Simplify Solutions—
Passionately Design the Future.

About YOUR ISG

One Firm. Ten Offices. Endless Solutions.

Commitment

True and responsive expertise—these qualities are the foundation on which ISG was built in 1973. Now, we stand as a nationally recognized multi-disciplinary design and engineering firm. Tenacity, empathy, and ingenuity all sum up how we strive to be Your ISG.

Focus

Empathy
We strive to see things from your perspective, and provide expertise and advice to improve your condition.

Relationships
Relationships are at our core. We learn more when we listen, and we deliver better results from those two-way, connected relationships.

True + Responsive Expertise
The original, simple foundation to our success dating back to 1973.

Aspirations
All of us have them, and they can be different, but as a firm, we are the sum of our collective aspirations.

Winning
Winning is the tangible result of being selected, and doing "it" right. Making the basket is where the points are, but doing it repetitively comes from great assist makers. Winning provides inspiration. Inspiration provides results.

Contextual Design
We have developed an ISG process to deliver quality solutions that meet or exceed a client's vision. Context is merely taking in all of the factors beyond four walls - site, community, image, goals, future, connectivity, etc.

Alternative Analysis
Alternative analysis requires one option to always be what the client asks, but two more that may enhance or alter their way of thinking. It's a unique balance between empathy and expertise, driven by context and the client.

Better Decisions, Faster
Develop consensus sooner. Draw a sketch, investigate an idea, and agree before committing big resources on an errant path; we seek to foster a better decisions mentality mindset.

Agility
Yesterday can look like today, and today can look like tomorrow, but when you look over the course of 2-5 years, you recognize quickly that things are dynamic, not static. We are dynamic and come with a drive and willingness to focus on what matters most; listening, building trust, investing, developing, designing, and growing.

Growth
Evolution
  • Founded in 1973, Mankato, MN: Gene Isakson and Ken Surprenant formalized I&S Engineers in Surprenant’s basement.
  • 1973 to 1998: Developed a stable client base to sustain the business.
  • 1999 to 2005: Achieved redundancy in service offerings and added services to satisfy client needs.
  • 2005-2010: Adapted to client-centric strategy to achieve business growth and sustainability.
  • 2011-2018: Shifted from Client-Centric to Market-Centric execution of strategies.
  • 2018: Celebrated 45 years of true expertise and working ingenuity from humble beginnings.
Dynamic Business Model
  • Embraced change from geographic-centric to client-centric models, and shifted to current market-relationship model.
  • Transitioned from single ownership and shareholder model to 100% ESOP.
  • Leveraged a dynamic and diverse Board of Directors for internal and external influence.
  • Utilize a three-dimensional structure that fosters accountability, leadership, and engagement in practice groups, markets, and geographic locations.
  • Operates as a one-firm profit center.
Horsepower
  • Expanded from a humble beginning to more than 300 employee owners.
  • Completed several acquisitions to solidify market expertise, enhance services, and grow geographic-based expertise.
  • Expanded Minnesota geographic office footprint into Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
  • Developed office and market presence in urban core areas to serve clients and recruit talent.
Impact
  • Ranked #292 on Engineering News Record (ENR) 500 list.
  • Received designation on Inc. 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list.
  • Earned Top 10 spots on Zweig Group Hot Firm list.
  • Received PSMJ Circle of Excellence designations.
  • Continue to embrace change and diversity.
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ISG on the Move

To prevent floods, remove nitrate

January 17, 2020 – The largest wetland project undertaken by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship sits east of Storm Lake waiting for spring to come so it can perform its duty. It was built last summer not only to prevent flooding, but to remove nitrate from primarily tile-drained land in five Buena Vista County drainage districts.
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Nationally Recognized Design and Engineering Firm, ISG, Announces CEO and Leadership Adjustments

January 14, 2020 – Building on 2020 goals and market strategy, ISG, a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm, recently formalized a proactive plan with respect to its CEO and firm leadership positions. The firm’s Board of Directors formally approved and appointed Lynn Bruns as CEO, David Doxtad as President, Derek Johnson as Executive Vice President, and Chad Surprenant as Chief Strategy Officer (formerly CEO|President).
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ISG Recognized as Volunteer Company of the Year by VEX Robotics

December 20, 2019 – In recognition of its commitment to supporting the application of emerging technologies, ISG has been named as the Volunteer Company of the Year by VEX Robotics. This annual award is presented to a business or organization that consistently exhibits leadership and personal commitment to the robotics community. The distinction demonstrates the value ISG places on robotics, as the firm continues to support educational and competitive programs in local schools and makes strides to creatively adopt new technologies to the benefit of its clients.
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Green Bay Firm Selected for Design and Construction of Foxconn Place Green Bay

November 25, 2019 – ISG and DeLeers Construction, Inc., together with Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn), today announced that work will begin for the design and construction of Foxconn Place Green Bay’s 4,800 square-foot second floor located at the WaterMark Building in downtown Green Bay. After a stringent review of competitive bid submissions, Foxconn awarded ISG, a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, environmental and planning firm, and DeLeers Construction, Inc., the contracts. Both firms were chosen for their wealth of experience and understanding of the local Green Bay area.
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