Our Vision

To earn the respect and trust of the community in which we live, work and play and be the most sought after engineering firm by our clients and employees.

Our Mission

Provide outstanding engineering services through enthusiastic employees, who work in a fun environment and recognize the importance of each and every client.

Our Core Goals and Values

• Consistently develop high-quality projects on schedule and at or under budget. Strive to exceed our client’s needs and expectations.
• Place safety of people and property utmost, and show honesty and integrity.
• Be the leader in our target markets. Be recognized for our expertise in cold climate applications of civil and electrical engineering, planning, and surveying and mapping.
• Hire the best and most qualified people.
• Provide staff with a professional, comfortable, enjoyable working environment and with fair compensation and the tools necessary to be productive and competitive.
• Establish a professional development and mentoring program for all staff. Encourage personal growth and development.  Provide opportunities for advancement.
• Encourage company-sponsored activities that bring together employees and their families in ways that are fun and promote friendship.
• Give back to our community.
• Maintain a successful, profitable organization. Maintain a healthy attitude toward growth in capabilities, personnel, and revenues.

What does “CRW” stand for...

While we can find solutions to all of your project needs, we must admit that the meaning of “CRW” remains a bit of a mystery.

Our Founding Member, Willy Van Hemert, PE

“I worked for a firm with a long name (Arctic Environmental Engineers). This name was not easily abbreviated and it often seemed cumbersome (you would be amazed at the number of people who couldn't spell any of those three words - this required a lot of extra time when leaving a message with a receptionist who had to have your firm name.) From that experience, I was determined to use an easily abbreviated name if ever I started a business - so the initials (very few, but an occasional person will still ask how to spell CRW). The Engineering part is obvious and the Group was included to make it appear larger than it was when I first started.

“Of course with initials, people are always asking what they stand for. Because my background was in water and wastewater treatment, it was easy, Cold Region Water Engineering Group. That was pretty believable and actually in vogue as people were selling the concept of Cold Region Engineering. There have been many other interpretations over the years my favorites being Country Religion and Welfare, Capable, Reliable and Willing, and Can't Really Write.
But whatever the meaning of the initials, CRW has become a symbol of people working together to do their best in a happy and friendly environment. It has also become a symbol of pride in the accomplishments of the "Group." Pride in our achievements to successfully complete projects in the communities we live, pride in achieving a positive working environment, and pride in being recognized as a positive and successful part of our community.”

Brian Looney, PE

“One of my favorite explanations for what CRW stands for is ‘can't read or write.’ Most of us know that CRW stands for ‘Caroline, Rose and Willy.’ Caroline is Willy's first daughter (the only one at the time) and Rose is his wife. It illustrates the importance that Willy places on his family and the principle is carried through to the company that he created. Employees are treated with respect and family time is valued.”

In memory of David Yanoshek, PE

“In this world where most things are becoming more defined and pigeon-holed all the time, the name CRW is its own entity and can represent whatever you want.”