On June 1, 1973 the firm started as a one-person endeavor in Ridgefield, Connecticut as "Richard S. Di Salvo, PE." Dick had observed a kaleidoscopic view of his chosen profession through a series of positions with the U.S. Air Force, a major New York City structural firm, an architect, a large construction firm, two industrial corporations and, finally, a mid-sized, Connecticut-based consulting engineering firm.

Dick founded the firm to offer a higher level of structural engineering service than prevailed at that time. From his experience as a contracting officer for the Air Force, a corporate purchaser of structural services, and a construction engineer who had to build from documents produced by structural firms, came the certain knowledge that a consultant who could meet and surpass the frequently unfulfilled expectations of all of those clients would achieve recognition and success.

Such success followed quickly, thanks to clients who appreciated the refreshing philosophy that a higher level of engineering service paid dividends in the form of higher quality construction, attained schedules and lower costs.

In 1974, Mauro Cetra, PE joined Dick. Mauro came as an expert in the design of structural steel, having served as a representative of the American Institute of Steel Construction in both New York City and Hartford. Mauro was also an alumnus of IBM and had written the first software for structural engineers. Mauro's strong experience with computers enabled the firm to pioneer in both AutoCad and business management systems. Over the next ten years, Di Salvo + Cetra developed into one of the leading structural firms in the state.

Toward the end of that period, Mauro developed the D+C subsidiary called Program Sciences, Inc. That programming activity grew to be so successful that, in 1984, the principals saw the need to refocus their efforts. Mauro took PSI independent and Dick remained as president and sole owner of the newly named corporation, Di Salvo Associates.

It was at this time, in the mid-1980's, that today's leadership group joined the firm and contributed greatly to growing its staff size to twenty-five engineers, draftspersons and assistants.

In 1983, Clay Hines joined us and brought with him Bachelor and Master Degrees in Civil Engineering from Cornell University, as well as experience with one of the largest structural firms in New York City. Today, Clay manages some of our most intricate institutional and commercial projects.

Ken Jones also joined the firm in 1983. Ken is unique among our many UCONN grads, because between degrees, he accumulated several years of experience in residential construction. Our continued success in serving architects in this important market is a tribute to Ken's knowledge and background.

Bruce Richardson came to us in 1985 after an internship with a similar firm in the Hartford area. Because of this experience, Bruce "hit the ground running" and hasn't stopped yet. Bruce has a diversified background in the structural analysis and design of buildings and has developed a strong expertise in serving our industrial clients.

1985 brought Val Ericson, who had more than twenty years of experience at all levels of the profession. It quickly became evident that Val would contribute greatly to establishing the basics of how a project should be managed, as well as how efficiently an office could be run. On this basis, Val became a partner in 1987 and in 1989 the firm became known as Di Salvo MacDonald Ericson. (John MacDonald, PE was then the third principal.)

During the late 1980's the culture continued to be guided by the founding principle of providing a high level of service to our clients. The challenge was to accomplish this goal while hiring staff at an accelerating rate. In an effort to imbue the staff with this basic tenet, the management style became more and more participatory. Committees were formed to engage every associate in some part of the management process. Some of the committees were technical in nature, such as those charged with upgrading and monitoring our specifications, some looked to build camaraderie through the development of softball and basketball teams, and some, such as our Celebrations Committee were simply for fun. The entire staff participated in a Monday morning meeting, and members of the engineering staff took turns presenting on technical or code issues at "Tech Lunch". The Monday morning meeting and Tech Lunches are still part of our culture today.

The recession that started in the final years of that decade and extended well into the early nineties inevitably brought a downturn in business and retrenchment. Through a renewed dedication of staff and rigorous cost controls, however, the firm survived the downturn. It learned, as did many, how to be faithful to its goal of providing "knock their socks off" service while maintaining financial stability.

By 1994, the company had fully recovered and had a banner year in terms of significant projects and financial strength. Some of the projects designed at that time include the Law Library for the University of Connecticut, the Greenwich Post Office, and National Hall in Westport, the recipient of CEPP's coveted 1995 Outstanding Engineering Award. It was at this time that John MacDonald left to found his own firm.

Ready to reach for new heights, 1995 started with the designation of Ken, Clay and Bruce as principals, and the renaming of the firm as The Di Salvo Ericson Group, to recognize the major contributions of all of the principals and associates.

Dick Di Salvo died suddenly in July of 1998. He left a company of engineers and staff well trained to his high technical standards, and continuing his ideals of excellence and quality of service. Val Ericson stepped up as president of the firm, and Bruce Richardson, Ken Jones and Clay Hines, each led a design focus groups as well as took responsibility for managing operations, finance and marketing, respectively.

The year 2004 saw the emergence of our new firm leaders. Bruce Richardson was made President and has taken on the responsibility for general management and will continue to oversee operations and project management. Clay Hines and Ken Jones are each Vice Presidents with Clay directing our marketing activities and quality management. Ken continues as our financial director and has assumed responsibility of our human resources. Val became the Chairman and CEO and will assume a greater role in business development.