When the high school student, Rick Conter, was hired in 1971 to the small indianapolis consulting engineering company that would become the north -American structure, had no idea that it was the beginning of a professional journey that would take him from the writing table of an engineering assistant to the CEO office and to give -the opportunity to help build a multidisciplinary design company with more and more project design company beyond.
Everything he cared for at that time, recalls Conter, was that he was “employee no. 12”, doing a job that he really found fascinating. The credit for his vocation goes to his father, an Indianapolis businessman who understood that his son would probably not follow his footsteps, according to the CEO.
“I was more interested in shaking and doing things in the basement than learning about his world,” says Conter. “I was headed to Jim Wurster, who had co-founded American consulting engineers a few years earlier. They did architecture, engineering-civil engineering and polls for the city, the Indiana Department of Transportation and several local developers.”
American Structurepoint designed his first roundabout on 126 and Hazel Dell Parkway in 1997 in Carmel, Ind.
Photo courtesy of American Structurepoint
When Conter obtained his degree in Civil Engineering at Purdue University in 1976, he worked on all types of project that came to the company’s manner, gaining a valuable experience that would provide a constantly expanding foundation for more complex and difficult tasks.
“For me, our company was a place of endless opportunity,” he recalls. “I always felt welcome to pursue my dreams and that my ideas were valued.”
As the years passed, Conter assumed the leadership responsibilities as project manager and executive. Four years after becoming a member of the company in 1987, he was appointed president and operational director.
Since then, Conter has shown that some of his father’s commercial genes may have inherited to his head. The company, renamed the American Structurepoint in 2006 to reflect its wider approach, has evolved from a company of 50 people focused on Indiana with $ 3 million of annual income with one with a staff of more than 700 in 11 disciplines with 17 offices and design centers in seven states, including Florida and Texas. Reporting of the revenue of 2023 of more than $ 163 million, the firm was classified in the number 156 on the list of 500 main design companies of 500 Enr. It is also regularly among the main providers of transport and manufacturing services in the country.
Under Concer’s leadership, American Structurepoint has participated in a series of high-profile projects, including the Super 70 $ 175 million reconstruction program in Indianapolis, a detailed design of the $ 100 million dollars approach from Ohio River Bridges East End and the $ 8 billion segment of the I-66 Express Lanes Lanes in Virginia. This last effort is especially close to the heart of Conter, as the complex exchange designed by the American structure with the I-495 capital Beltway was the cover photo of the History of the ENR 2022 of the project.
Conter has also guided the success of the American Structure structure in the new service areas, with initiatives that include establishing a service research group and providing information, marketing and communications technology services to customers. A new phase of his career began in 2024 when, along with other executive changes, Conter took the role of the CEO, with the 27 -year -old veteran, Cash Canfield, assuming the role of president.
American Structurepoint created an innovative solution to convert a state road, Keystone Parkway, into a four -lane motorway in Carmel.
Photo courtesy of American Structurepoint
A life of listening and learning
Conter says that, regardless of size and complexity, each American Structurepoint project receives the same attention to details. Perhaps the best illustration of this principle took place in 1997 when the newly elected Indian of the Indeal, Jim Brainard, hired the firm to design roundabouts to replace two signposted intersections at the Hazel Dell Parkway.
The fact that American Structurepoint had never designed a roundabout and the absence of national standards for these intersections at that time, made no difference for Conter.
“I always felt welcome to pursue my dreams and know that my ideas were valued.”
—ICK CONNER, CEO, American Structurepoint
“I returned to the office and told the team that our client is passionate about, so we consider it,” he recalls.
American Structurepoint has designed dozens of more than 150 Carmel roundabouts, more than any other city in the United States, including six -kilometers separated during the four -mile Keystone Parkway runner, one of which was adapted from a two Brainard bridge design as it was seen abroad. Using a design of “double fat” in a single structure, the crossing required less soil than more conventional designs, with the added benefits of improved safety and lower construction costs.
“Rick saw an idea and improved it, which is the sign of a good engineer,” says Bretad, who recently abandoned Carmel mayor. “He and his company always learned from the latest project on how to improve the following.”
