What if you started your civil engineering career in a place that truly invested in your growth? Where you’re supported, challenged, and surrounded by people who want to see you succeed? At Keller, we believe that when our people grow, our partnerships grow, too. Because you’re building more than infrastructure. You’re building your future, making connections, and becoming a part of something bigger—something special.
That’s the idea behind Keller’s New Engineers and Surveyors Summit (NESS). Held every two years, this signature event brings new hires and recent grads from our offices throughout the West for a weekend of inspiration, collaboration, and career building. The goal? To set the next generation of professionals up for success in their careers and prepare them to better serve our clients and communities with excellence.
This year’s summit took place up at beautiful Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho. Here’s how it went and what the team walked away with:
Always remember this is a people business
At Keller, we know that a supportive culture and genuine connections set the stage for a career full of growth and opportunity. And NESS is a big part of that. The summit kicked off with a warm welcome from committee-member Scot Bishop. Serving as emcee, he brought the kind of energy and inclusiveness that set the tone for everything that followed.
Kala Sylte stepped in to lead a networking bingo game that quickly turned strangers into teammates. It was a fun reminder that the best teams are full of diverse minds. And that different perspectives are key to solving complex problems.
“The success of a new engineer is directly tied to intentional engagement in opportunities for collaboration, service, and growth. NESS serves to showcase the multitude of avenues where our new engineers can lean in and dig deep here at Keller!” – Scot Bishop
Saturday’s resort activities—hiking, golf, pickleball, spa visits, and fire pit conversations—deepened these bonds.
Know where you’ve been, so you know where to go
Central to the summit were two powerful bookends: Larry Rupp’s keynote, Achieving Your Greatness at Keller Associates, and TJ Centanni’s What Now? closing session.
Larry challenged attendees to think beyond the job and toward building a legacy. He talked about Keller’s values, history, and resources to show how each person can take charge of their future with intention.
TJ urged participants to take action, seek out partnerships, and go after growth. And, most important, for young professionals to not wait. Starting Monday morning. Start now.
“The biggest thing people take away from this is connection. They get to know others across the company. It’s really about building relationships and community, and that’s what makes Keller so special.” – Larry Rupp
Together, these sessions framed the summit. They geared everyone up for what’s next and used that to light their individual fires for making a long-term impact on their projects and teams.
Keep the conversations going
Strong communication and cross-disciplinary teamwork are at the heart of successful engineering and surveying projects. And at NESS, these themes came through loud and clear.
Matt Neimeyer and Dylan Carey led sessions on how different disciplines can work better together. From design-engineering flow to soft skills and communication tips, the team picked up practical tools to boost project quality and team dynamics.
But collaboration isn’t just about working better together—it’s also about navigating what’s next. Becca Apgar’s breakout session, Looking to the Future, invited attendees to share ideas on mentorship and career growth. The group’s feedback went straight to Keller leadership, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to listening, evolving, and investing in its people.
At the heart of every successful project is a relationship built on trust
Understanding what clients need, communicating clearly, and staying flexible are key skills for civil engineers and surveyors who want to make an impact. That’s why a client-first mindset isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s mandatory. And it’s absolutely central to how Keller approaches service and excellence. Stillman Norton’s session, Serving Our Clients, brought this to life with real-world examples about working with clients, coordinating with agencies, and collaborating with contractors. His stories reminded everyone that technical know-how is important. But it’s trust, clarity, and responsiveness that help us stand apart and make the biggest difference.
We’re just getting started
At Keller, we know lasting, meaningful careers and client relationships begin with connection, mentorship, and purpose. And the NESS 2025 Summit delivered.
This year’s event was packed with energy and insight. It left attendees refreshed, recharged, and ready to make a difference
It’s the Keller way.
We’re committed to helping the next generation start on the right foot—with the tools to succeed. It’s more than an investment in our people. It’s an investment in the quality, consistency, and innovation our partners rely on.
NESS 2025 may be over, but for emerging professionals, the momentum is just beginning.
Discover how Keller’s people-first approach makes a lasting impact.
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