enduring dedication to this meaningful event, stating, “We look forward every year to participate in the placement of the flag locations for this awesome show of respect for our fallen heroes. It has been an honor to participate in this Memorial Weekend tradition for the last ten years.”

Walker’s sentiment encapsulates the profound sense of pride and purpose that drives QK’s involvement in the ceremony. Beyond the technical aspects of their work, QK’s team approaches their role with a deep appreciation for the significance of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As the flags unfurl in the gentle breeze, each one symbolizing a life laid down in service, QK’s contribution stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and gratitude. Their meticulous efforts ensure that every flag is placed with care and precision, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have defended freedom.

As Memorial Weekend approaches each year, the flags serve as a visual reminder of the debt owed to those who have served. And standing among them, QK stands as a beacon of remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten.

A very special recognition to Alan Walker, who has championed this effort every year we have participated. We admire your passion for this cause and are proud to support you and this effort for the past decade!

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER

 

Visalia Office

 

Position Purpose

Working in cooperation with others throughout the company, the Assistant Project Manager is accountable for successfully coordinating integrated components of projects. The Assistant Project Manager works closely with the Project Manager and other QK staff (e.g., team leaders, technical experts, accounting department, marketing staff), to assure that all aspects of the project are completed on schedule and within budget. Success is measured by achieving results, based on defined standards, in the following areas:

  • Client satisfaction: the quality of clients’ experience from pre-proposal through project completion
  • On-time product delivery, including meeting or exceeding agreed-upon project schedules
  • QK’s project staff satisfaction; the quality and timeliness of information, communication and feedback related to the client and project
  • The quality of all work products

What You'll Do

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with senior staff to develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients as well as other staff members
  • Plan and monitor resources in Deltek for various projects within multiple disciplines and for multiple project managers, ensure resource availability and allocation throughout the life of the project
  • Assist project manager in formulating project proposals by researching past projects, evaluating proposal request details, and coordinating intel from various internal resources as needed to formulate a comprehensive and competitive proposal
  • Coordinate project scope, schedule and budget, including monitoring progress versus achievement of clients’ expectations, escalate to management as needed
  • Maintain continuous communication on project status with clients and all internal and external stakeholders
  • Attend meetings with clients to take detailed ordering briefs and clarify specific requirements of each project
  • Develop spreadsheets, diagrams and process maps to document client and stakeholder needs, project progress, timelines and quality milestones
  • Collect data to provide status reporting regarding project milestones, deliverable, dependencies, risks and issues
  • Documents quality control milestones and informs key stakeholders when proper documentation is not submitted
  • Participate in quality issue resolution, document for learning measures
    Assist in collecting documents needed in disputes, negotiations, arbitration or litigation, as needed
  • Monitor, track and assist in controlling outcomes to resolve issues, conflicts, dependencies and critical path deliverables
  • Work with project managers to determine the frequency and content of status reports from the project and program team. Analyze results of status reports, assist in troubleshooting problem areas. Deliver appropriate and effective management and executive level communication, especially as issues arise
  •  Anticipate client, business, and community issues and communicate suggestions to influence managerial and team attention to them
  • Monitor project performance and advise project manager of ways to correct performance gaps.
  • Build organizational relationships; understand the roles and interrelationships of all partners; foster teamwork within and across departments; and cultivate a strong, diverse network or relationships inside and outside the firm
  • Visit construction site to monitor progress and other duties per the contract documents, reporting all findings to the project manager and other stakeholders in a timely fashion
  • Attend client meetings, take notes, make presentations and represent the project manager and QK as necessary
  • Billable production: varies, typically 80-90%

Who We Need

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Proficient with Deltek and Microsoft Office suite
  • Ability to work well with others (as a team member) and alone
  • Ability to handle pressures related to internal and external project and proposal delivery schedule
  • Proven ability to gather and interpret information, and develop and present (orally and in writing) sound business conclusions
  • Team based approach to decision making and problem solving
  • Visual acuity and ability to communicate well, in writing and verbally, with other staff, clients, and agencies to accomplish team goals.
  • Ability to sit or stand for long periods and walk on uneven surfaces to conduct site visits
  • A current driver’s license and good driving record may be required if employee will be making field visits and/or meeting with clients outside the company’s office

