Category: Firm News

G2 Consulting Group (G2) is proud to announce the promotion of three longtime team members to the newly created position of managing principal.

Chris Nicol, P.E., Amy Schneider, P.E. and Jason Stoops, P.E., have each spent the majority of their professional careers with G2 and will take on expanded leadership responsibilities as managing principals. The new role reflects the firm’s continued growth and commitment to developing leadership from within.

“These promotions recognize the expertise, dedication and leadership Chris, Amy and Jason have demonstrated throughout their careers at G2,” said Mark Smolinski, P.E., founding principal of G2 Consulting Group. “Each of them has played an important role in building our reputation for delivering exceptional service to our clients through our ‘Smart. Results. Fast.’ approach. As managing principals, they will be instrumental in guiding the next phase of our growth.”

Nicol, based in G2’s Troy office, joined the firm in 1995 as one of its earliest employees. In addition to managing projects, he oversees information technology operations across all G2 offices. Nicol helped launch the firm’s Chicagoland office in 2000, and has extensive expertise in foundation testing, geotechnical instrumentation and construction monitoring. A graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Nicol has long focused on using advanced technologies to improve efficiency and deliver value engineering solutions to clients, partners and project teams.

Schneider is also based in the Troy office and joined the firm in 1998. She manages geotechnical engineering and construction testing services for projects across Southeast Michigan and beyond, including high-rise buildings, manufacturing facilities, schools, bridges and commercial developments. She also has extensive experience in telecommunications infrastructure, having managed thousands of communication tower projects across the U.S. involving soil analysis and foundation design. Schneider earned her civil engineering degree from Tri-State University.

Stoops, who leads the firm’s Ann Arbor office, has more than 20 years of experience delivering geotechnical engineering services for a wide range of developments throughout Southeast Michigan. His portfolio includes office, retail, educational, student high-rise and data center projects, along with complex building additions and infrastructure improvements. Beyond his project work, Stoops is actively engaged in advancing the profession, serving on the Board of Directors for the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) and as an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University, where he teaches foundation engineering. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Michigan and is active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Urban Land Institute.

G2, which is consistently named on the Zweig Hot Firms list, recently acquired Construction Testing Services, a respected engineering services provider located in Flint with more than 40 years of experience serving clients across Michigan’s Bay Area and Thumb region.

“As G2 continues to increase its geographic footprint and employee base, it was important to develop our next generation of leaders,” said Mark Smolinski, P.E. “Having worked with Chris, Amy and Jason for decades, we are entirely confident that they are the right people to help drive G2 forward.

G2 Consulting Group, LLC has acquired Construction Testing Services, a respected engineering services provider with more than 40 years of experience serving clients across Michigan’s Bay Area and Thumb region.

G2 is a fast-growing engineering firm employing 140 people across its offices in Troy, Ann Arbor and Chicagoland. The addition of CTS’ team of nine strengthens G2’s presence in Michigan. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“For decades, CTS has built its success on deep client relationships and a commitment to excellence,” said Tim Byrnes, co-owner of CTS. “When we began considering succession planning, we wanted a partner who truly understood our services and who would build on our foundation—not change it. G2 turned out to be the perfect answer. This is a true win-win for our employees and clients alike.”

Founded more than 40 years ago, CTS has earned the trust of its clients by delivering innovative, quality engineering services. By joining G2, CTS employees will benefit from expanded career paths and support, while clients will gain access to enhanced service capabilities and broader resources.

“At G2, we’ve respected CTS for years through industry collaborations and shared projects,” said Jason Stoops, Managing Principal at G2 Consulting Group. “From our first conversations, it was clear that this partnership would be a great match. We’re thrilled to welcome the CTS team to the G2 family and are committed to making them feel supported and valued.”

Both G2 and CTS have a proven track record in geotechnical engineering and materials testing. G2 also provides comprehensive environmental engineering and construction services.

The acquisition further expands G2’s geographic reach. Recognized by outlets such as Crain’s Detroit Business “Largest Engineering Firms” and the Zweig “Hot Firms” list, G2 continues to broaden its footprint and deliver its hallmark “Smart. Results. Fast.” to a growing client base.

Integration and transition planning is underway with both firms committed to ensuring a smooth process for employees and clients alike. G2 has a strong employee-focused culture and plans to maintain the CTS office and staff, while providing expanded back-office support services and additional engineering capabilities.

G2 Consulting Group announced that two of its team members, Liam Sundling and Amy Wilbur, have been appointed to leadership roles with the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). Sundling has joined the board of SMPS Chicago, while Wilbur has been named to the board of SMPS Southeast Michigan.

