Three faces of USKH: they are an award-winning, full-service design firm that is run on good business practices but governed by simple family values.

• Author: Martin, Gary L.
• Position: Quality work and dependability

To the construction industry, USKH stands for quality work and dependability; to its work force, USKH stands for a company devoted to its employees; and to the community, USKH stands for a corporation with a conscience.

Gordon Unwin founded his one-man, Anchorage-based civil engineering firm in 1972. Since then it has grown to 160 employees with additional offices in Fairbanks, Wasilla and Juneau as well as in two other states (Washington State and Idaho). Since its early years, the firm has evolved into a service-oriented company, working for public and private companies and specializing in architecture, engineering, planning and land surveying.

VALUE OF WORK FORCE

Just as the firm has always relied on sound business practices, USKH also has emphasized the value of its work force. "We consider our people highly valued assets," said Leo von Scheben, chairman and chief executive officer. "Since they have feet and can walk out of here any time they want, we do our best to keep them and make them happy."

Von Scheben became a partner and co-founder in 1973. He carries on the philosophy of management following the death of Unwin in 1986 from a helicopter crash.

SUPPORTS EDUCATION

Education is one thing he feels is a good investment for the company; he supports both in-house and external programs. One of the most effective in-house programs is called USKH Academy.

This is where a subject-matter expert, either a staff or someone from outside the company, provides specialized training; it could be on anything from new computer programs to highly technical instruction for engineers or architects.

Cindi Pannone, who has been with USKH for nine years, changed career paths through both the academy and external training, also paid for by the company. She started off in Juneau, working in administration. She became interested in drafting and has since become a CADD (computer-aided drafting or design) technician in the transportation department and now works in Anchorage.

"USKH recognizes their employees in multiple ways and at multiple levels," said Pannone. "What that means is people from all levels of employment here can receive a number of awards, not just the upper levels or those people in management.

"Another thing about this company is its flexibility and overall support," Pannone added. "I'm a mother with two teenage boys and prefer to not work a full 40-hour week. The company supports that and allows me the option of working only 30 hours a week...