Management Bios
Mike Barker
President
Sustainability has become a leading issue for engineering firms like Lemar. But Lemar is no Johnny-come-lately in this area. Mike Barker has led Lemar strongly in that direction throughout his engineering career. "Sustainability and resource protection is not just a goal, it’s a thought process that we filter every project through," Mike comments. "It’s what...well, it’s what sustains us and stimulates us. New ideas, new directions, looking for client projects that can utilize this technology and this mode of thinking. We believe it’s absolutely the right thing to do."
Mike takes special pride in the fact that Lemar is not willing simply to settle for "off-the-shelf" solutions to client challenges. "We take each project and treat it as a unique opportunity. This has paid off for us in terms of repeat business from clients. They recognize that they’re receiving the benefits of best practices, best thinking." As president, Mike focuses much of his time and energy these days on company development.
"I’m looking to create an environment that makes good people want to make their careers here. We welcome diversity, unique talent and new ideas. That’s what makes us successful, and what makes us able to provide optimum solutions for our clients."
"As we start to get larger — right now we have a staff nearing 75 people — I want to make sure we are able to maintain a nurturing corporate culture for every Lemar team member. Our people have the freedom to create solutions for our clients that satisfy their constituencies, their communities, their internal organizations. We want to make sure we provide an atmosphere that welcomes and encourages this unique creativity."
Tracy S. Lemar, P.E.
Vice President/Principal Engineer
"We created this new [Geothermal] division in 2007 because it enables us to apply sustainable design principles to the dynamic field of energy conservation and energy usage. I’m excited because I get to work both in the engineering and geothermal realms for our firm’s clients," says Tracy Lemar.
Lemar geothermal projects may cover everything from designing and installing a simple system for a home, with three 150-foot drilled holes, to a geothermal system for a school or other institutional building that might entail 180 drillings. The firm focuses on projects in Iowa and surrounding states, Tracy adds. Echoing Lemar president Mike Barker, Tracy comments, "Every situation, every site is unique, and that’s why you won’t see us offering off-the-shelf solutions."
What’s more, the firm recognizes that every project needs to be not simply sustainable from a resources point of view, but also economically sustainable. "It either has to save money for the client, or make money for the client." Like Lemar’s engineering division, Lemar Geothermal Services focuses on building long-term relationships with clients. "That’s where we see opportunity synergies, working with project managers on multiple projects, being part of their organization, not simply an outside consultant. We want to be there to help understand their goals and needs and to be able to offer long-term, sustainable solutions. The longer you’re with them, the better job you can do."
New clients help growth, and Lemar works hard to win its share of new business. "But our focus has always been on existing clients, helping them anticipate needs, solve problems and meet all of the challenges that come up," Tracy comments. "Our goal is simply to be there for them for life."
Timothy C. Buelow, P.E.
Vice President/Principal Engineer
"Finding creative solutions." That in a nutshell is what Tim Buelow seeks to accomplish with every Barker Lemar client project. As vice president and Principal Engineer for Lemar, Tim specializes in solid waste management projects for clients within a five-state area. "Sustainable design is central to our design philosophy," Tim says. "In this area of our engineering practice, sustainability means taking something that is considered waste material and turning it into a commodity that has residual value, or at least making it a non-waste. It’s focusing on the long-term and considering all of the consequences of any proposed solution."
Tim began his career in 1993 working for Terracon, and quickly became recognized as one of the most knowledgeable engineers in the state in underground storage tank technology. Since joining Lemar in 1997, Tim has developed the firm’s specialty in solid waste management system design and construction. "We like to function as a team member for our clients rather than just being a hired hand. Lemar takes ownership of client challenges. We treat their problems as if they were our problems and determine how we would best handle them. We also have to be cognizant of their financial situation. So we look ahead, making sure that our solution will benefit them for years to come and not just for that project, in that timeframe," Tim comments.
"Our clients quickly learn that we can be trusted to always act in their best interest," he adds. By being creative and innovative on their behalf, Lemar has earned a reputation for responsiveness and long-term accountability. "And that’s what continues to drive us as we work to maintain our leadership position in the profession."