Founded in 1973, SMPS is the only organization dedicated to advancing marketing and business development in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. Through a powerful national and regional network, SMPS supports career and client development through education, networking, and research.

Sundling, G2’s Environmental Scientist, will serve as Special Events Director for the SMPS Chicago board. Prior to his appointment, he was honored with the Chicago chapter’s “2025 Best Foot Forward Award,” which recognizes an SMPS member who goes above and beyond in their service to the chapter.

“SMPS’ mission is to advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the building industry,” Sundling said. “I’m passionate about our industry and thought SMPS would be a great way to give back while also working with, and learning from, my peers.”

Wilbur, G2’s marketing manager, has been appointed Programs Director for the SMPS Southeast Michigan board. At G2, she oversees all marketing and communications for the fast-growing leader in geotechnical, environmental, and construction engineering services. She recently managed the events and communications surrounding the firm’s 30th anniversary.

“I’m excited and honored to be joining the SMPS board,” Wilbur said. “SMPS has been a major resource and support system for me since starting in this industry nearly 10 years ago. The organization elevates marketers in the A/E/C industry, and I look forward to contributing to that mission in the coming year.”

Sundling will serve a two-year term on his chapter’s board, while Wilbur will serve a one-year term on hers.

G2 has once again been named to the Zweig Group Hot Firms List, recognizing the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms in the United States and Canada.

This marks the sixth time G2 has earned a spot on the prestigious list. According to Zweig, Hot Firm honorees have “outperformed the economy and competitors to become leaders in their chosen fields.” Since 2021, G2 has grown revenue by 57%

G2, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, continues to expand project work across a range of industries, including infrastructure, commercial and industrial, energy, education, telecommunications, and healthcare. The firm has completed projects in more than 35 states.

“G2’s promise of Smart. Results. Fast. has helped us build strong relationships and win new work in our target markets,” said Mark Smolinski, P.E., principal at G2. “We’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us and proud of our team’s ability to deliver results through smart, effective collaboration.”

Zweig Group will honor the 2025 Hot Firm winners at a black-tie gala during the Elevate AEC Conference & Awards Gala, taking place September 11–13 in San Antonio, Texas.

G2 Consulting Group is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Chicago-area office, marking a quarter-century of engineered solutions, technical innovation and trusted client partnerships.

Originally opened in 2000 to serve G2’s growing telecommunication clients, the Chicago office has since expanded its reach to include projects in commercial development, education, healthcare, industrial, infrastructure and energy. Today, it plays an important role in the firm’s continued national growth, with project work in more than 35 states and an increasing demand for services.

“G2 planted its flag in the Chicago market 25 years ago to be closer to some of our earliest telecom clients,” said Anthony Poisson, P.E., who leads the Chicago office. “While our portfolio has grown significantly since then, it’s rewarding to say many of those original clients are still with us today. That’s evidence that our strategy worked.”

The Lake Zurich office now employs 10 full-time professionals who are supported by G2’s broader team of nearly 170 engineers, managers and staff in the Troy, MI headquarters and Ann Arbor offices. The Chicago team provides geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting and construction services across a wide range of sectors.

At the core of the firm’s continued success is its commitment to “Smart. Results. Fast.” a straightforward philosophy that drives every project and client relationship.

“Our industry has evolved a lot since 2000,” Poisson said. “Technology, client expectations and project timelines have all changed. But G2’s commitment to delivering smart engineering solutions, producing value-driven results and doing it all on time has remained rock solid.”

Part of that commitment includes consistently investing in the latest technology — from advanced field and lab equipment to cutting-edge software — to enhance project efficiency. Poisson notes that these tools, combined with a culture that prioritizes innovation and responsiveness, are key reasons why G2 has thrived in a highly competitive market.

In recent years, G2’s Chicago office has supported a wide range of complex projects across Illinois and beyond, including mixed-use developments, health care and educational facilities, municipal infrastructure upgrades, and road work.

Chicago’s contributions have supported G2’s sustained national growth. The company was recently named to the Zweig Group’s Hot Firms list for the sixth time in a decade. The Zweig list recognizes the 100 fastest-growing AEC firms in North America. The firm has grown revenue by more than 57% over the past four years alone.

“We’ve never been busier than we are right now,” said Mark Smolinski, P.E., one of G2’s founding partners. “That’s thanks in large part to the work coming from our Chicagoland office and the strong team Tony has built. We’re excited about the future.”

As G2 looks ahead, the Lake Zurich team remains a cornerstone of the firm’s long-term vision.

