How many times have you muttered, “Speak to a person!” into the phone? Tech is everywhere, but at the end of the day, a real person still needs to pick up your call. That’s why relationships are everything.
Technical expertise is a given; what we hear from our partners across the country is that strong collaboration and timely communication are just as important. At a time when innovation and cost cutting command the headlines, what does it mean to be a good partner? To answer that, we’re returning to what matters most: communities, people, you.
We think a good partner shows up with accountability. They also stick around, taking the time to build relationships, stay engaged, understand the local culture and values, and make a lasting impact. And they come with a team of real people who live in real communities and care about the same things you do.
We talk a lot about projects. Now, get to know a few of our people – Ron Chamberlain, Alan Hart, and Jeremy Tomesh – who focus on the meaningful partnerships that make project success possible, for the long haul.
“I don’t know very many communities that hire firms. They hire people. Local governments don’t just pick a company off a list – they work with individuals they trust.” – Ron Chamberlain
After 34 years in public service, Ron Chamberlain understands this better than most. As a former County Highway Commissioner in Wisconsin, he experienced firsthand how familiarity and follow-through matter, especially in smaller towns that may feel left behind by larger companies.
Alan Hart brings a similar mindset. With 29 years of experience in municipal engineering, including stormwater and utility projects with the City of Tallahassee, he’s deeply invested in the communities he serves. Lately, he’s been spending a lot of time in the Town of Lee, Florida, helping to secure essential funding for infrastructure projects. And his persistence in finding grant opportunities didn’t just bring funding, it built trust.
“When looking at the Town of Lee, I wondered, ‘How can we help? What do they need?’ That approach turned into action – securing grants, solving infrastructure challenges, and becoming a true partner to the Town.” – Alan Hart
Jeremy Tomesh has spent 25 years in civil engineering, working with communities throughout Wisconsin and beyond, collaborating to address local pain points. Jeremy expands on Alan’s relationship with the Town of Lee, noting, “In Florida, having someone local like Alan has made a huge difference. His dedication to securing grants and navigating state programs has transformed how the Town views its own potential.”
Whether it’s Wisconsin or Florida, Texas or Virginia, what matters are the boots on the ground – even if they don’t share the same zip code – they know what it means to shop at the local grocery store, attend city council meetings, find common ground, and root for the home team (or maybe the rival!). That’s because creating lasting community impact means being part of the community, beyond just county lines – it’s an understanding, a dedication, something shared.
“At the end of the day, it’s about finding someone you can relate to. The technical work matters, but the connection comes first.” Jeremy goes on to note, “It isn’t just about making friends. It’s about helping communities succeed.” And that starts with showing up.
True partnerships don’t hinge on the newest tech, lowest bid, or quickest fix. They’re formed through daily interactions – whether the information shared is good or bad, especially if it’s bad. The level of reliability is what makes a good partner.
Ron states it plainly, “When clients pick up the phone, they expect you to answer. If you don’t, they expect a response within a few hours – not the next day.”
When Alan got a last-minute call from the Town of Lee, asking him to attend a commission meeting in two hours, he jumped in his truck and drove over. “I was just happy to get in my truck and drive. They appreciated that I showed up, and that’s what matters.” It’s small moments like this add up to long-term trust.
“The call you don’t want to take is the call you need to take.” – Alan Hart
Answering late-night messages, showing up in person when needed, and being there when timing is critical carries weight for Alan. It’s not just about delivering a service. It’s about proving, again and again, that you’re invested, that you care.
Responsiveness isn’t something rote. Every partner is different, and every relationship is personal, so the needs will be different. It’s about getting to know each one and their expectations. That’s how to understand when that last-minute phone call or meeting is make or break.
In tight-knit communities, reputation lasts for years – good or bad. And Ron is familiar with the credibility ripple.
