Landing in New Cities: Connico's Journey to National Growth

As Connico continues to grow and expand our presence across the U.S., we are setting a strong foundation for future success by strategically searching out new office locations and relocating key team members to serve clients more efficiently. This recent wave of geographic expansion marks a critical step in Connico’s long-term strategy to both elevate our service offerings and provide its employees with greater flexibility in where they live and work. 

In this Q&A, we spoke with two key players in Connico’s expansion: Bryan Hafertepe, associate principal, and Michael Feeney, cost specialist. Bryan leads the strategy behind Connico’s geographic relocations and expansion efforts, and Michael, having recently relocated to Denver, brings first-hand experience of how these strategic moves are playing out on the ground. Michael’s move highlights the effectiveness of our expansion approach, positioning him to strengthen Connico’s presence and client connections in the Rocky Mountain region.

Their perspectives provide a deeper look into how Connico’s regional growth is designed to enhance client service, build a more expansive and connected team, and create new opportunities for employees and clients alike.

Why is Connico moving employees and opening offices in new locations across the country?

Bryan: Connico is expanding across the country to better serve our clients, airports, and AEC firms, and to provide our employees the opportunity to live in locations that best support their families, lifestyles, and dreams. While business growth is important, we believe geographic expansion also lets us understand local market conditions more deeply, reduce travel costs, and foster personal connections that strengthen our relationships with clients.

Michael, you recently relocated to Colorado for Connico. How does your move to Denver support the firm’s strategic objectives?

Michael: There are two main reasons for my move. First, it allows Connico to be closer to our Rocky Mountain and West Coast clients, making face-to-face interactions more feasible. Second, many of the opportunities we pursue require a local presence. Being in Denver positions us to better pursue new work, especially in a region where proximity can make a big difference.

How does geographic diversity enhance the company's ability to serve clients nationwide?

Bryan: Being geographically diverse allows us to more easily and cost-effectively visit our clients’ project sites, giving us more detailed insight into local construction methods, protocols, and safety requirements that impact design, cost, and schedules. It overall enables Connico to deliver more responsive, customized, and personal service to our clients.

How will Connico’s presence in Denver enhance the firm’s ability to serve clients and pursue new opportunities in the region?

Michael: Historically, Connico has held mainly supportive roles at Denver International Airport (DEN) and larger commercial service airports in Colorado. With a physical presence in Denver, we can now learn more about how smaller commercial and general aviation airports in the Rocky Mountain area operate and procure work. It also enhances the level of service we provide at DEN as we serve them in multiple capacities, bringing us right to their doorstep to address their needs!

With a dispersed team, how does Connico maintain a unified company culture that aligns with its core values and mission?

Bryan: Maintaining a strong company culture is essential, especially as we balance a hybrid workforce, with 59% of employees working in-office or hybrid and 41% fully remote. One tool that Connico uses to create such an encompassing and supportive remote workplace is cross-office training or “office rotations.” We host around six of these one-week office rotations each year, pulling together staff of different technical roles, physical locations, and personal backgrounds. These rotations foster team relationships, build trust, and allow for in-person technical training and problem-solving.

Given Connico’s commitment to maintaining its culture, how has the company supported you in staying connected with your colleagues and fostering collaboration from a distance?

Michael: Since moving to Denver, Connico has given me the opportunity to travel and work at our other office locations to reconnect and grow closer with staff. Both Bryan and our president, Sri Kumar, have also visited Denver to work with me in person and keep me connected to the company. 

When selecting new locations for team members, what strategic factors do you consider that will contribute to Connico’s growth and presence in those regions?

Bryan: When choosing new locations, we focus on several strategic factors. First, we look at cities that are experiencing growth—where both employees and the general public are moving. Second, we consider areas receiving significant government funding over the next 3-5 years. Finally, we prioritize locations where our staff already live or want to live, ensuring our team members can work and thrive in the communities that best suit their personal and professional lives.

Why was Denver specifically chosen for Michael Feeney's move, from a strategic standpoint?

Bryan: Denver was an ideal location for Michael’s move for several reasons. It aligns with all three of our strategic factors, and DEN values local presence and participation from DBE firms like Connico. By having a team member in the Denver area, we can better support the airport and contribute to their local participation goals. We’re incredibly grateful to Michael for being willing to undertake this relocation as we know it was a sacrifice!

What has the transition to Colorado been like for you both personally and professionally so far?

Michael: Personally, it’s been a difficult transition. I was born and raised in Tennessee, went to college there, and started my career there, so moving away was a big change. However, Colorado is closer to the outdoor activities I enjoy, and I’ve met some great people, which has made the transition easier.

Professionally, I’m starting to make connections and lay the groundwork for future opportunities. I’m confident that this move will be instrumental to our strategic goals in the long run, and I’m excited to continue getting to know the people of Denver and beyond.

What are Connico’s goals for expanding its geographic footprint in the coming years, and how do they align with the company’s long-term strategy?Bryan: Connico continues to look ahead to growth, both inside and outside of the aviation industry. We will continue seeking opportunities to better serve our clients and communities while remaining committed to allowing Connico team members to work and live in the communities that are best for their life goals and objectives.