Building a Legacy

By Liisa Andreassen 

A Track Record That Speaks for Itself 

In the AEC industry, individual recognition matters. But when one firm consistently produces Rising Stars year after year, it points to something much bigger than individual achievement. 

Since Zweig Group’s Rising Stars program launched in 2020, Galloway has emerged as one of the most decorated firms in the country, tied for the highest number of winners in the program’s history. From 2022 through 2025, seven employees have earned the distinction: Blake Olson, Kyle Pollock, Lisa Metzger, and Aaron Johnston, Jessica Greenough, Kristen Judish, and most recently, Nico Redfern. 

That kind of consistency isn’t luck. It’s intentional. 

A Culture Built to Develop Leaders 

Firms don’t produce a steady pipeline of Rising Stars by accident. At Galloway, the foundation is a deliberate, values-driven culture focused on developing well-rounded leaders. 

“Galloway most attributes this consistency in Rising Star winners to a deliberate, values-driven culture that develops well-rounded leaders who take ownership, invest in people, and create impact beyond their role,” said Krissa Szmyd, Director of Communications and Marketing for Galloway.  

Those values – people, community, integrity, hard work  and entrepreneurial spirit – aren’t just words. They show up in how employees lead projects, mentor colleagues and contribute to the company’s long-term success. 

Rising Stars at Galloway don’t just excel technically. They step into leadership early, manage client relationships, lead internal initiatives and contribute to programs that strengthen the firm from diversity efforts to process improvements and retention strategies. 

“They go beyond their core roles,” Szmyd added. “They contribute to initiatives that strengthen the company while also supporting the growth of others through mentorship, team leadership and companywide programs.” 

Infrastructure That Drives Results 

Galloway’s success is reinforced by tangible programs designed to cultivate leadership at every level. 

These include a formal mentorship program, a Diversity Committee focused on broadening the talent pipeline, and an Associate Program that brings high-performing employees into strategic conversations and provides a pathway toward ownership. 

Recognition is also embedded into the culture. 

“Rising Stars at Galloway are recognized through a combination of formal acknowledgment, peer-driven recognition, and long-term leadership investment,” said Szmyd. 

Winners are celebrated in companywide meetings and internal communications, while peer recognition programs highlight everyday contributions that embody the firm’s values. Externally, Rising Stars are featured across marketing channels and on the company’s website. 

But perhaps the most meaningful recognition is long-term investment. Many Rising Stars are invited into the Associate Program, where they receive additional mentorship, leadership development, and a financial pathway toward partnership. 

Meet the 2025 Winner: Nico Redfern 

The latest to carry the legacy forward is Nico Redfern, a mechanical project manager based in Galloway’s Northern Colorado office and a member of the 2025 Rising Stars class. 

Redfern joined Galloway in 2019 as a mechanical design engineer and quickly distinguished himself through his technical expertise in designing and integrating MEP systems. By 2022, he was promoted to project manager, leading members of the mechanical engineering team. 

But his impact extends well beyond technical performance. 

“Nico brings so much to our mechanical engineering team, the company culture, and the communities in which he lives and works,” said Alicia Thorpe, MEP engineering team manager and Galloway principal. “It’s not just his professional accomplishments but also his commitment to always do right by people that personifies the type of workplace Galloway strives to provide.” 

A Fast-Tracked Leader 

Redfern’s trajectory reflects Galloway’s philosophy of identifying and empowering talent early. 

In 2023, just four years after joining the firm, he was invited into the Associate Program. By 2025, he had advanced to Senior Associate – recognition of both his technical contributions and his growing influence within the company. 

He has also taken ownership of his professional development, earning his Associate Commissioning Professional (ACP) certification and expanding into commissioning work for federal and municipal facilities. Currently, he leads commissioning efforts for a municipal vehicle maintenance facility. 

At the same time, Redfern is contributing to innovation within the firm, participating in a pilot program aimed at automating specification writing to improve consistency and efficiency. 

Leadership Beyond the Office 

Like many of Galloway’s Rising Stars, Redfern’s leadership extends into the community. 

He has spent four years working with his local Boys and Girls Club, organizing STEM workshops and mentoring students. He also volunteers with Serve 6.8, supports the Daniels Fund, and participates in food bank efforts and veterans’ events. 

Inside the firm, he plays an active role in the Galloway People of Color network, mentorship programs, and the Diversity Committee – helping build a more inclusive and supportive workplace. 

This balance of technical excellence, leadership and service is a defining trait among Galloway’s Rising Stars. 

A Cycle of Mentorship and Growth 

One of the most powerful aspects of Galloway’s culture is its self-sustaining nature. 

“Yes, former Rising Stars at Galloway often serve as mentors for future Rising Stars,” said Szmyd. “They model the behaviors and capabilities that define the program, helping develop the next generation of leaders.” 

From formal mentorship programs to day-to-day guidance, past winners actively invest in developing others – ensuring that knowledge, leadership skills, and company values are continuously passed on. 

Why Recognition Matters 

For Galloway, participating in the Rising Stars program is about more than internal pride. 

“Being part of the Rising Star nominations and awards is important because it provides a meaningful opportunity to recognize and elevate the next generation of leaders within the AEC industry,” Szmyd said. 

The program offers a platform to highlight the impact these professionals are making – not just within their firm, but across projects, client relationships and the built environment as a whole. 

That’s why Galloway remains committed to the program and is already preparing nominations for 2026. 

The Legacy Continues 

Seven Rising Stars in four years is impressive. But the real story is what’s behind the numbers: a firm that has built an environment where talent is expected, supported and given room to grow. 

Nico Redfern is the latest example: a technically strong engineer, a thoughtful leader and a committed community member. 

And if Galloway’s track record is any indication, he won’t be the last. 

source https://zweiglist.com/building-a-legacy/