As we ring in the new year, we’re excited to celebrate a milestone: the 5th anniversary of Burian & Associates! From our humble beginnings to where we stand today, our journey has been one of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to innovation and client service.
Honoring Our CEO, Steve Burian
This anniversary also marks a personal milestone for our CEO, Steve Burian, who celebrates five years leading B&A. Steve’s vision, determination, and motivating spirit have been the driving force behind the company’s success. His ability to pivot during uncertain times, identify new opportunities, and create a culture of innovation has shaped B&A into the firm it is today. Steve’s leadership is inspirational and we’re incredibly grateful for his dedication and passion.
You’ll now hear from Steve as he reflects on the founding and growth of B&A.
The Beginning of B&A
In mid-2019, the seeds for Burian & Associates were planted. After facing a challenging transition from the previous firm I founded and dedicated my career to, I was at a crossroads – something different, retirement, or starting over. Ultimately, the answer was clear: consulting, engineering, and the entrepreneurial spirit were in my blood, and I wasn’t ready to call it quits.
On January 1, 2020, B&A officially came to life as a civil engineering and consulting firm rooted in values like innovation, collaboration, transparency, flexibility, and professional development. Our focus has always been on providing exceptional client service and creating an environment where challenging and meaningful work thrives. These values are reflected not only in the services we offer but also in the benefits we provide to our employees.
Navigating Adversity
Launching a new business is never easy but starting B&A just before the onset of a global pandemic brought challenges we never anticipated. As the world shifted, local governments and potential clients turned inward, focusing on navigating the complexities of COVID-19. Establishing new relationships became an uphill battle, as many doubled down on their existing partnerships, leaving little room for new players like us.
Faced with this reality, we pivoted. We sought out untapped opportunities in areas we hadn’t previously served, such as drainage disputes, private sector civil site work, and development projects. This strategic shift allowed us to carve out a niche and build the momentum we needed to succeed.
Recruitment was another significant hurdle. The uncertain economic climate made it difficult to attract candidates willing to take a chance on a new and relatively unknown firm. Traditional recruitment methods like paid advertising and agencies fell short, so we leaned into personal connections and direct outreach to find individuals who shared our entrepreneurial spirit. While it took time, we succeeded in building a team of bright, talented professionals who embrace change and actively seek out opportunities.
Growing Together
Despite the challenges, B&A has achieved remarkable milestones over the past five years. At the end of 2020, we had just four full-time employees. Today, we are proud to have a team of 18 employees, including both full-time and part-time staff, with some working remotely and others in-office. Our growth has also led us to move into a larger office in Fargo, with plans to expand into a new office on the University of North Dakota campus in Grand Forks later this year. Additionally, we were honored to have been named the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2024, a recognition that highlights our commitment to excellence and our impact on the community.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude. To our clients, thank you for trusting us to bring your visions to life. To our employees, thank you for your dedication, creativity, and willingness to embrace the road less traveled. Together, we have built something truly special, and we look forward to what the next five years will bring.
Here’s to continued growth, innovation, and success as we begin the next chapter of Burian & Associates!
