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winter 2026 newsletter
2025: A YEAR OF PROGRESS AND OPPORTUNITY - Jeff Hancock, PE, President
As I reflect on 2025, I see it as a year of meaningful evolution for SMH. We didn’t just grow, we strengthened how we work. Through management transitions, strategic technology upgrades, and continued investment in our people, we increased our ability to deliver work more efficiently and with greater consistency for our clients.
What stands out most is the trust we continued to earn. Our clients relied on us for more complex work, tighter schedules, and thoughtful solutions, and our team rose to the occasion. That trust is built on professionalism, accountability, and a shared commitment to doing the job right — every time.
None of this would be possible without our employees. Across all offices and roles, the SMH team embraced change, supported one another, and continued to strengthen our culture while improving how we serve our clients. I am proud of the adaptability, dedication, and teamwork I see every day.
With a strong team and momentum behind us, SMH is ready for the opportunities 2026 will bring.
COMPANY UPDATES
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NEW MANAGEMENT - TECH UPGRADES - EFFICIENCY & PROFITABILITY
Built on the strong foundation established by SMH co-founder Tim Sloan, the survey department transitioned manager responsibilities to Patrick Siebert. This planned leadership shift - paired with strategic technology upgrades that increased accountability - strengthened operations and improved efficiency. The department is now more streamlined, consistent, and profitable as it moves into 2026.
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ENHANCED EFFICIENCY - CLIENT TRUST - BACKLOG REDUCTION
Throughout 2025, the engineering department achieved meaningful growth, with measurable improvements in capability, efficiency, and project backlog, along with continued progress in strengthening client trust. Moving into 2026, the focus is on building on this momentum to deliver even greater value and consistently meet and exceed client expectations.
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STATEWIDE GROWTH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - IMPROVED SYSTEMS
SMH continued expanding its inspection presence across Kansas, supporting high-profile transportation and infrastructure projects while positioning the team for continued growth. Entering 2026, the inspection department is focused on pursuing new opportunities, expanding staff capabilities, earning additional certifications, and improving internal systems.
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230+ KS TRACTS - 9 KS COMMUNITIES - COMPLEX PROJECTS
The Land Acquisition team maintained a high level of activity in 2025, with Land Acquisition Manager Ben Burton supporting nearly 230 tracts across roadway, pedestrian, sewer, and highway improvement projects in nine Kansas communities. This sustained workload reflects the trust clients place in SMH and the team’s ability to manage complex acquisition efforts efficiently and effectively.
Our team successfully delivered a wide range of projects that reflect our commitment to quality, collaboration, and community impact. As we move into 2026, we are advancing several ongoing projects while preparing to launch new and exciting work across our service areas. This strong momentum positions us for another year of growth, innovation, and continued partnerships with the clients and communities we serve.
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SMH surveyed and designed a KDOT-funded HRRR project, featuring roadway widening, culvert extensions, ditch regrading, and an improved intersection for safer highway access. Construction was complete in Fall 2025.
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The first phase of construction for this multi-use development is complete. SMH provided engineering design services and recently celebrated a ribbon cutting with Tri-Lakes Chamber.
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Our inspection team assisted KDOT with two resurfacing projects along the I-670 and I-70 corridor in summer 2025, stretching a total of nearly 4 miles.
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SMH delivered inspection services for a latex-modified concrete bridge deck overlay, supporting durability, quality workmanship, and safe work-zone operations.
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We are proud to have provided civil and surveying services to support the Flint Hills Community Accelerator, helping connect childcare, employment, education, and healthcare for lasting community impact.
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Our engineering and surveying team helped develop the new community aquatic center just in time for the 2025 summer season.
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SMH helped complete the Comanche Street Widening Project, expanding it from a two-lane roadway to two through lanes with a dedicated turn lane.
2026 upcoming & ongoing PROJECTS
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SMH is working with the City and KDOT to design the Comanche Bike/Pedestrian Trails. SMH has developed a comprehensive plan with safe street crossings, drainage designs, and ROW and sidewalk easements, and will assist the City with full-time construction inspection when construction begins Spring 2026.
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SMH has provided master planning, surveying, and civil design services for multiple subdivisions throughout the KC metro.
Dwyer Farms is wrapping up permitting documents for phase III and construction will start early 2026.
Lone Star Prairie – Phase I: Phase I construction was completed in 2025, delivering a total of 66 lots. Vertical construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Stone Creek Subdivision: The final phase was designed and constructed in 2025, delivering 146 lots. The subdivision will reach full build-out by the end of 2026.
Avondale Meadows Subdivision: SMH provided design services for phases II and III. Phase II is currently under construction with completion scheduled Spring 2026. Design for Phase III is underway with construction anticipated to begin in Spring 2026. Through these two phases, SMH is helping deliver an additional 217 lots in Spring Hill, KS
Monroe Manor: Design began in early 2025, allowing construction to break ground by the end of the year. Phase I construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2026, and phase II will follow with design anticipated to begin in 2026.
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Exciting progress continues at Sacred Heart in Dodge City as the new Catholic school takes shape. With walls rising, SMH Consultants is proud to support this project through civil engineering and land surveying services, helping create a modern space for students to learn and thrive.
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Engineering design will start soon for a 6-unit townhome complex.
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SMH will provide design assistance to remove and replace an existing basketball court and playground at the Rockrimmon Elementary School.
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SMH will provide inspection services for a multi-segment fiber infrastructure installation project along the US 69 corridor from the KC metro to the Oklahoma State line.
