As Tec Inc. Engineering and Design celebrates our remarkable 40-year anniversary, we had the privilege of sitting down with Terry Kilbourne, our company's founder and CEO, to reflect on the incredible journey of the firm. From Tec's humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the engineering industry, Terry shares insightful stories and valuable perspectives on Tec Inc.’s growth, adaptation to changes, and future aspirations. Join us as we share some of the key highlights from our interview.
A Journey of Growth and Expansion
In 1983, Tec Inc. Engineering took its first steps with Terry Kilbourne as the sole staff member. Within just two years, the team expanded to five members, and the company continued to experience significant growth throughout the 1980s. The growth of the team was accompanied by the need for more office space, resulting in multiple moves throughout the decade. Finally, in 1989, Tec Inc. found its current home at 33851 Curtis Blvd, Suite 216, Eastlake, OH.
Tec Inc. opened an office in Columbus in 2005, and acquired W.E. Monks Engineering in 2016, merging the companies to create a central Clintonville office for Tec Inc. Engineering.
Lastly, in 2017 Tec Inc. opened another office in Pittsburgh, PA, providing more reach throughout the region and more opportunities for growth in the future. Terry takes immense pride in the firm's continued growth, industry reputation, and the development of the staff over the last 40 years.
Adapting to Technological Transformations
As the engineering field underwent a significant technological shift, Terry recognized the importance of staying at the forefront of these advancements. Tec Inc. proactively embraced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and similar digital technologies in the early 1990s, revolutionizing the way we approached our work. By implementing technology advancements, staying at the forefront of industry trends, and continuously improving digital capabilities, Tec Inc. remains a forward-thinking and innovative engineering firm. Our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance service quality and provide a positive client experience has solidified our position as a leader in the industry.
Building on Values and Work-Life Balance
Terry Kilbourne's decision to start Tec Inc. Engineering was not solely driven by the desire for entrepreneurship, but rather by a deep-rooted commitment to certain values and principles that he held dear. During his early career as an associate at a top Cleveland firm, Terry gained invaluable insights into what truly matters in the workplace. One of the key takeaways from his previous experience was the significance of work-life balance. Terry understood that fostering an environment where employees thrive both personally and professionally was essential for long-term success.
Terry firmly believed that the success of the company rested not only on the quality of the engineering services provided, but also on the happiness and fulfillment of the team members. By prioritizing work-life balance and creating a supportive and nurturing work environment, Tec Inc. Engineering has cultivated a culture of dedication, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Setting Tec Inc. Engineering Apart
What sets Tec Inc. Engineering & Design apart from other engineering firms is our unwavering commitment to the client experience. We go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service to increase efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. In addition to prioritizing client satisfaction, Tec Inc. strives to foster a welcoming, collaborative, inclusive, and balanced work environment for our engineers and staff. Terry feels it is important to create a company culture where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Tec's ability to consistently provide high-quality services and the dedication we show towards our clients and team members truly set us apart in the engineering landscape.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Terry envisions the second generation of leadership guiding Tec Inc. Engineering toward another 40 years of growth and success. By continuing to provide exceptional service, embracing innovation, and maintaining a strong commitment to client satisfaction, Terry believes we can strengthen our position as the preferred engineering and design partner that clients insist upon for years to come. Thank you, Terry, for giving 40 years of hard work and dedication to Tec Inc. and for walking us through your journey. We are so grateful to have heard your story, and we are looking forward to 40 more years of Tec Inc. Engineering!