“From our beginnings in the basement of a partner’s home to now having established offices in Troy, Ann Arbor and Chicagoland, we’ve come a long way,” Poisson said. “Like all businesses, I think it’s a ‘people’ story. We know that providing great service starts with having great people. That’s why we’re committed to offering a strong corporate culture, competitive benefits and clear career paths. It’s a formula that has served us well and ultimately helps us develop great client results. We’re proud of what we’ve built.”

G2 Consulting Group announces that Jason B. Stoops, P.E., Associate Owner, Office Manager, and Project Manager, has been awarded the prestigious Franklin D. Meyers, P.E., Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year Award.

Presented by the American Society of Civil Engineers, this award honors individuals who exemplify professional excellence through innovative engineering, ethical practices and dedicated service to the profession and community.

With more than 24 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and materials testing, Stoops has played a central role in shaping Michigan’s built environment. From high-rise student housing near the University of Michigan to large-scale industrial redevelopments such as the 1.4 million-square-foot Warren Distribution facility, Stoops has led complex geotechnical investigations, construction oversight, and innovative solutions that have delivered significant value to clients and communities alike.

A licensed Professional Engineer in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, Stoops holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from the University of Michigan. In addition to his leadership at G2, Stoops serves as an Adjunct Professor at Lawrence Technological University, where he has taught Foundation Engineering since 2011 and serves on the Civil and Architectural Engineering Advisory Board. His commitment to mentorship extends beyond the classroom, as he regularly guides young engineers and supports student-led projects such as senior design capstones and ASCE’s Concrete Canoe competition.

Stoops has also been a tireless advocate for infrastructure investment and civil engineering policy. He has served in numerous leadership roles with ASCE, including Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee and President of the Southeastern Michigan Branch, where he advanced policy discussions on critical infrastructure needs at both the state and federal levels. His involvement has included legislative visits in Lansing and Washington, D.C., where he shared expertise and promoted ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card.

“Jason embodies the spirit of this award through his technical excellence, advocacy and mentorship,” said Mark Smolinski P.E., G2 principal. “He is an important part of the G2 family and his leadership has left an enduring mark on both the profession and our next generation of engineers.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Stoops is a dedicated husband and father of three, a youth sports coach, and a lifelong Michigan sports enthusiast.

G2 Consulting Group announced today that it has been awarded “below the ground” work on two major high rise construction projects in southeast Michigan, the 711 Church Street student housing project in Ann Arbor and two high rise multi-family developments on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit.

The Ann Arbor project, owned by Texas-based real estate developer LV Collective, will be a 485,000 sq. ft. student apartment building offering 273 market rate rental units ranging from studio to six-bedroom units. The building, immediately adjacent to the University of Michigan campus, will be called “The Rambler” and, at 17-stories, will be one of the tallest buildings in Ann Arbor.  It will feature a street level café and is being designed to blend with the neighborhood.

G2’s geotechnical and construction services include concrete and density testing, evaluation of auger cast piles and shallow foundations during construction and post tensioning testing and evaluations. G2’s Ann Arbor office has a material testing laboratory, helping area projects move forward quickly and efficiently without delaying construction.

The Detroit projects, at 7850 Jefferson Avenue, will consist of two identical 12-story buildings using a basement and podium deck with post tensioning in the concrete podium slabs to support the superstructure. Because the construction site is located near the Detroit River, specialized geotechnical considerations relative to sea walls, water table and other groundwater issues are especially critical.

“The projects are very different in many ways, but they both require the type of thorough, in-depth understanding of ground conditions and constructability specifications that G2 specializes in. With projects of this height and overall size, understanding and solidifying foundational issues is Job One. Nothing is more important during construction and for the long-term viability of the buildings,” said Mark Smolinski, P.E. and principal at G2.

G2 has been focusing on ‘everything below the ground’ since the company was founded 30 years ago. G2 has the people and experience, backed by state-of-the-art equipment and technology, to fully understand localized environments and then recommend and engineer the right, most cost-effective approach.

“Living up to our promise, ‘Smart. Results. Fast.’ is more than keeping us busy, but if we can help our clients to better understand the challenges and better build their projects, that’s why we’re here.  It’s an exciting time for us and an exciting time to be part of this industry,” Smolinski says.

Industry veteran and longtime G2 Consulting Group employee, Patrick T. Bell, P.G., has been appointed to the newly created position of Group Leader – Environmental Services where he will focus on strategic growth initiatives and client service excellence. Bell has honed his skills on over 5,000 projects throughout North America ranging from standalone commercial sites to large-scale renewable energy projects.