Bretad adds that CONNER communication skills complement its technical performance, especially when a project is with public scrutiny and other challenges.
“If there is a problem or costs, it is not hidden,” says Brainard. “He approaches him and is very clear about his reasons and solutions. This is something that public officials and the audience really appreciate.”
Conner mentor students of the organization Dream Alive, a non -profit based in Indianapolis who serves urban young people in risk communities.
Photo courtesy of American Structurepoint
Noblesville, ind., Mayor Chris Jensen also praises Conter for his intention “to go in, roll up the sleeves and understand the complexities of the main infrastructure projects”, adding that connecting team teams reflect their leadership. “Enter the fire.”
Jensen points out the role of Structure American as a lead designer responsible for managing the planning and design of a multifaceted infrastructure program called Reimagine Pleasant Street. It was proposed for more than 40 years, the effort of $ 125 million to improve mobility along the corridor 2.5 miles from the east-west required to reconcile a series of complexities, ranging from incorporating a new infrastructure into a historic district to the construction of a new bridge through the White River. The first phase of the program was completed after two years of construction at the end of 2024, and the remaining two phases were completed by 2025.
Jensen says it was critical that the American Structurepoint project team understood community feelings and feelings associated with the proposed improvements. Having Concer and his wife, Penny, as noble residents, was a good start.
“Without him, I think this project would have been more complex,” says Jensen. “Most days, you would never know that he is the president. He is there with you, asking good questions. “”
Conter talks to the employees of the Annual Company’s Annual Session of the American Strucuturpoint.
Photo courtesy of American Structurepoint
Growing the correct way
Conter is proud of the fact that the sustained growth of the American structure has not reached the acquisition, but through organic hiring and strict adherence to the basic values of “respect, results, development and family”.
“As you grow old, you realize that it was what made everything really when we were really young,” he says. “There is no reason why, even to our size, you can’t hug them yet. That’s why I want my legacy to ensure that our company provides each staff member the same endless opportunities I have received.”
“Rick saw an idea and improved it, which is the sign of a good engineer.”
—Jim Brainard, former mayor of Carmel, Ind.
Conter emphasizes that when it comes to hiring, American Structurepoint has prioritized “heart” on technical skills. He says that he survives the latter, risks adding people who may not encounter the company’s culture.
“It’s like going to the grocery store hungry,” he says. “It doesn’t work.”
In order to ensure that American Structurepoint maintains its values based on the future, the firm recently launched an internal leadership academy that prepares younger employees for future roles as company leaders. Conter points out that many program teachers are employees of the American structure who add a valuable perspective to both everyday issues and broader considerations.
Conter undertakes to grow the design profession outside of your company. Its many activities include the tutoring that young people enrolled in Dream Alive, a non-profit based on Indianapolis who help urban students at risk of degrees 7-12 to discover career and education opportunities. Conter is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering of the Purdue University, joining other leaders in the industry to stay connected with young people who enter the engineering sector while offering advice on the needs of the curriculum and industry.
Conter is especially intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence, which he thinks will be the next change in industry games. Structure American architects and engineers have already put the AI to work on the development of designs, according to the forecast that technology will allow design professionals to assume a decision -making role, “providing information and ideas that they can then use to choose the best customer options.”
American Structurepoint was the main designer of segment 3 of the Transform 66 outside the Beltway project in the north of Virginia.
Photo courtesy of American Structurepoint
While his official role in American Structurepoint has changed, Conter hopes to keep himself closely in the company and his work for the predictable future.
“I like to develop strategies to keep our company growing healthy that it not only produces growth, but also improves stability,” he says. “I keep me young!”
Speaking of youth, Conter never tire of the tour of the numerous projects in the Indianapolis area with their eight “best friends”: these grandchildren, some of which already show signs of “cable” in the same way as their grandfather.
Asked why I would like to tell that young “employee no. 12” if he was given the opportunity, Conter would advise him to get up and enjoy the promenade.
“I would [say] That this will be a very shocking and rewarding journey, “says Conter.” What other industry allows you to improve the quality of life of people and communities and help to create an environment where people are motivated to do great things? This is the funniest profession. “
