Town Hall Highlights: Growth, Culture, and Vision for 2026
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 16
At the start of every year, Tamarack Grove Engineering gathers its team for a company-wide Town Hall. The event provides an opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate the people behind the work, and look ahead to the future of the company.
The 2026 Town Hall was a meaningful reminder that Tamarack Grove’s success is built on more than engineering projects. It’s built on relationships, mentorship, and a shared commitment to serving clients and communities.
From a Backyard Office to a National Engineering Firm
During the event, founder Brian Sielaff shared the story of Tamarack Grove’s early days. What started as a small side venture eventually grew into a full-time structural engineering firm serving projects across the United States.
In the early years, the company even operated out of a backyard office while navigating the challenges of the Great Recession. Through persistence and a clear mission, the firm continued to grow.
“Our purpose has always been our people. We’re not here just to build a business—we’re here to build up people.” - Brian Sielaff M.S.C.E., S.E., P.E., P. ENG., CEO
Today, Tamarack Grove Engineering is licensed in all 50 states and has completed thousands of projects across multiple market sectors. The firm’s work touches communities where people live, work, shop, and gather.
A People-First Culture
A central theme of the Town Hall was Tamarack Grove’s commitment to its people. From the beginning, leadership has intentionally focused on building a culture where individuals are valued and supported.
One philosophy that continues to guide hiring and leadership decisions is simple: hire the person, not just the position.
This mindset has helped create a team culture that values collaboration, character, and long-term relationships.
“Our people make us who we are today.” - Doug Hardin P.E., President
Beyond engineering work, Tamarack Grove celebrates life milestones within the team—from promotions and professional achievements to marriages and growing families.
Recognizing Team Achievements
One of the highlights of the event was the annual recognition of employees who exemplify Tamarack Grove’s core values.
Team members were nominated by their peers and recognized for demonstrating these core values. The winners from left to right:
GO BEYOND - Pratik Pokharel, P.E. Project Engineer
JOY - Scott McBride, E.I. Project Engineer
RELATIONSHIPS - Victoria Saline, Business Development Associate
INTEGRITY - Guilherme Rodrigues Vieira, E.I. Project Engineer
RESPECT - Archie Clark, E.I. Project Engineer
SERVANT LEADERSHIP - Benjamin Sundberg, P.E., S.E. Technical Manager
These awards reflect the culture Tamarack Grove strives to cultivate every day.
Honoring Excellence: The Governor’s Cup Award
A special moment during the 2026 Town Hall was the presentation of the Tamarack Grove Governor’s Cup Award, an annual recognition celebrating outstanding team performance and collaboration.
The award is named in honor of three individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping Tamarack Grove’s journey and values: Sandip Guha, Joe Montagna, and Leroy Troyer. Each of these leaders influenced the company in meaningful ways—through mentorship, partnership, and opportunities that helped Tamarack Grove grow into the structural engineering firm it is today.
Their legacy represents the qualities Tamarack Grove continues to prioritize: integrity, leadership, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
This year, the Governor’s Cup was awarded to Team Bikash, whose dedication, teamwork, and performance exemplified the spirit of the award. Their work reflects the collaboration and excellence that drive Tamarack Grove forward.
The celebration of excellence continued with an individual honor as Celeste Sweet PHR, Director of Human Resources, received the Lieutenant Governor’s Cup. This recognition highlights individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and service within the organization. Celeste’s commitment to supporting her teammates and contributing to Tamarack Grove’s mission made her a standout choice for this year’s award.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the 2026 Town Hall concluded, Tamarack Grove Engineering looked ahead with optimism and gratitude.
The company remains committed to strengthening relationships with clients, investing in its people, and delivering structural engineering solutions that serve communities across the country.
Founder Brian Sielaff closed the event with a reflection on the role faith has played in the company’s journey. Looking back on Tamarack Grove’s story—from a backyard office to a growing national engineering firm—he shared that many of the most meaningful milestones came from moments that could not have been planned.
“Good ideas are good, but God ideas change the course of history.” - Brian Sielaff M.S.C.E., S.E., P.E., P. ENG., CEO
For the Tamarack Grove team, that perspective serves as a reminder that success is not just about strategy or growth—it’s about staying open to opportunities, serving others well, and trusting the path ahead.
With a talented team and a shared vision for the future, Tamarack Grove Engineering is ready to build on the momentum of the past year and continue shaping the future of structural engineering.
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