For 30 years, Greg Foltz has been an integral part of Banning Engineering, helping shape the projects, relationships, and communities that define our work in Plainfield and beyond. From his beginnings as an entry-level CAD technician to his current role as a project management and design veteran, Greg has witnessed and shaped the company’s evolution. In this Q&A, he reflects on his journey, sharing insights into what has made Banning Engineering a place of long-term commitment and pride.
What inspired you to pursue civil engineering, and what led you to this company 30 years ago?
As a kid, my dad worked at Allis-Chalmers doing mechanical engineering drafting. He’d bring his drawings home, and I thought they were so cool. I met Jeff Banning when we worked together at Lewis Engineering from 1991 to 1995, before he opened Banning Engineering. Soon after, he called and asked me to come work for him. I didn’t hesitate and became the seventh employee at Banning Engineering.
Can you describe your first role and how it has evolved over the years?
I started as an entry-level CAD technician. Now I do advanced grading and subdivision design and assist with project management, including review meetings, client interaction, and collaboration. I also help mentor the younger employees who are fresh out of college, teaching them the same things I learned early on.
What is it about this company or your work that’s inspired such long-term commitment?
It’s the sense of family and the pride I have working here. I’m proud to tell people I work at Banning. In Plainfield, everyone knows Banning, and there’s a sense that the Banning people are just good people.
How has your role changed over time, especially with the evolution of engineering practices and technology?
From 1995 to 2005, we used MicroStation, which did the job we needed it to, providing construction plans and CAD designs for our valued clients. Now, with the obvious advancements in technology and the move to AutoCAD and surface modeling, our jobs are easier and more accurate. It gives us a great transition from concept, to design, to installation, and finally to a finished product for the client.
What core values or traditions have remained the same?
We’ve always treated a project like it’s our own. Back in 1996, I worked on a small development of my own, and it helped me truly understand the client’s side of the business.
What’s something about the company that newer employees might not know or appreciate yet?
Jeff has always been about a family atmosphere, and that’s so hard to find in this industry. There have been several people who have left over the years and then returned because they couldn’t find that happy medium that Banning has of family, work-life balance, and purpose. Jeff really encourages a great home and family life.
What are some of the most significant projects you’ve worked on, and what made them memorable?
I’ve worked on the Vandalia and Sugar Grove subdivision developments in Plainfield, among others. I’ve also done several on-site septic designs across Indiana, including the White River Campground septic in Cicero more recently.
Have there been any mentors or colleagues who significantly impacted your journey?
Definitely Jeff Banning, and the now-retired Bob Staton and Walt Reeder.
What excites you about the company’s future?
Since the economic downturn in 2008, we’ve integrated a more expansive and diverse type of projects, including state, municipal, and county work. We still do a lot of private, developer-based work, but it’s more of a 50/50 split now, compared to back then when it was about 90% developments.
Are there any goals you’re still aiming to accomplish?
I want to continue to share the knowledge and history of Banning Engineering with the younger generations coming in. And with us being an ESOP now (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), I’m pumped to be a part owner of the company.