Three professionals at HEI have recently been named shareholders: Stan Hanson, Rachel Olm, and Mike Opat.
“These outstanding employees have earned their position as shareholders through their commitment to the company, work performance, and service to our clients as well as demonstrating HEI’s values of the ideal team player by being humble, hungry, and smart,” states Gregg Thielman, President/CEO. “Please help me welcome Stan, Rachel, and Mike as our newest shareholders. We’re proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued contribution to the growth and success of our firm.”
Stan Hanson
Stan Hanson is a civil engineer part of HEI’s Sioux Falls team. Stan’s more than 30 years of experience has involved working with numerous cities and developers helping them resolve municipal challenges to find mutually beneficial plans that enhance communities. Outside of work, Stan enjoys spending time with his adult kids, fishing, pheasant hunting, and golfing. This past September, he bonded with his daughter’s dog and cat as he helped move them to Dallas, TX. He also volunteers with his church and officiates high school football, basketball, and baseball.
Stan enjoys being active outdoors.
Rachel Olm
Rachel Olm is a scientist part of HEI’s Maple Grove team. Rachel’s day-to-day life focuses on watershed planning and water quality projects. This includes supporting dozens of urban and rural watershed clients across Minnesota with the development of their One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P). Outside of work, Rachel likes getting outside and enjoying Minnesota’s seasons. In the summer, she loves camping and spending any time she can on or near the water. In the winter, she goes hiking in the woods or cross country skiing with her dog. She is married to her husband, Erik, has a 2-year-old son named Felix, and a friendly husky/shepherd mutt named Boomer.
Rachel on a hike with her family.
Mike Opat
Mike Opat is a civil engineer part of HEI’s Fargo team. Mike has spent his career solving water resource challenges for public and private clients throughout the Upper Midwest with services that include watershed management; hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; drainage and retention design; flood protection; and more. Outside of work, he enjoys bowhunting and hunting big game in Alaska, hobby farming, and spending time outdoors. He and his girlfriend, Laura, have a dog named Hines. Mike is a member of the West Fargo Urban Forestry Committee, an Advisory Committee member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Board member for Professionally Paired, a group dedicated to connecting professionals with non-profits. His hobbies also include watching North Dakota State University athletics as well as collecting and refurbishing old baseball mitts.
Mike with his girlfriend, Laura, and their dog.