“Your word and how you treat people matter. Transportation in Wisconsin is a small world. A good reputation will pay dividends for years. A bad one will hurt you just as long.” – Ron Chamberlain
When the Town of Taft, Wisconsin, had their initial grant application for road improvements denied, Ron and his team didn’t walk away. Instead, they worked closely with local leaders to adjust the application and identify another funding source. The second time, they succeeded. But even if they hadn’t, Ron wasn’t going anywhere. That’s what happens when local relationships are paired with deep resources.
Alan saw something similar in the Town of Lee: “Sometimes a community has been overlooked for so long that just paying attention makes a difference.” When a town is treated not as just another project but a true priority, that trust leads to long-term collaboration.
A real partnership means working alongside communities, not just for them. That’s what made the difference for the Town of Lee. When they were overwhelmed with grant applications, Alan and his team didn’t just deliver the necessary paperwork. They brought the full weight of their collective expertise, working side by side with the town to navigate the complex process and get it done.
“We didn’t just apply for one grant and walk away. We kept trying until we found funding that worked.” – Alan Hart
That persistence paid off by securing $290,000 in funding to help Lee upgrade its water system – a project that wouldn’t have happened without a trusted partnership. That led to more successful grant funding for the Town of Lee, currently totaling over a million dollars. Now, the Town’s mayor and manager are some of Alan’s strongest allies, often reaching out directly – a big win in Alan’s view. He knows trust, responsiveness, and commitment aren’t extras, they’re simply the foundation of lasting community partnerships.
When it comes to success, no one person can carry the load. As Ron puts it, “You aren’t just hiring me. You’re hiring our whole team. That’s why it works.” And tapping into a network of experts from different fields – engineers, architects, funding specialists, and beyond – makes sure that work is done right.
In the Town of Taft, this approach has been a game-changer. Ron and his team didn’t just show up with the knowledge to get the job done. They showed up together, providing a full range of services while maintaining a personal touch.
Jeremy is always mindful of this unique position – bringing specialized solutions from a vast range of projects, while maintaining the core value of community connection.
“We balance small-town relationships with big-firm expertise. That’s the advantage.” – Jeremy Tomesh
The team’s collaborative efforts aren’t just about getting things done. They’re about delivering results that matter. For the Town of Taft, that meant not just hiring a consultant but investing in a team of people committed to their success. So, if the primary contact is backed up, there’s a group of experts familiar with the project ready to jump in.
For Ron, Alan, Jeremy, and the teams behind them, relationships built on mutual respect will continue to guide their work. Each partnership is a commitment – from the people behind the projects – not just to infrastructure success but to the communities they serve.
Before we part way, here are a few questions to consider: How can we make your life easier? How can we be an extension of your team? How can we be your good partner?
Just reach out to our people – we’re here to deliver those answers.
Ron Chamberlain joined SEH after a long and varied career serving first in the military and then in a number of different roles in the public sector. Most recently, he served as Highway Commissioner for La Crosse County Highway Department. In that role, he was responsible for developing and managing a $10.5 million operating budget, developing and implementing the County’s Capital Plan, and regularly planned and oversaw engineering and construction projects. Ron brings all of that experience and the many insights he has gained over his career to your project.
Alan Hart, PE*, has extensive experience in business development and procuring funding for clients. In his previous tenure at the Florida Department of Transportation, he played a key role in developing a CPR Quality Assurance Plan and was responsible for editing and modifying the Standard Scope of Services as well as Roadway Design Standards. He worked on Legislative Budget Requests and Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) and has successfully helped clients gain funding for water, sewer, and stormwater projects.
*Professional engineer in FL
Jeremy Tomesh, PE*, is an SEH principal, project manager, senior highway design engineer, and regional practice center leader for sales in Wisconsin and Indiana, with extensive transportation and civil engineering experience throughout the East Region. He has expertise in identifying the specific needs of a project and working with local officials, state agencies, and stakeholders to find project solutions that address environmental and budget constraints.
*Professional engineer in WI