Soil Consultants Engineering, a minority and woman-owned firm, provides specialized consulting services within the construction and engineering sectors. With extensive industry experience, they work with major contractors, handling high-stakes projects where solid, clear agreements are essential. As they sought to grow, Soil Consultants Engineering looked to Croessmann & Westberg, P.C. to bolster their legal protections, especially in drafting sub-consultant agreements and managing contract complexities that could impact their business.
ChallengesNavigating the construction industry's legal landscape can be challenging, especially when managing relationships with both large clients and sub-contractors. For Soil Consultants Engineering, ensuring each contract was drafted to account for liability, clarity, and protection was crucial, especially given the firm's growth and high-profile projects. They needed a legal partner who could not only simplify this process but also help them gain the confidence to secure larger, more complex contracts.
Croessmann & Westberg's SolutionFrom day one, Croessmann & Westberg demonstrated an understanding of the unique demands and potential risks Soil Consultants Engineering faced in the construction industry. Thomas Croessmann and his team provided a structured approach to contract review and creation that made the legal process manageable and easy to understand.
"Thomas answers his phone pretty much every time I call, and if he doesn't answer right away, he gets back to me quickly. That level of responsiveness is incredible," shared Doug Smith, Vice President of Soil Consultants Engineering. This high level of accessibility reassured Doug and his team that they had a partner who was just as invested in their success.
Responsive and Reliable CommunicationOne of the most valued aspects of working with Croessmann & Westberg was their transparent communication. The firm made a point of keeping Soil Consultants Engineering informed at every stage of contract development. The team provided consistent updates on timelines and project milestones, ensuring that each contract was on track. "They keep us on a timeline, and it stays true to what they promise," Doug said, emphasizing the team's dependability.
Doug also highlighted how approachable and efficient the team was: "It's not just an email exchange; they actually pick up the phone. It's been refreshing to work with a legal team that values direct, real-time communication and doesn't make you feel like you're just another client."
Fair and Transparent PricingCroessmann & Westberg's dedication to fair pricing reinforced Soil Consultants Engineering's trust in the firm. "Their pricing has been very fair-if not above fair," Doug explained. Croessmann & Westberg made it a point to only charge for substantial work, not minor queries. "If I call and ask a quick question, I don't get billed an hour for that. Thomas will answer it and move on. It's been a very pleasurable experience working with him and his team," Doug noted. This client-focused approach to billing helped Soil Consultants Engineering feel comfortable reaching out without the worry of unexpected costs, allowing them to fully leverage the firm's expertise.
Confidence Through Industry-Specific ExpertiseCroessmann & Westberg's attorneys demonstrated a depth of knowledge about construction law, which helped Soil Consultants Engineering address both everyday and complex challenges. "We're consultants and engineers, not lawyers. Sometimes our business gets very complicated legally," Doug shared. The firm's ability to explain intricate legal matters in practical terms allowed Doug and his team to make informed decisions quickly and with clarity. "Knowing they understand exactly what we're talking about-and can explain to us in legal terms what we need to do to make things right-has been extremely helpful," Doug added.
The firm's industry-specific experience made them an invaluable resource. "As consultants, we deal with so many details across the construction industry. Every time we've talked to them, someone on their team has had similar experience and knows exactly what to do to support us," Doug explained. With Croessmann & Westberg as a legal partner, Soil Consultants Engineering knew they were in capable hands.
Beyond Expectations: Professionalism and Client-Centric ApproachFor Doug and his team, Croessmann & Westberg's combination of professionalism and attentiveness set them apart. "I've yet to come up with a situation that they don't know how to handle. They've always advised us in the right direction, even in areas where we, as a company, have never been before," Doug shared. This insight allowed Soil Consultants Engineering to take on new projects with the assurance that their legal needs were always covered. In fact, Doug noted that Croessmann & Westberg "makes us feel like we're their number one client every time."
Results and ImpactSince partnering with Croessmann & Westberg, Soil Consultants Engineering has experienced notable growth and enhanced stability. "The benefits we've seen have really helped us grow," Doug explained. With solid legal backing, the firm now takes on larger projects and clients, knowing they have protective contracts that allow them to move forward confidently. Doug added, "If anything does happen, we have the backing of the contracts they've written and the backing of their team if something comes up that we need help with." This peace of mind has been invaluable, giving Soil Consultants Engineering the confidence to pursue and secure larger opportunities.
ConclusionFor Soil Consultants Engineering, Croessmann & Westberg isn't just a legal firm; they are a trusted partner dedicated to supporting the company's growth in a sustainable, protected way. The firm's attentiveness, fair pricing, and deep industry knowledge have helped Soil Consultants Engineering achieve new levels of success. Doug highly recommends Croessmann & Westberg, particularly to consulting and construction firms, saying, "I would advise anybody in this field to give them a call and work with them-they've been an outstanding company for us."
With Croessmann & Westberg by their side, Soil Consultants Engineering is poised to continue expanding, backed by legal experts who truly understand and support their business.