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Desire to be helpful to internal and external clients
  • Ability to create strong relationships in a mentoring capacity
  • Proven ability to successfully work against a deadline and within constrained budgets
  • Strong critical thinking skills that allow for quick problem solving and innovative solutions
  • Proven ability to motivate others
  • Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and/or make management aware of concerns in a positive and productive manner
  • Proven ability to communicate complex technical ideas and concepts to non-technical people effectively

Education

  • Associate’s degree or equivalent work experience in project management, engineering, land surveying, planning, etc.

Organizational Relationships

The Assistant Project Manager provides both support and leadership to project manager and project teams. This person will have to develop relationships with staff in various disciplines in order to achieve the end goal of delivering a quality product. The Assistant Project Manager reports to an assigned Group Leader or Branch Manager. Assistant PMs are expected work with all disciplines throughout the entire company and develop strong working relationships with Group and/or Technical Leaders throughout the company in order to meet our “One Company” vision. Those holding this position are also expected to provide mentorship to junior staff and insight to the Senior Management Team and Branch Managers.

Experience

  • Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a dual role of support and leadership
  • Previous experience in engineering, construction management, planning, or land surveying preferred
 

Click here to view more about this position

Email your resume to recruiter@qkinc.com

Client Focused and Business as Usual

Client Focused and Business As Usual

 

By Ron Wathen, PE

 

A message From president & CEO

March 24, 2020

External Message to Clients, Teaming Partners and Vendors

Last Thursday March 19, 2020, as Governor Newsom implemented a shelter in place policy, simultaneously QK was transitioning to a fully remote workforce (TELEWORK).  Given the implications of the COVID-19 public health crisis and the need for reducing the spread, QK has the ability to work effectively with YOU (our clients and Agency Partners) through Microsoft Teams and other collaboration software from a remote work environment.  Our remote workforce and use of collaboration technology allows QK to advance your projects and maintain a safe work environment during this unprecedented time.

QK remains focused on YOUR projects, deliverables and schedules.  Through utilizing a team approach with our clients and agency partners, I know we can continue through this difficult public health crisis together!  With that in mind, I want to share the following:

  • QK is open for business, our teams are working remotely and ready to continue serving you.
  • Our focus is on your project: The times have changed but our focus remains the same and that is getting your project completed and providing innovative solutions to your needs.
  • We continue to be one connected team with our clients and agency partners.  We are available to meet using Microsoft Teams, other video conferencing tools as needed to keep you connected.
  • QK can still be contacted via office phone, cell phones, email, or text at any time.  QK is committed to making this transition and collaboration easier for everyone.
  • Our field operations will CONTINUE for construction observation, biological monitoring and land surveying and YES, we are practicing appropriate social distancing practices for a safe work environment.
  • WE CAN DO THIS!

Whether it’s project specific or something we can do to support your overall organization, we are here for you.

A Decade Of Community Service

A decade of community service

 

By Mike Ratajski

 

Extreme Makeover: Home Addition

 

QK and its team members have been active participants in community service activities in the central valley for more than a decade. There are numerous reasons why we should volunteer. Studies show that volunteers are happier and healthier than non-volunteers. Volunteers establish strong relationship. Volunteering is good for your career and good for society.  Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose.  Many QK’ers have offered time and energy to make the communities they live in a better place for their neighbors and, in many instances, total strangers, some of whom they may never meet.   The following represents a decade of our volunteer activities.

