Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc. Market Research Report

Background

Company Overview

Established in 1922, Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc. is a Texas-based firm specializing in surveying, civil engineering, and geotechnical engineering services. The company has built a legacy of excellence, recognized as one of the most influential and precise teams of committed and experienced professionals in the industry.

Mission and Vision

Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc. is committed to delivering efficient and superior service to clients, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and with the accuracy that has been a constant in their land portfolio for decades. Their multi-discipline approach provides clients with better control over their projects by offering all necessary services in one place.

Primary Area of Focus

The company focuses on providing comprehensive surveying and engineering services, including residential and commercial development, geoscience services with an on-site laboratory, and surveying. Their in-house Health, Safety, & Environment (HSE) department underscores their commitment to safety.

Industry Significance

With over 100 years of experience, Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc. has established itself as a leader in the Texas engineering and surveying industry, serving a diverse clientele and contributing significantly to the region's development projects.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Efficiency and Accuracy: Delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining high accuracy standards.

• Comprehensive Service Offering: Providing a full range of services to give clients better control over their projects.

• Safety Commitment: Ensuring a safe working environment through a dedicated HSE department.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Surveying Services: Including ALTA surveys, TxDOT surveying, residential lots and title surveys, construction staking, boundary research, elevation certificates, and easement preparation.

• Oil & Gas Services: Offering midstream and lateral pipelines (as-builts and stakeouts), facility site surveying, well location RRC permit plats, ROW acquisition mapping, 3-D drawings, and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).

• Green Energy Services: Conducting surveys for solar and wind farms.

• Engineering Services: Providing land development services such as residential and commercial construction plans, feasibility studies, water and wastewater design, hydrology and hydraulics, roadways, and utility coordination.

• Geoscience Services: Including geotechnical engineering, mobile drilling RIC, construction materials testing, field and laboratory testing and analysis, and quality assurance/quality control.

• GIS and Drone Services: Offering asset management, floodplain mapping, pipeline surface ownership mapping, topographic mapping, aerial mapping, and inspection and asset monitoring using small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

Key Technologies Utilized

• Software: Utilizing BlueSky, AutoCAD, and Microstation for surveying and engineering design.

• Geospatial Technologies: Employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for asset management and mapping.

• Drone Technology: Implementing small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for aerial mapping and inspections.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Residential and Commercial Development: Providing surveying and engineering services for construction projects.

• Oil and Gas Industry: Offering specialized surveying and engineering services tailored to the sector.

• Green Energy Sector: Conducting surveys for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind farms.

• Government and Public Sector: Engaging in projects requiring certifications such as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certifications.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding the company's funding history, total funds raised, and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

Information about individual investors or investment firms is not publicly available.

Intended Utilization of Capital

While specific plans for capital utilization are not detailed, the company's focus on efficiency, comprehensive service offerings, and safety suggests investments are likely directed towards technology upgrades, staff training, and expanding service capabilities.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

The company offers a range of services across various sectors, including residential and commercial development, oil and gas, green energy, and government projects. Specific details about ongoing or upcoming projects are not publicly disclosed.

Stages of Development

Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc. operates at all stages of project development, from initial surveying and planning to construction and post-construction services.

Target Conditions

The company serves a diverse clientele, including private developers, government agencies, and energy companies, addressing a wide range of project requirements.

Anticipated Milestones

Specific timelines for project milestones are not publicly available.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The company utilizes advanced surveying and engineering software, including BlueSky, AutoCAD, and Microstation, to deliver precise and efficient services.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Geospatial Analysis: Employing GIS for asset management and mapping.

• Aerial Surveying: Utilizing drone technology for aerial mapping and inspections.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven technologies are not detailed, the company's use of advanced software and geospatial technologies indicates a commitment to integrating innovative solutions into their services.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Roberto P. Martinez, Jr., P.E. – Geoscience Manager and Partner. With over 20 years of experience, Roberto oversees civil design, pavement design, geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, forensic engineering, and foundation designs. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University.

• James Ornelas, RPLS – Surveying Manager and Partner. With over 20 years at Howland, James manages field operations, record research, field measurement for oil and gas well locations, and boundary surveys. He attended San Antonio College, specializing in Civil Engineering Technology.

• Bernal F. Slight, P.E., RPLS – Engineering Manager and Partner. Since 1996, Bernal leads land development, subdivision master planning, hydraulics/hydrology, civil site development, and surveys. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Texas engineering and surveying market is characterized by a diverse range of firms offering specialized services. Companies like Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc. face competition from both large national firms and regional specialists.

Competitor Analysis

• Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.: A national firm offering planning, surveying, engineering, and design consulting services. As of 2025, they have approximately 9,000 employees and revenue of US$2.8 billion.

• Schoel Engineering Company: Based in Birmingham, Alabama, this firm provides consulting civil engineering, hydrologic and environmental consulting, and land surveying services. Founded in 1888, they have over 100 employees.

• Arthur H. Howland & Associates, P.C.: Located in New Milford, Connecticut, this firm offers civil engineering, land surveying, environmental services, and land use planning. Founded in 1955, they have a staff of approximately 15 employees.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Specific details about Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc.'s collaborations and partnerships are not publicly disclosed.

Operational Insights

Howland Engineering and Surveying Co., Inc. differentiates itself through its comprehensive service offerings, commitment to safety, and extensive historical knowledge of the South Texas region. Their in-house HSE department and multi-discipline approach provide clients with better control over their projects.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company has opportunities to expand its services in the green energy