This month, we’re proud to celebrate an incredible milestone: Ryan Lindley is marking 30 years with Banning Engineering. From his first day in 1995 as a CAD draftsman to now leading our Commercial and Industrial Development Group, Ryan has grown alongside the company—and helped shape it every step of the way.
“I actually started in architecture and was working at Sebree Architects while studying it in college,” he recalls. “We collaborated with Jeff Banning on a few projects, and that’s how I met him. Over time, I realized I was more drawn to technical design than making buildings look good. When Jeff happened to be hiring for a CAD position, we met a couple of times—and I just knew I had to work for him.”
From Plotting Plans to Leading Projects
What started with drafting and redlines has evolved into something much bigger. As Banning grew, so did Ryan’s role—from CAD Manager to project designer and now department head. Along the way, he’s worked on everything from Walgreens stores and mega dairy farms to the LDS Temple in Carmel, one of his favorite long-term projects.
“If I had to guess, I probably designed over two dozen Walgreens locations in the late ’90s and early 2000s. And some of those early projects, like Adesa Auto Auction in Plainfield, are still fresh in my memory. I still remember Jeff wanting 24×36 plots (from an old pen plotter by the way) of the grading plan. The problem was there were 8 sheets. He would move desks, filing cabinets and the like and scotch tape the 8 sheets together and crawl around on the floor “red lining” the plan.”
What’s Kept Him Here?
One word: culture.
“Ask anyone who’s worked here—past or present—and they’ll say the same thing. The culture is what makes Banning different. I love the company I work for and the people I work with. It starts at the top, and there’s nobody better to work for than Jeff Banning.”
Family-oriented values, pride in quality work, and putting clients first have been constants from day one—even when “the office” was just a shared 30′ x 30′ room with a tiny warehouse in the back (which, on Fridays, was cleared out for basketball games).
Looking Back—and Forward
Ryan credits mentors like Jeff Banning, whose communication and leadership style have made a lasting impression, and Jeff Healy, a longtime colleague whose engineering expertise has been invaluable over the years.
Even after three decades, Ryan is still focused on learning and growth.
“I’ve always tried to learn something new every day, and that hasn’t changed. I’d love to make it to 40 years here before I retire.”
Please join us in thanking Ryan Lindley for 30 years of incredible work, leadership, and heart. His impact on our company, clients, and culture is immeasurable—and we’re grateful for every one of those years.