SWCA Celebrates 25 Years of Employee Ownership in 2025

SWCA Environmental Consultants is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone in 2025: 25 years as an employee-owned company. Since 2000, employee ownership has been at the heart of our identity, driving our growth, innovation, and shared success.

A Legacy of Shared Ownership

When SWCA transitioned to an employee ownership model 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment in our company’s history. Employee ownership has fostered a culture of accountability, collaboration, and pride, empowering our team to shape the company’s direction and future. Over the past quarter-century, this model transforms how we work and deliver value to our clients, communities, and the environment.

“Becoming employee-owned in 2000 wasn’t just a financial decision—it was a declaration of who we wanted to be as a company,” says Joseph J. Fluder III, President and CEO at SWCA. “It’s been incredible to see how our culture of employee ownership impacts all aspects of our business daily. Employee ownership has led to SWCA’s sustained success and the ability to control our destiny, creating positive impact for our people, clients, and communities.”

SWCA employees in a group photo during an archaeological project in north Texas.

Why It Matters

At SWCA, employee ownership means that every team member has a stake in the company’s success. This approach not only inspires personal and professional growth but also ensures our commitment to delivering sound science and creative solutions for our clients remains steadfast.

“Being part of an employee-owned company has made me feel invested in something bigger than myself,” shares Drew Carson, Senior Project Manager at SWCA. “Compared to other models I can definitely feel the difference here, and it’s easy to see that people are working for each other.”

SWCA Amherst office employees enjoying an ESOP party.

A Year of Celebration: “25 in 2025”

To honor this milestone, we’re launching a “25 in 2025” yearlong celebration that reflects on our past, highlights our present, and looks forward to the future of employee ownership at SWCA.

Each month on the 25th, we’ll release content that explores:

• Our History: Key milestones and defining moments from the past 25 years.
• Our People: Spotlights on the employees who have helped shape SWCA’s legacy.
• Our Future: Insights into how employee ownership continues to guide our vision.
  

From personal stories and videos to interactive events and activities, the campaign offers opportunities for employees, clients, and partners to engage with and celebrate this incredible achievement.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 25 years of employee ownership, we are reminded of how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go together. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our people and the power of shared purpose.

“The best part of being employee owned is knowing that we’re all in this together,” reflects Judy Cooper, Total Rewards and People Analytics Vice President. “Our success isn’t just about profit—it’s about the people who make it possible.”

At SWCA, our financial success is reinvested back into the company and our employees. We don’t have outside investors or private equity, ensuring that the benefits of our success are shared among all qualified employees. Unlike other firms that may have limited employee ownership, our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) ensures broad-based participation.

Follow along as we celebrate this exciting journey throughout 2025, and join us in looking ahead to a bright, collaborative future.

SWCA employees pictured during an Albuquerque, New Mexico tree planting event.