Company founder Robert W. Beck was already a major figure in the development of the nation’s publicly owned utilities when he founded the firm in 1942. From the firm’s humble beginnings in Columbus, Nebraska, R. W. Beck quickly earned the respect of the market — and competitors — for possessing unparalleled problem solving abilities for public utilities. In 1954, the firm became a partnership, R. W. Beck & Associates, and began diversifying into new markets when it branched into hydroelectric projects, electrical design and construction management.

This strategy of expansion through entry into adjacent markets continued as the firm added water and wastewater management, and solid waste management to the service offerings through the next several decades. Some of our most significant work has been in support of the financial markets, where we provide independent project reviews to help investors better understand how they can minimize exposure to risk. The dexterity necessary to navigate in these new markets — expanding the core skill set while serving a broad client base — is an R. W. Beck hallmark to this day. In 1995, the firm incorporated, becoming R. W. Beck, Inc., a privately held corporation and provided a basis for continued market and geographic expansion.