Terry Greene, executive vice president of The Hagerman Group, has received the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Trade Association Professionals, an organization that provides a forum to keep professionals informed on issues in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. The award was presented on Jan. 31 at the event, “What’s on TAP,” held at the Indiana Landmarks Center.
From a young age, Terry Greene dreamed of designing suspension bridges. To pursue his childhood goal, he obtained a master’s degree in civil engineering. However, it wasn’t long before Terry learned that there weren’t a lot of suspension bridges to be built! Instead, he interned with an agriculture company, gaining experience on a construction site before being hired as their structural engineer. Five days into Terry’s new role, the project’s contractor called and persuaded Terry to join the firm. Ever since, Terry has loved construction and the sense of accomplishment it provides. He says he enjoys construction because “whether you’re a designer or a constructor, you’re making a lasting contribution to society.”
For 44 years, Terry has made a lasting impact on several industry and community associations, as well, including the Indiana Construction Roundtable. Terry helped launch the Industry Outreach Committee as well as the organization’s first annual conference. He went on to co-chair the event in its third year, drawing a record number of sponsorships and attendance. In addition to working on the Industry Outreach Committee, Terry served as a mentor to diverse business enterprises. As a mentor, he held monthly meetings with the protégé firm to help develop best practices and grow their capacity.
“Throughout our organization’s existence, Terry has been a strong advocate for our organization and the industry at large,” said Chris Price, president, Indiana Construction Roundtable. “His thoughtfulness, strategic thinking, passion and follow through have been instrumental to our organizational growth. The impact and legacy of Terry’s hard work and leadership will remain for many years to come.”
Today, as executive vice president of The Hagerman Group, Terry’s childhood dream has come to life in a different way as he builds bridges within the A/E/C industry. His combination of exemplary leadership and exceptional dedication has escalated Terry as a trusted resource in the construction community.
Terry joined Hagerman in 1998 when Hagerman acquired Geupel DeMars, serving as a trusted advisor who helped the merger process run smoothly. After serving as president of both Geupel DeMars Hagerman and Hagerman, Inc., Terry became responsible for business development, marketing and corporate development at The Hagerman Group, applying his comprehensive understanding of construction. Terry’s combination of client focus and risk tolerance makes him a valuable part of the leadership team and central to Hagerman’s business strategies. In 2008, when Hagerman revamped their mission, vision and values, Terry’s insight was integral to the process.
“If anyone is deserving of this prestigious honor, it would be Terry Greene,” said Jeff Hagerman, chairman of The Hagerman Group. “He has committed his life to improve the lives of others, both professionally and personally. Our corporate vision is ‘Building a Better Future,’ and that phrase embodies all that Terry promotes and endures. He has been building a better future for almost five decades for our company, our industry, our state, our peers, and his family. We are extremely thankful to have him as part of our family.”
An inspiring and engaging storyteller committed to mentoring, Terry meets with every new Hagerman employee. Always the first to volunteer on projects, Terry has developed a plan for semi-retirement but has had a tough time adhering to it! When he does retire, his enthusiasm and work ethic will leave a void, but his impact will carry on.
“As one of my mentors, Terry took the time to listen to my concerns and objectively give me guidance and feedback when it was needed,” said Molly Burns, who worked with Terry for 12 years and is now business development manager at F.A. Wilhelm Construction. “Constructive feedback is important to growth; Terry always found a way to give me feedback that I needed and help me grow professionally.”
“Terry is great at making personal connections and developing relationships with clients,” said Lisa Gomperts, FAIA, LEED AP, project manager and principal at Schmidt Associates. “He instills a sense of confidence and approaches projects strategically to help owners make informed decisions. In addition, Terry develops strong working relationships with design professionals and contractors, creating partnerships that lead to successful projects.”
“When I think of Terry Greene, I think of words like: Connector, Helper, Knowledgeable, and most importantly, a Friend to all,” said Debra Kunce, FAIA, managing principal at CORE Planning Strategies. “Of course, Terry Greene knows construction, but that’s only the foundational layer of Terry. It’s all of his other qualities that make Terry the best candidate for Lifetime Achievement.”
