QK

Sergio Aguila’s journey to civil engineering has been anything but ordinary. Starting college as an electrical engineering major, he discovered his true passion lay in civil engineering, leading him to pursue a new path. Before joining our team, Sergio honed his skills as an agricultural mechanic specializing in diesel automotive work, but it was his desire for meaningful client interactions and continuous learning that solidified his place in the field of civil engineering. Sergio credits his work on the Stonehaven Project alongside Alex Dwiggins and Marco Gonzalez as his proudest professional accomplishment. The project brought him positive feedback and invaluable experience that has helped shape his career. He’s particularly drawn to the challenges that help him grow—not only as a professional but as a person. Outside of work, Sergio is a man of many passions. He’s currently captivated by design and 3D printing and loves traveling with his wife and family. His biggest inspiration? His family. Hearing his parents express pride in his achievements reassures Sergio that their sacrifices were worth it and continues to drive him forward. When it comes to our company culture, Sergio values the people and the atmosphere most. He says, “Everyone is super nice and definitely makes the office environment fun and exciting.” Looking ahead, he’s eager to grow professionally, with the ultimate goal of earning his PE license. Sergio’s advice for anyone starting out in civil engineering? “Throw yourself into situations that will test your knowledge and abilities. The process may feel daunting and difficult, but once you overcome those challenges, everything becomes easier.” We’re proud to have Sergio as part of the team and excited to see all he accomplishes in the future! #WeAreQK #Growth #NextGenerationOfEngineers

QK had an amazing time at the D7 Parks Rodeo & Vendor Fair last week at Centennial Park in Tulare! It was great connecting with parks and recreation professionals, participating in the fun relay events, and enjoying a day full of team building and community spirit. A big thank you to everyone who made this event such a success! #ParksRodeo #TeamBuilding #CommunityConnections

Assistant Land Surveyor David Acosta is a dedicated and passionate member of our team who has truly found his stride in the field of surveying. David’s journey into surveying began thanks to a close friend who enthusiastically spoke about his own experiences in the industry. When an opportunity arose for David to join as a Chainman, his friend encouraged him to apply. Taking this leap marked the beginning of David’s career in surveying, where he quickly found fulfillment and purpose. David thrives on the diversity of his work, embracing the many facets of surveying that keep him constantly engaged and learning. From day to day, no two tasks are alike, and it’s this variety that drives his passion for the job. Each new project presents fresh challenges and opportunities to deepen his expertise, making every day an adventure. While David is still working towards his ultimate professional goals of obtaining CST certifications and becoming licensed, he is proud of the steady progress he’s made so far. Every project and new responsibility helps him grow professionally and brings him closer to his goals, leaving him with a sense of pride in how far he’s come. He values that, with each new assignment, he gains insights and skills that push him to excel further in his field. David enjoys exploring his creative side outside of work by brewing beer and mead. This hobby combines patience, experimentation, and dedication, allowing him to unwind while working on his unique recipes and flavors. It’s a rewarding process that complements his career, where patience and precision are just as essential. David feels grateful to be part of a company culture that supports and encourages growth. Knowing that QK values continuous learning and development motivates him to keep improving and aiming high. This supportive environment makes a difference, giving him the confidence to take on new challenges and pursue his career goals wholeheartedly. Looking forward, David is excited about gaining more experience in his role. His ultimatum is to achieve his certifications and licensure, enabling him to make an even greater impact on the team. One piece of advice that has stayed with him throughout his journey is to always keep learning and to never be afraid to ask questions. He would pass along this advice to anyone entering the field of surveying, as he believes that staying curious and expanding one's knowledge is key to success. David Acosta is a true representation of the QK Core Value: Growth. We’re thrilled to see his growth and contributions each day. Thank you, David, for your dedication and commitment—we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish in the future!

Yesterday, we attended the American Public Works Association Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony, where we proudly accepted several awards on behalf of the cities we serve, our valued teaming partners, and our dedicated team. Our projects were recognized in multiple categories, underscoring the importance and impact of public works on community well-being. We received Project of the Year in the Environment category (under $5 million) for the Chowchilla Urban Runoff Management Plan in the City of Chowchilla, California (Government), which addresses crucial urban runoff issues, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. We also took home Project of the Year in the Structures category (under $5 million) for the Farmersville Transit Center Project in the City of Farmersville, CA, providing much-needed infrastructure to enhance mobility and accessibility for the community. In the Small Cities/Rural Communities Environment category (between $5 million and $25 million), we were awarded Project of the Year for the Woodlake Storm Drain Pipeline Project in the City of Woodlake, a critical improvement supporting flood management and environmental protection for residents. Additionally, we received an Honorable Mention in the Transportation category (under $5 million) for the Linda Vista Loop Rehabilitation Project in the City of Lindsay, a project focused on safe, reliable transportation. We are deeply honored by this recognition and extend our gratitude to our teaming partners and the cities where these projects were undertaken. These awards are a testament to the value of public works projects and the lasting positive impact they have on communities. We look forward to continuing our work to enhance infrastructure and quality of life in these and future communities.