In August 2019, several Clovis QK’ers braved the brutal summer heat and helped build a new home from the ground up for a deserving family in Clovis. A local fireman lost his wife during childbirth and was forced to raise his children, with the help of their grandmother, in the small space they live in. With the leadership and generosity of DeYoung Properties, a new home was built complete with in-ground swimming pool and playhouse for the kids.   Not many QK staff members know this, but a decade earlier, QK helped build a home in central Fresno for the remake of that same television show in 2009. Led again by our generous client, De Young Properties, QK was involved with assisting 5,000 volunteers who demolished a 1955 ranch home that was in serious need of repair and renovations. The homeowner, born without legs and only one fully developed arm, needed a wheelchair friendly home for her and her four children. This project began a decade long list of community involvement and public services that QK has been unselfishly engaged.

I spoke with members of the QK team who helped the television show achieve a better environment for the homeowner, and here is what they remember about that event. Jessica Louie: “It was a very cold day as we waited for the television crew to set up and film the episode. The QK volunteers arrived early in the morning and spent the entire winter day shivering while waiting for the big reveal…and I never met Ty Pennington”. She added, “I saw him, but never met him”. Scott Zaayer: “De Young Properties was the true hero here. They devoted an incredible amount of time and resources for the new home”. He added, “We had to jump through hoops just to get the house staked on the lot.” The home was completed in less than ten days from tear down to opening day. The new home was one of the earliest in Fresno that included a solar energy system cutting electricity use by 75 percent.

Ace

 

The ACE Mentor Program is an afterschool program that introduces students to careers in architecture, construction management, and engineering and oftentimes, other related disciplines. QK’s involvement with ACE mentorship began in 2011 and ended in 2014. I first became involved with ACE in 2012 teaching the students at Edison High School in southwest Fresno all about planning. Other mentors assisted with engineering, architecture, construction, estimating, and even biology. The Aquarius Aquarium Institute, a 501(c)(3) organization, establishes environmental teaching programs utilizing aquariums to help bring educational parity to central San Joaquin Valley students and citizens of all backgrounds and cultural groups in addition to being the organization behind the Fresno Aquarium project. A ten-acre site was donated at the intersection of the San Joaquin River and Highway 99 – a gateway entry site to the City of Fresno. In 2011, the Fresno Aquarium became the selected project to be studied by the Edison High students. The students developed 3-D models and presented their projects at a special event hosted by the Central California Builders Exchange. The previous project was the Dickey Park Youth Center near downtown Fresno. Following the aquarium project, students later chose to select their own projects for detailed studies. The selected project in 2013-14 was a Family Entertainment Center, an all-in-one arcade that included golf carts, video arcade, trampolines, batting cages, laser tag and more. Teaching high school students all about planning, architecture, engineering, and construction can be a rewarding experience.

 

Lowell Community Gardens

In 2012, QK worked with City of Fresno, Caltrans, PG&E and the Fresno Metro Ministry to develop a community garden for the Lowell neighborhood north of downtown Fresno. QK provided the preliminary site plan, topographic survey, grading plan, permitting, irrigation plans, construction staking, and even helped with construction of the facility. Designed with raised beds for the disabled and thirty garden plots, the community garden “brought people from different walks of life together” and “helped the community spirit bloom” said PG&E representatives. The gardens won a 2012 Green Dot Award in the Service category for designing a resource for green living and a 2012 San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Award of Excellence.

Caltrans State Roadway Clean-Up

In 2012, QK worked with City of Fresno, Caltrans, PG&E and the Fresno Metro Ministry to develop a community garden for the Lowell neighborhood north of downtown Fresno. QK provided the preliminary site plan, topographic survey, grading plan, permitting, irrigation plans, construction staking, and even helped with construction of the facility. Designed with raised beds for the disabled and thirty garden plots, the community garden “brought people from different walks of life together” and “helped the community spirit bloom” said PG&E representatives. The gardens won a 2012 Green Dot Award in the Service category for designing a resource for green living and a 2012 San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Award of Excellence.