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Construction for phase II will begin this spring. Improvements include the addition of the influent grinder, mechanical screen and compactor, new aerations system in aeration basin, motor control center replacement, and new standby generator.
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The City of Hoyt is investing in pedestrian safety and accessibility through sidewalk improvements along two of the community’s primary corridors, providing critical connections between the school, downtown district, parks, and neighborhoods. Along with project design, SMH will assist with the project’s scheduled Spring 2026 letting and provide bidding support and construction inspection services throughout construction
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SMH was recently selected to provide engineering and surveying for a 1.5-mile roadway safety and storm drainage improvement project. This project will replace an existing box culvert, along with required flood plain analysis and permitting in coordination with state and federal agencies.
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Construction is almost complete for the utility improvement project that replaced existing waterlines due to failing couplings, thrust blocks, and numerous breaks and leaks.
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Design for the facility drainage improvements was complete, and construction is underway.
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Construction is nearing completion for new 12-unit, luxury condo building in the heart of downtown Manhattan.
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Campers of St. George and surrounding areas will soon have an expanded RV park to enjoy. Our team is currently providing grading, water, and sanitary sewer design towards the project.
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SMH is providing survey, engineering, and inspection services for the replacement of a boat ramp at Pomona State Park.
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Construction is set to begin soon in Spring 2026 for the lagoon improvements.
michael’s LATEST FAVORITES:
Favorite Podcast: Not a podcaster…send me your recommendations!
Favorite Music: Texas Country
Favorite Food: BBQ and Enchiladas
Favorite TV Show: Whatever is interesting at the time!
When did you start at SMH, and what initially drew you to the firm? I joined SMH in October 2013 due to my fiancé taking a job at K-State. Through a great relationship at the engineering college with Dr. Bobb Stokes, I was able to connect with local engineering firms to interview for a position. SMH was where I was meant to be.
How would you describe working at SMH in one word? Enjoyable - I enjoy the challenges in the work I do and the people I work with and for.
What do you think sets SMH apart from other firms? They are good people who understand the balance of life outside of work (and have been through it). I would say I’m a prime example of this as well. My wife and I relocated back to Texas, and I was given the opportunity to continue working with SMH. I adhere well to the normal business hours, but am able to handle unexpected events, such as a sick kid, delayed school hours, and other things that you really can’t plan for.
What is one thing you appreciate most about your coworkers and/or leadership? Same as above. SMH is a bunch of normal people who are all kind of following similar paths. Leadership understands where we are and is flexible as long as we don’t veer too far off.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting in this industry? Every detail matters, even the littlest ones.
What is one thing you’ve learned at SMH that has stuck with you for over 10 years? There is always more than one way to get things done!
What has been your favorite project to work on? I don’t have a specific favorite project. Any project that I get to learn something new is my favorite! Civil engineering is a vast field where you get to learn and do many disciplines.
What do you do in your free time? In this phase of life with kids, there isn’t a whole lot of free time. But in the rare event that I do, I like to go golfing, work on cars, or anything at the lake.
If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be doing instead? Either a project manager with a construction company or something related to motorsport/drag racing if life went a different way. If I had the time and money, I would build race/drag cars.
What is your favorite pick-me-up drink? Coffee or energy drink? I drink coffee, but don’t like it and don’t like paying for energy drinks.
2025 at SMH was all about growing, learning, and having fun together. From hands-on experience and professional growth to volunteering and team outings, we made time to connect, give back, and enjoy being part of a team where great work—and great memories—happen every day.
SUPPORT
SMH remains committed to supporting the communities we serve beyond our project work. Our team invests time, resources, and expertise through local involvement, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts. By giving back where we live and work, we help strengthen the communities that support lasting projects and partnerships.
Harvesters Volunteering
Rural Riley County Community Foundation
Greater Manhattan Community Foundation
Run for the Roses
HBA Cares
KSPE
ElevateEdgerton!
Engineer’s Foundation of Kansas
Flint Hills Volunteer Center
Royal Family Kids Camp
Wamego Fireworks
INTERNS
This past summer, SMH welcomed a great group of interns who jumped into real-world engineering, surveying, and inspection work to gain hands-on experience.
We’re excited to have Sean Slattery continue his internship while attending K-State and to welcome Bradley Schluben full-time this summer following his May graduation.
“The one thing that keeps me coming back to the company is the people. They are always so willing to help and make it easy for me to ask them questions and learn from their experiences.” - Sean Slattery
“Being a part of SMH last summer has been a fantastic opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects with experienced engineers who want me to succeed!” - Bradley Schluben
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT / ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2025, our team showed a strong commitment to growth through ongoing professional development and key achievements. Team members participated in trainings, conferences, and leadership programs while earning certifications and industry recognition. These accomplishments reflect the talent and dedication of our people and our commitment to building a knowledgeable, forward-thinking team.
Courtney Swanson - 2025 Leadership Manhattan Class
Cassie Hatfield, PE - ACEC Emerging Leadership Program
Caleb Williams - KSLS Scholarship
Patrick Siebert, PLS - Colorado Surveying License
Salina Seminar Series Conference
Ed Willis graduated from JCCC
Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors Conference
National ACEC Board Meeting
Mark Meier - 30 years at SMH
Rinker Materials Tour
EVENTS & FUN
We embraced a true work hard, play harder mindset in 2025. From team outings and office celebrations to community events and friendly competitions, we made time to connect, have fun, and celebrate our people. These moments strengthen our culture, build lasting relationships, and remind us that great work is even better when you enjoy the team you do it with.
Interested in joining our fun and dedicated crew? Check out the job opportunities in the careers page!
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