As 2025 comes to a close, Sunrise Engineering and Utah Testing are taking a moment to reflect on a year that brought meaningful progress, new achievements, and the continued dedication of our employees. This year reminded us of the strength of our culture, the value of our teamwork, and the impact we make across the communities we serve.
Sunrise360 Progress
On January 1st, we launched Sunrise360. Transitioning to this system came with real challenges, especially related to financial tracking and project management. Thanks to the persistence and teamwork of our staff, the system is now providing the reporting, forecasting, and performance visibility needed to support our long-term success. Sunrise360 allows us to see current results, analyze historical performance, and plan for the future with greater clarity. Enhancements have already been identified and will continue to roll out. We appreciate everyone’s patience and hard work in adopting and improving the system.
State of the Company Address
In February, we conducted our first-ever State of the Company Address. CEO Greg Potter, PE, shared reflections on our accomplishments in 2024 and outlined an exciting vision for 2025 and the years ahead. His message centered on strong leadership, the momentum we continue to build, and the bright future made possible by the work of our employees. It set an optimistic tone for the year and reinforced our commitment to growth, innovation, and meaningful service.
Ranking Arizona Recognition
This year marked another proud milestone. Sunrise Engineering was again named Arizona’s number one Civil Engineering Firm and number one Water Supply Engineering Firm in the 2024 Ranking Arizona awards. This recognition represents five consecutive years at the top for civil engineering and two consecutive years for water supply engineering. These achievements reflect the trust placed in us by clients, partners, and community members throughout Arizona. They also speak to the skill and dedication of our employees, whose work continues to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life.
ENR Top Design Firm Rankings
Our company also advanced in the Engineering News-Record rankings. Sunrise Engineering ranked number 302 on the ENR Top Five Hundred Design Firms list, improving from number 328 the previous year. We also ranked number 17 on the ENR Mountain States and Southwest Top Design Firms list. With another strong revenue year, we expect these gains to continue.
Month of Service
This year’s Month of Service demonstrated the spirit of compassion that defines our company. Employees across all regions volunteered a combined total of 743.5 hours, the equivalent of an entire month of service. The Fillmore office contributed the most hours, with additional strong participation from Star Valley, Vernal, Mesa, St. George, Cedar City, and others. Employees served individually, with families, and in teams, supporting a wide range of community needs. The results were impressive, but the heart behind the service was what truly stood out. Through every project and every hour volunteered, our employees showed kindness, teamwork, and pride in the communities where we work and live.
Phoenix Office Turkey Drive
Our Phoenix Mesa office once again participated in the annual Turkey Tuesday event and donated fifty turkeys. The community goal this year was 2,000 turkeys and $20,000 in donations. Over many years, the City of Mesa has contributed an estimated 20,000 turkeys and $200,000 in support. Event sponsors also matched up to $75,000 in donations this year. We are proud to be part of an effort that helps families enjoy a warm holiday meal.
Sunrise University Growth
Sunrise University continued to expand in 2025. We graduated both a Spring and Fall Business of Consulting class, and the program continues to grow as an important professional development resource. This year also included our first technical session presentation. The session focused on alternative delivery methods and took place on September 24th. More than 50 additional courses are in development for 2026, with many scheduled to begin early in the year. We also plan to launch quarterly leadership training next year to further strengthen leadership development across the company.
Employee Insurance Wins
For the sixth consecutive year, Sunrise Engineering and Utah Testing maintained insurance premium increases at only 3%. This accomplishment is significant in today’s healthcare market. A major factor comes from employees making smart choices about their care. Preventative visits, using in-network providers, choosing urgent care over the emergency room when appropriate, and selecting generic prescriptions all help keep costs manageable. These habits directly support our ability to maintain stable premiums.
Our HR team also played a key role in this success. Sunrise and Utah Testing operate under a self-insured model, which allows the company to pay claims directly and maintain greater control over long-term costs. HR also joined a pharmacy cooperative that offers quarterly rebates, which help offset premium increases. Compared to many organizations in the AEC industry, this level of stability is a meaningful benefit to our employees and their families.
Remembering Dale Evans
This year, we experienced a profound loss with the passing of our coworker and friend, Dale Evans, who died in a tragic vehicle accident on February 20th while traveling to a jobsite. Dale was a valued member of our Natural Gas Inspection Services group and was known for his kindness, professionalism, and genuine care for the people he worked with.
Dale brought a lifetime of experience and a strong work ethic to every project. Before finding his calling in pipeline inspection, he worked in the car industry and later as an insurance adjuster, gaining skills that carried with him throughout his career. His work allowed him to travel the country, build lasting friendships, and make a positive impression everywhere he went. He was known for his southern charm, respectful manner, and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.
Dale is survived by his wife, Jane Nielson, his children and stepchildren, and his grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. He often spoke about his family with pride. He will also be remembered for his early years growing up in Alabama, for his love of cars, and for memories spent fishing and shrimping with his Uncle Sonny. Dale touched many lives both inside and outside the company, and his loss is felt deeply across Sunrise Engineering and Utah Testing.
We are grateful for the time he spent with our team and for the example he set through his kindness and his dedication. He will be greatly missed.
Looking Ahead
This year brought significant achievements and meaningful challenges. Through it all, our employees showed resilience, professionalism, and care for both clients and communities. As we move into 2026, we do so with gratitude for the work completed and with optimism for the year ahead.
Thank you to every member of Sunrise Engineering and Utah Testing for helping make 2025 a year to remember.