Imagine U Children's Museum

The Imagine U Children’s Museum is located one block east of the transit center in the City of Visalia. The museum first opened its doors in October 2015 with a mission to inspire children through interactive educational experiences by providing multicultural, hands-on learning through the sciences, environmental conservation, and the arts. By empowering children and their families in a fun environment, they seek to transform lives and enhance the community. The 15,000-square-foot building was paid for by a $5.4 million Proposition 84 grant.  The facility, known for its indoor tree house and kid’s auto repair clinic, is in need to expand for additional interactive activities in its outdoor space.   The 18,000 square foot outdoor space represents a great opportunity for the facility to expand as its membership grows. Led by Ron Wathen, QK CEO, Dan Garber, Steve Brandt, and I assisted in the conceptual planning for the unique outdoor space. An additional 15,000 square feet east of this space represents another opportunity for future expansion. The QK Team prepared a plan in late 2018 that includes an outdoor amphitheater, barn, maze, themed play equipment, and unique bio-fuel exhibit so children can learn about energy alternatives at an early age. The project is currently seeking funding.

Much More

These five projects represent specific activities or events. We won’t overlook the many QK staff members who took the initiative to run a charity drive or fund-raising activity and the many employees who donated. In addition, every Christmas season, needy children and families have seen our QK Team fill the boxes in our lobbies with generous toys and gifts that have put smiles on local faces for many years. QK has truly been a leader in volunteerism and charity drives. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the generous giving of time, money, clothing, food, and toys. Lets keep up the great work!

Harry A. Tow, PE, AICP – A Visalia Legend

Harry A. Tow, PE, AICP

 

By Mike Ratajski

 

A Visalia Legend

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the peaceful passing of QK co-founder Harry Tow, PE, AICP. He was 94 years old.

Throughout his 48 years at Quad, Quad Knopf, and now QK, Harry shared his insight and wisdom with those of us who had the privilege to work with him. He was an incredible mentor, friend, and positive influence, and was devoted to service of his community through his consulting work, literally for as long as possible.

Over the last 60+ years, Harry established an extraordinary record of service to our Central Valley community as a city official, professional engineer and planner, business owner, mentor, and church, and community leader. He has been recognized for his professional skills in civil engineering, environmental planning and city management, as well as his personal contributions in leading young adults and passion for creating economic growth in the Central Valley.

As an ASCE Lifemember (ASCE member since 1974), Harry was a tireless ambassador for the engineering community.  He served on many boards and engineering committees with professional organizations where service to the ASCE organization was leveraged ten-fold by his professionalism and involvement with other services to his profession.

Harry had been on the water engineering front decades before the California water crisis and was a key member of the State Water Resources Control Board (the “old” statewide unpaid board, which included representatives from industry, districts, environmental community, etc. and preceded the present structure). He was also:

  • Chair of the League of Cities Environmental Committee
  • President of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA, previously known as WDCF)
  • President of the Water Environment Federation (WEF)
  • A Lifemember of APWA as well as long-time member of environmental and planning organizations

As a child in 1938, Harry moved with his parents to Long Beach, CA, from his small town of Marshalltown, Iowa. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Navy V-12 fliers program while concurrently attending university. Harry graduated with a bachelor’s degree from USC in civil engineering in 1947, as well as a master’s degree in 1952 in the same field.

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Harry secured his first professional employment with the County of Ventura as an assistant hydraulic engineer in 1947. Within a year, he had advanced to the City of Los Angeles as a design engineer, and provided supplemental design work to the private international firm of Daniel, Mann, Johnson, and Manderhall.

In 1956, Harry and his family moved to Visalia, where he remained a public employee as the City Engineer. In 1958, Harry became the City Manager for Visalia, where he remained for 14 years. Harry’s tenure as a City Manager included the revitalization of downtown. The emphasis on preserving downtown during Harry’s time as City Manager was very important because that was when downtown was first being challenged economically by the first shopping centers and malls along Hwy 198 and Mooney Blvd. in Visalia.

Harry Tow’s tenure as a City Manager for Visalia oversaw incredible improvements and development for the community. Along with a number of dedicated city councils and exceptional staff members, Harry was instrumental in helping to shape the community as it stands today. Among the achievements that he takes pride for his share in their evolution are: the successful creation of the downtown Visalia convention center; the transfer of Kaweah Delta Hospital from the City to the Kaweah Delta Hospital District and the further development and expansion of the current facility; the revitalization of the North Visalia community; the preliminary steps to protect, preserve, and revitalize the City’s downtown area, as well as provide crucial parking capacity.