“Since joining G2 in 2016, Pat has leveraged his extensive experience in land development, construction and program management to add new services to the firm and differentiate our environmental consulting services from others in the industry. He is the right person to lead our team and will be especially valuable to our clients,” said Mark Smolinski, P.E., Principal at G2. “Pat’s seen and done it all, everything from developing first-of-its-kind EPA-approved compliance processes to managing major national client development programs. He has the knowledge, experience and dedication to lead our environmental team to the next level.”

G2 also added Kennan D. Robins, an environmental services expert, to the team. Robins comes to G2 from Intertek-PSI in Plymouth where he served as Environmental Services Manager. He previously worked at PM Environmental in Berkley and Huron Consultants in Clinton Township. He will work in G2’s Ann Arbor office.

G2’s environmental services team regularly completes environmental due diligence investigations for a variety of industries as well as conducting specialized studies for UST compliance, PFAS, vapor intrusion, brownfields, hazardous materials, NEPA, wetlands, and other environmental planning and permitting processes.

“Environmental consulting and development entitlement is my passion, and that’s why I’ve been doing it for over three decades,” said Bell. “I’m looking forward to my new role expanding G2’s environmental services by identifying new opportunities and consistently delivering ‘Smart. Results. Fast’ to our clients. It’s what were known for and the reason G2 continues to be one of the fastest growing companies in the space.”

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) has named G2 Consulting Group, a nationally recognized, Troy-based geotechnical, environmental and construction services firm, as one of its pre-approved engineering teams through a two-year “as-needed” indefinite service contract.   

 G2’s selection for the 2025-2027 RCOC agreement is a result of the company’s past performance on projects and its design and geotechnical engineering capabilities in service areas deemed critical for future planned projects. Road reconstruction in Michigan has become a top priority for the state’s leadership team and has been accelerated by additional funding via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.  With more than 2,700 miles of roadways, RCOC is the largest county road system in Michigan. 

 “We have the know-how and capability to bring real added value to road design and construction,” says Mark Smolinski P.E., G2’s president. “With all the construction projects and all the roadwork being done in Michigan these days, we welcome this opportunity to contribute.” 

 G2 has worked on major infrastructure projects for three decades including geotechnical engineering and materials testing on hundreds of public and private infrastructure projects. The firm has seen a rise in innovative intersection configurations, including increased roundabouts and newer “diverging diamond” interstate highway interchanges. G2 has also been involved in many notable bridge projects and is engaged in significant culvert updates and replacements throughout Oakland County.     

 “With RCOC and all of our public and private clients, our goal is always to help get the job done smarter and faster,” says Smolinski. “We work with our partners to do whatever’s required to assure that our part of the job goes smoothly and stays within budget. That’s what our clients expect from us, and we pride ourselves on delivering on our promise – Smart. Results. Fast.” 

G2 Consulting Group (G2) was featured on the Crain’s Detroit Business list of “Largest Engineering Firms in Metro Detroit.”

G2 was ranked #21 based on its number of local engineers, which now stands at 61. The company was cited for having the second-largest increase in its number of engineers in 2024 with an increase of 12 versus the prior year. Crain’s also mentioned G2’s 2,500 projects completed in 2023 as one of the most significant year-over-year increases of any company on the list.

“G2 celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year, and I assure you, when the other founding partners, Noel Hargraves-Thomas and Bruce Wilberding, and I started in a basement, we never dreamed of becoming one of the largest and most respected engineering firms in the region,” said Mark Smolinski P.E., G2 principal. “But, after years of hard work and dedicated client service, we’re incredibly proud of the growth we achieved and appreciate this important recognition from Crain’s.”

G2’s work has steadily grown across its service areas of geotechnical, environmental and construction services. The company’s projects cross a variety of industries including infrastructure, commercial and industrial, energy, education, telecom and healthcare to name a few. The company has completed projects in more than 35 states.

“Our philosophy has never changed,” Smolinski said. “We provide practical, value engineering solutions to complex engineering challenges. That’s what our clients expect and demand. While simply being ‘big’ has never been the goal, we believe this recognition is an important validation of G2’s ability to consistently deliver on our promise of Smart. Results. Fast.”

Crain’s subscribers can review the complete “Largest Engineering Firms in Metro Detroit” list here.

G2 Consulting Group has hired Erik K. Ventura, P.E. and promoted Kathryn A. Crow, P.E. to project manager positions.

