August 9, 2005
People First, Strategy Next

Based on the firm’s philosophy of people first, strategy next, R.E. Warner & Associates continues to be a leader in the business of consulting engineering.

Already recognized by CE News as one of the Top 50 civil engineering firms in the country to work for and by the Employers Resource Council as one of the Top 99 employers in Northeast Ohio , R.E. Warner launched a unique and innovative leadership training program in the fall of 2004.

Known as “Leadership Warner”, this nine month program was designed to help emerging leaders in the firm grow and develop their leadership skills while learning the business side of consulting engineering.  Patterned after the prestigious Leadership Cleveland Program, 22 applicants applied for the class of 12.

The program began in September with a weekend retreat at Quail Hollow Resort.  Company President Dave Sminchak and members of the firm’s Board of Advisors addressed the class as they embarked on one of the most unique experiences of their career.  The weekend retreat included team building exercises and a leadership assessment by Dale Carnegie.

The program continued for the next nine months as the class met monthly to discuss critical topics in finance, marketing, risk management, human resources and information technology.  Nationally recognized professionals were brought in from across the country to facilitate the often lively discussions.

In addition to the required business topics, the class was exposed to the leadership philosophies of such notable local leaders as St. Ignatius High School football and track coach Chuck Kyle and former Cleveland Indian slugger Andre Thornton.  The program was rounded out with topics such as business etiquette, personal finance, and health and wellness interspersed throughout the year. 

St. Ignatius Coach Chuck Kyle joins the Leadership Warner Class for a holiday photo after sharing his philosophy on leadership

Team building, a critical element of the program, was developed through a class project that mimicked Donald Trump’s highly rated television show the Apprentice.  The class was divided into two teams, Synergy and Catalyst.  Each team was asked to research, develop and present to the firm’s management a plan for a new marketing opportunity.  Catalyst’s direct mail marketing plan outscored Synergy’s strategic alliance plan.  However, unlike the television show, everyone won and no one was fired.  For their effort, both teams were treated to a private luncheon with Andre Thornton.
Indian All-Star Andre Thornton congratulates Brett Neff on being named to the Leadership Warner Class of 2005

The Class of 2005 proudly graduated on Thursday June 30th with spouses and friends joining the celebration on the Nautica Queen.  Their work however, is far from complete.  Like all new graduates, the Class of 2005, along with members of future classes, must continue to apply what they have learned.  This technically strong, energetic and diverse team is committed to not only building on the firm’s past, but to make it better!
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