Our annual "Day with QK" event brought another amazing opportunity to connect with students from the Mission Oak High School Engineering Academy, giving them an inside look at what we do each year! This time, we welcomed the seniors for a day filled with hands-on learning and career insights. Our own Monique Mello, PE led a presentation on Project Management, diving into what it takes to bring a project to life from start to finish. She shared her excitement, saying, “I was excited to have the senior class from the Mission Oak Engineering Academy with us again this year for our 'Day with QK.' We got to take a tour of a water tank site, give the kids a presentation on Project Management, and listen to their senior project presentations. Such a fun and exciting day!” The students also had the chance to tour Cal Water's impressive Water Tank #98 project site, where they learned how essential teamwork and planning are in real-world engineering. We’re grateful to Cal Water for their support in making this experience possible. As Monique highlighted, “It's great to be able to show the kids what we all do, and we can't do that without partners like them. Thank you, California Water Service!” Here's to inspiring the next generation of engineers and giving them a glimpse into the rewarding work we do every day. #WeAreQK #EngineeringAcademy #MissionOak #FutureEngineers #ProjectManagement

Driven by a strong work ethic and representation of the QK Core Value: Dependability, PLS and Senior Project Manager, Kristie Achee has made significant contributions in her field. Kristie was introduced to the world of engineering at a young age by her father, a civil engineer and land surveyor. She recalls spending weekends and summers helping him in the field and observing his unwavering commitment to quality work. This early exposure laid the groundwork and inspired her to pursue a career in civil engineering. From working at a pool supply store and McDonald’s to interning as an engineer for the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Kristie demonstrated her dependability in every role on her career journey. She later advanced to roles as a Civil Engineer II at a nuclear power plant and a surveyor with Hydro Consultants, performing industrial and hydrographic surveying. Her varied background has given her a broad perspective on engineering challenges and the importance of teamwork. One of Kristie’s proudest accomplishments has been seeing the Gossamer Grove subdivision built out and knowing that she signed the final maps. It’s a testament to her expertise and dedication to her work. Dependability and integrity are central to Kristie’s work philosophy. For her, true leadership means embodying these values and treating everyone with kindness, honesty, and respect. When asked about her favorite part of her job, Kristie quickly points to the people. "All the great people that I get to work with every day, both internally and externally," she says. She values building strong, supportive relationships within her team and with clients. Kristie is excited about the future and looks forward to collaborating with her team on projects that make a difference in the community. For those just beginning their careers in engineering, she emphasizes that there are no “stupid questions”—encouraging them to stay curious, keep learning, and seek guidance whenever needed. Outside of work, Kristie enjoys sharing meals with friends and family and exploring new places. Her passion for travel is evident in this fun fact: she backpacked across Europe for a month right after college. Kristie Achee showcases the importance of hard work, resilience, and dedication. She continues to inspire those around her through her integrity, kindness, and dedication to making an impact both in her career and in the lives of others.

Honoring our nation's heroes today and every day. This Veterans Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedicated veterans within our team (Alex Stovall, Stephanie Hermeston, Jason Bush, Jerry Kling, Martin Querin, P.E., MBA, and Derek Robinson) who bring their strength, resilience, and commitment to our mission. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve. Your sacrifices and contributions inspire us all. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #HonoringOurHeroes

Exeter is developing its first-ever Parks Master Plan! The City is actively seeking community input to address maintenance needs and enhance its parks for the future. QK is honored to be a part of this transformative project! For more information: https://lnkd.in/gJs2H7VE

At QK, we aim to build lasting partnerships that drive success and elevate communities. In honor of De Young Properties 50th Anniversary, we would like to take a moment to celebrate our partnership. De Young Properties’ mission is to enhance communities with exceptional neighborhoods and dream-fulfilling homes. Recognized as Builder of the Year multiple times, they also support remarkable causes like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We are proud to have been with them each step of the way. President of De Young Properties, Ryan De Young, shares, “We have been working with QK for well over a decade, and in that time, their team has become an integral part of ours. They consistently align with our goals, core values, and overall mission, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to understanding and meeting our needs. QK has played a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals—improving the lives of people in the San Joaquin Valley.” De Young adds, “What stands out most is the continuity and dedication of the QK team. Many of the same professionals have worked with us for years, and we truly consider them part of our family. Their thoroughness and professionalism have helped us navigate numerous challenges in civil engineering, from coordinating studies for new projects and creating maps, to assisting with the development of new communities. They work seamlessly with our trade partners and various government representatives.” At QK, we pride ourselves on being true partners and trusted advisors to both clients and their stakeholders. By working closely with our clients and their teams, we align with their vision and values, ensuring each project serves a greater purpose. We tackle challenges, innovate solutions, and celebrate milestones, always focusing on making a lasting difference. De Young continues, “QK's expertise is unmatched, and their deep care for our success is evident. Their leadership, including the company president, meets with our team regularly—outside our normal weekly interactions—to ensure we are always in a good place. We feel confident in the hands of QK, and when given the choice, we always choose them. They have worked with our parents and are now collaborating with the third generation of our family business.” We’re honored to support our clients’ achievements and grateful to De Young Properties for choosing QK as their partner. Here’s to many more years of successful collaboration and making a meaningful impact together! #TheQKDifference #WeAreQK #Together #QKersAndClients #ExperienceQK

Happy Halloween from QK! Check out some of our QKers showing off their creative costumes—bringing the spirit of Halloween to the office! Who wore it best? Let us know in the comments! ???? #Halloween #CostumeContest #TeamSpirit