Ventura joins G2 after spending eight years with Neyer, Tiseo & Hindo, LTD., where he was a senior geotechnical project engineer specializing in deep foundations, slope stability analysis, solar projects, subsurface investigations and site characterization. Ventura’s recent projects included seawalls and dams, solar facilities, public utilities, infrastructure and bridges, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge where he completed geotechnical analysis according to MDOT, AASHTO, LRFD and FHWA methodology.

Previously, Ventura worked with Geoengineers Inc. on projects primarily in the western U.S. He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and his master’s in geotechnical engineering from University of Michigan. He is currently licensed in both Michigan and Texas.

Crow has more than eight years with G2, primarily in the firm’s fast growing solar department where she oversees laboratory technicians, conducts soil testing and has been active in field testing and design analysis. Involved in nearly 160 solar investigations, Crow regularly assists in foundation design, geotechnical investigations and determinations of soil thermal, electrical and corrosion properties.

Crow received her Bachelor of Science, Environmental Engineering degree from Michigan Technological University and her Master of Science, Civil Engineering from Lawrence Technological University.

“The solar industry continues to grow, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without challenges” said Mark Smolinski, P.E., G2 principal. “These large-scale solar developments have significant environmental and geotechnical needs that require careful consideration and sound geotechnical engineering. Erik and Kathryn are invaluable resources whose in-depth knowledge and solar insights will help G2 deliver Smart. Results. Fast. to our clients.”

“We’re happy to promote from within, especially when we have a person of Kathryn’s caliber on the team. At the same time, we’re always seeking experienced outside talent to join our team and are confident that Erik will be a great asset for a host of geotechnical projects and services.”

G2’s continued growth has presented opportunities for employee advancement throughout the firm. The company emphasizes career development opportunities and launched a proprietary interactive training platform to help prepare its next generation of leaders. In 2023, G2 was named to the Detroit Free Press “Top Workplaces in Michigan” list and to the 2024 Zweig Group’s “Hot Firms List.”

“Smart. Results. Fast.”  Those were the ideas behind G2 Consulting Group when the company was founded 30 years ago. They are still the driving ideas behind the company today.  Be smart. Deliver desired results. Do it on time.

Put another way, G2’s goal is “to deliver responsive geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting and construction services to help clients build better, build smarter and, ultimately, build profits.”

Either way, G2 has succeeded.  For a company founded by three guys in the basement of one of the partners’ homes 30 years ago to a company with offices in three cities – Troy, Ann Arbor and Chicago – and with nearly 150 employees and growing, G2 has surpassed its founders’ dreams. And they got out of that basement in less than a year!

“We’ve stuck with our guiding principles, and it’s worked,” said Mark Smolinski P.E., and one of the three founding partners. “Our philosophy has never changed. We provide practical, value engineering solutions to complex construction engineering problems. That’s what our clients expect, and demand.”

G2 has completed thousands of projects in over 35 states in its 30 years.  The company that began with a focus on telecom infrastructure has expanded into commercial development (mixed use, office, retail and parking), all levels of education (public and private from kindergarten to university), health care, water, power and energy, industrial, and infrastructure including literally thousands of public and private roads, bridges, ports, dams and more.

“We’ve always said that we specialize in ‘everything below the ground,’ so it’s fitting that the company was founded in a basement,” Smolinski said. “What happens below the ground necessarily has an enormous impact on the ultimate success or failure of a project.  A thorough geotechnical investigation of the soil and site conditions that a project is being built on are all critical to a successful project. You can’t shortchange the early project due diligence.”

Smolinski, and his partners – Founding Partners and Principals Noel Hargrave-Thomas P.E. and Bruce Wilberding P.E. – have never been busier than this year with construction projects driven by the federal non-partisan “Build Back Better” program. One of their major ongoing tasks is identifying and training the added talent needed to keep up with the demand. “It’s a good problem to have,” they all agree. “Our focus at G2 has become one of recruiting and retention of great people through a strong corporate culture, great benefits, and career pathing.”

“I’m not sure any of us expected the level of success we’ve achieved when we started G2 30 years ago,” says Smolinski.  “We owe it to our clients who have the confidence in us to give us the work and our teammates who carry it out with an incredible amount of hard work and professionalism.”

G2 has continually invested in new technologies that bring additional efficiency to projects. “Our industry looks a lot different than it did 30 years ago. G2 takes pride in our ability to quickly and seamlessly incorporate the latest equipment and software capabilities to support our engineering talent. Investment in people and technology is how we’ll continue to grow for the next 30!”

“Providing engineering services to complex projects has never been easy but it’s what we love to do and it’s been a great 30 years,” Smolinski said. “We’re all exceptionally grateful for our clients, teammates, partners and suppliers who have helped shape our company.”