Even though Harry’s schooling was in engineering, he is also an expert in California environmental law (CEQA) and earned his AICP certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. He had been preparing EIRs since CEQA first became law in 1970 for projects throughout the Central Valley as diverse as hospitals, shopping centers, colleges, large dairies, and manufacturing complexes. He used his engineering and planning expertise to help lay the groundwork for City’s plan policy and the development of the Plaza Regional Park Facility.

Eventually, in 1972, Harry left the City and co-founded Quad Consulting to provide engineering, planning, and management assistance to both public and private clients. In 1998, Quad merged with Knopf Engineering and formed what is now operating as QK (an employee owned company) with offices in Visalia, Clovis, Merced, Bakersfield and Porterville. Harry continued his lifelong mentorship to others while continuing working almost full time as a Principal Engineer and Environmental Planner until the age of 94.

Harry gave selflessly of his time and experience by helping people in the art of professionalism and ethical practices.

During the formation of Quad Knopf, Harry took a firm stand of the ethics and values that one must possess while representing a client as a City Engineer or a hired consultant. With the Board of Directors, they established that the company would operate as “uncompromisingly ethical” in all business endeavors. At times when contracts were vague or lines were unclear, the guidance that Harry provided centered on the question “which decision is morally sound?” Harry would rather lose business or profit than compromise the integrity of the firm or the staff employed.

As a community member, Harry instilled these ethics into our youth as a Boy Scout Cub master and committee member of a local service club-sponsored troop.  His enduring mark is imprinted on the lives of all who were fortunate enough to work with him.

In addition to his lifelong leadership with the Boy Scouts, Harry served on the board for the College of the Sequoias Foundation, Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation, St Paul’s Episcopal School, and Diocese of Camp San Joaquin. He was also the former President of the Tulare County Industrial Park, Visalia Rotary Club, and San Joaquin Valley City Manager’s Association.

Harry and his high school sweetheart, Shirley, were married for 73 years. Together they had three sons; their late son John, Bill who resides in Australia and works as the head of the Department of International Relations and University of Australia, and Robert who owns an electronics business in Three Rivers, CA.

Harry left an incredible legacy – one our Central Valley community will forever be grateful for. We will miss him very much and cherish the time that we worked alongside him.

Thank you, Harry. For everything.

Covid-19 Message to Clients, Partners, and Friends

Covid-19 Message to Clients, Partners, and Friends

 

By Ron Wathen, PE, President & CEO

 

Covid-19

To our clients, partners, and friends,

Our mission at QK is to be an indispensable partner to our clients, communities and each other.  With the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), we recognize that many daily activities continue to be disrupted.  At QK, we embrace our role in minimizing the negative impacts of COVID-19. Our highest priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, clients, and vendors, as well as families and friends. This communication outlines measures implemented in order to do our part to help contain the outbreak while maintaining service to our clients.

QK intends to continue working on projects, meet deadlines and deliverables, and more importantly, reach your vision for your projects.  We have a fluid and flexible workforce that is fully equipped to work offsite as needed.  This capability will help us continue to serve you as we all work together to get through this public health issue. We will continue to serve you as always with your best interest in mind.

In addition, QK is taking the following steps to urge staff to proactively observe the following health guidance to prevent the virus spread:

  • All employees have been educated about proper hygiene and social distancing.
  • We have reduced in-person meetings, opting instead for video and audio conferencing as the norm.
  • We have educated staff on the latest CDC guidance on best practices to prevent the virus spread.
  • We have minimized or stopped all non-essential travel. Travel considered essential must be pre-approved.
  • QK is also advising employees to avoid large gatherings and implement social distancing.

We thank you for your continued partnership.  We feel confident that together, we will get through this public health event and come out stronger on the other side. 

We look forward to remaining an indispensable partner to you, our communities and each other. 

Respectfully,

Ron Wathen, PE
President & CEO