LIFE AT HIXSON - ASSOCIATE QUOTES



"Things are a little different here." That statement is one you are bound to hear when you talk to any Hixson associate. What does it mean? Scroll below to see what some of our associates have to say about why they first came to Hixson and the things that keep motivating them every day.



RICK, Chief Mechanical Engineer, Hixson Associate since 2004:

"What I enjoy at Hixson are the times we can really make a difference with our clients by providing a solution to their needs they never imagined possible. This kind of knowledge comes from experience - associates at all levels can be found working on project teams here - and by investments in training and our continuous employment philosophy, both of which are unique among A&E firms."


SCOTT, Chief Structural Engineer, Hixson Associate since 1988:

"In some ways, Hixson is a business just like other companies. Like those other places, here you will find a challenging work environment and great co-workers. Yet in many ways, Hixson is unique. One of the things that sets us apart is our "management by values" philosophy. Because of this, I feel comfortable when discussing issues with clients or contractors and knowing that our management team will respond and back-up my decisions. In addition, Hixson cares about its associates - helping them strive to be the best they can be - while continuously seeking to improve its process."


HELMUT, Senior Architect, Hixson Associate since 1983:

"I enjoy working for a company where there is a broad range in the type of activities I get to work on. There's no "cookie-cutter" approach here. It's nice to know that I will be working to respond to challenges with a team of talented people who have mutual respect and who share in my enthusiasm for the project!"


CHRISTINA, Website & Database Administrator, Hixson Associate since 1998:

"Hixson is a great place to work for many reasons. First, the office space itself is conducive to creativity. The people here are great to work with and I love coming here everyday. Second, your opinions and suggestions really do matter - you can make a difference. The continuous employment and continuing education policies bring home the fact that Hixson cares about all of its employees and wants us all to succeed. Third, there is so much opportunity to lead here at Hixson that it encourages us to do great work for ourselves and our clients. Hixson combines all of these things and more to be a truly unique organization and I am proud to be a part of it."


WARREN, Chief Process Engineer, Hixson Associate since 2002:

"When I was conducting a job search, Hixson offered what I wanted to achieve in my career: the chance to apply my experience in the diverse and challenging GMP/food processing industry with an established, local firm. Having transitioned into Hixson from a large Fortune 500 company, I have since been both challenged and rewarded by the entrepreneurial environment created by Hixson. Everyone has the ability to directly impact our clients and the bottom line in a positive way. In addition, I've found it energizing to be able to work on a variety of multi-disciplined teams with top-notch professionals."


BETH, Director of Continuous Improvement, Hixson Associate since 1994:

"I don't think you can find another place with our unique mix of team culture, talented people, great work environment, and opportunities to grow. We value people and have a vision of being the Employer of Choice. We constantly strive to improve our organization's management practices, products and services. And we are led by a team of exceptional leaders who have a clear vision of where we want to go and who work actively to get us there. In my experience, not many other employers have been able to put all these elements together as effectively and consistently as what I've seen in my 10 years at Hixson. At Hixson, if you're willing to invest your time, talent, and energy into our collective success, you can have a very bright and fulfilling future."



RICK, Senior Vice President, Hixson Associate since 1982:

"I have stayed at Hixson for over 20 years, because, frankly, why would anyone want to leave? Hixson is focused on making its associates happy and every element here reflects that commitment: the pay...the bonus...the people...the work. From the moment you arrive, you discover that the only thing holding you back from succeeding at Hixson is yourself. There are no limits. If you are willing to take risks, we are willing to back you up. And if what you try doesn't work, learn from it. That's called experience!"


EMILY, Structural Engineer, Hixson Associate since 1995:

"Because teamwork is a big part of every Hixson engagement, you are included in decisions throughout the project lifecycle. In fact, I remember my first BIG project here at Hixson. The culminating moment for me was standing on top of the roof of the client's new building, in the midst of roof top units as big as my house. I was awestruck by all the equipment, pipes, catwalks that were supported by "my" roof. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment for me and the entire team."


CAROL, Payroll/Benefits Associate, Hixson Associate since 2003:

"Hixson really is the employer of choice. I came here as a temp and decided immediately that this was the place to be. The people and benefits are great and the work atmosphere is terrific: there is a family feeling here you don't find everywhere! In addition, everyone is kept aware of our projects and their progress. This helps us all be proud of the work we do and feel like we are all part of the success of the firm."


DOUG, Chief Manufacturing Engineer, Hixson Associate since 1994:

"Before joining Hixson, I had been a client for several years and knew that it was a different type of consulting firm. I appreciated Hixson's continuous employment policy, which offers a stronger measure of job security, and the ability to apply my skills to major projects in a very short time frame. Since coming on board I have been involved in many great projects. One of the highlights, though, was a project that my group, and the knowledge we delivered, was a driving force in all of the manufacturing decisions for one of the most state-of-the-art, high-speed food plants in the world."


PATRICIA, Communications Specialist, Hixson Associate since 2005:

"As I was sitting in my interview before being hired, I couldn't help but be a little amazed. In the more than 15 years of my professional career, I had never met with a company that not only said that empowerment was a good thing, but who, through example after example, clearly demonstrated that they lived that philosophy as well. Since arriving here at Hixson, I've discovered that this empowerment is not just something that is espoused at the very top, but that everyone here champions the talents each of us bring to the mix. It's like a family where everyone is out rooting for everyone else, and it's terrific to belong to it."


KURT, Senior Process Systems Engineer, Hixson Associate since 1989:

"If you're just looking for a job, then Hixson might not be the best place for you. We are an intense, hard-working, industrious group. We have surrounded ourselves with kindred spirits who really like what we do and how we do it. We are constantly seeking to change things for the better: for us, for our clients and for the areas in which we live and work. In addition, it's a great place to be if you truly want to help a client. Hixson makes every attempt to listen to the client and give them what they really need - and gives me the time and resources I need to satisfy clients to the best of my abilities. In fact, some of my favorite and most rewarding moments here at Hixson have been when I've been able to study a client's needs and discover a solution that not only addresses the need but is simple to implement and saves the client time and money in the process."


STEVE, Senior Project Architect, Hixson Associate Since 2000:

"I believe that Hixson truly sets up associates to succeed, offering both opportunities for advancement and for learning. Personnel development and growth is not just talk, but is a planned part of each person's annual goals. It is encouraged and expected that each person gain knowledge in areas of their choice continually. Additionally, mentors are provided for each associate upon arrival and they can be consulted as much or little as the associate desires. In fact, I know associates who have been here many years who still bounce things off their mentors!"



BOB, Structural Engineer, Hixson Associate since 1989:

I came to Hixson because it seemed like a perfect fit. I have remained at Hixson because the associates are fun to work with and everyone is happy to be in such a great environment with such challenging opportunities. Other reasons I've stayed include the firm's well-grounded company philosophy as well as its strong values of giving to our community, providing a quality service and fostering loyalty/respect to clients and all associates."



CAROL, Project Management Coordinator, Hixson Associate since 1997:

"I came to Hixson as a temporary secretary early in June of 1997. Because I liked the company and the work, I said yes when they asked to hire me. Nearly a decade later, I feel I have found a real niche here and continue to enjoy coming to work every day because of so many reasons: the work we do is important; my contributions are valued; the associates are like a family; the benefits are good; and the atmosphere is one which is supportive and encouraging."