About Us | HVJ Associates

It is hard to compare HVJ to other subs, they just "get it" they know what you need
HVJ is very reliable; they are professional in the services they provide
They've been cooperative in working with the system to get our projects moved forward.
Their understanding of the technical side is valuable. I'm not a geotech engineer and I need them to really know their stuff—they do.
Their services are excellent. They're not just responsive. They are reachable and available. They find a way to get someone out to the job and help out if needed.
HVJ does a really good job of producing a service that in return reduces our risk back to our client, which is the ecstasy of the team.

Much of HVJ's work is repeat business with long-term clients. Our accomplishments are a direct result of the individual effort and dedication of each HVJ employee and their commitment to the high standards and ideals set by HVJ's Management Team. The keystone of our business is the relationship we establish with each client that translates to a commitment to meet each client's unique needs on their project. Our entire team is trained to listen, take ownership, keep commitments, and stay in touch. Our difference is the unrelenting focus on the improving the ability to interact effectively, which is what makes a difference.

Company Profile

Herbert V. Johnson, PE, established the firm in 1985. We have become one of the largest specialty, minority-owned engineering companies in Texas. We have broadened our service lines by consistently listening to our clients' needs and in response, building our technical capabilities and expertise, providing intelligent analysis of projects and always providing value-added service. We are now recognized as a leader in our fields of expertise and for our knowledge of Texas soil, pavement, and construction conditions.

HVJ Associates provides quality, cost-effective specialty services for many of the landmark projects throughout Texas. We are proud to have participated in many projects that received the Consulting Engineers Council of Texas (CEC-Texas) Engineering Excellence Awards.

To meet our firm's goals of providing superior services for our clients as well as creating opportunities for broadened firm ownership, HVJ Associates, Inc. has created a franchise business structure. We have taken this initiative as it allows us to expand our reach while preserving the firm's characteristics that our clients value. The business structure provides for local ownership, closer to the clients and communities that the business serves. The franchise component provides a cohesive system following our proven, successful business model and practices. Our franchise offices are created from our former offices, with the personnel, project experience, and equipment from those offices. The franchisee companies have been formed by trusted former employees of the firm.

HVJ Associates^® corporate owned and franchisee owned offices are all certified minority-owned businesses.

Herb Johnson

President

Herb Johnson is President and founder of HVJ Associates, Inc. He has responsibility for corporate vision, strategy, development of company culture, executive team leadership, and capital allocation. He is an accomplished executive and business leader, and leads a team of executives managing engineers, scientists and support staff delivering quality engineering services throughout Texas, serving state governmental and local agencies, and the private sector.

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Mike Hasen

Executive Vice President

Mr. Hasen’s career encompasses a period of over 30 years of diverse geotechnical, construction, and environmental engineering experience. He joined HVJ Associates in 1992 and currently serves as Technical Leader for the firm. In addition to technical leadership Mr. Hasen’s responsibilities include development and implementation of new initiatives related to our revolutionary and unique franchise business model.

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Hossam Esmail-1

Hossam Esmail

Senior Vice President of Operations

Mr. Esmail joined HVJ in 2000, and provides overall leadership for Professional Services and Pavement Engineering. He is a successful Chief Operations Officer with extensive experience in Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing, and Business Development.

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Didi Ndando

Vice President, Finance and Administration

Ms. Didi Ndando leads the accounting, financial, talent management, and administrative services of the firm. She joined HVJ in 1992 as a staff engineer, but over the years she experienced a growing interest and aptitude in management and leadership as she moved on to project and department management.

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What does HVJ Associates® do?

We provide engineering services on public sector projects (state agencies, counties, municipalities, etc.) either directly to owner agencies or working with private firms. Our practice areas are geotechnical engineering, construction materials engineering and testing, civil engineering, pavement engineering, and environmental engineering.

Where does HVJ Associates® work?

We provide services primarily in Texas.

How is HVJ Associates® organized?

We operate through a combination of company-owned and franchised locations.

What makes the organization different?

While we have long experience and engineering expertise, this is expected of engineering firms. We are a learning organization. We focus on developing non-technical skills that allow us to succeed with all stakeholders working together. Political awareness, relationship and consensus building, and the ability to vividly express value is what creates success, whether in project or non-project settings.

Our franchise structure also makes us different. By establishing franchised office locations we are able to offer growth opportunities to selected and trained staff members. This creates locally-owned businesses that are sensitive to the needs of their communities. These local owners are well motivated to assure their business grow and succeed.

How do you deliver consistent performance?

Through Commitment Management and Processes. Commitment management focuses on getting specific agreements with clear conditions of satisfaction that are reliably fulfilled. Processes allow us to produce consistent and efficient results while liberating employees to focus on providing stakeholder value.

Do you have certifications?

Absolutely! We have licensed professional engineers and NICET, ACI, and TxAPA certified technicians on staff. We are Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) pre-certified in numerous categories. Our laboratories are accredited by AASHTO, TxDOT Materials and Test Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). We are Administratively Qualified by TxDOT. We hold disadvantaged business enterprise, small business enterprise, and historically underutilized business certification from various agencies.

How can I get more information?

Please click the “Let’s Talk” button, fill out the form letting us know your question or area of interest, and we’ll have someone contact you. If you need to contact one of our offices use the Locations menu, click on the location/service of interest, and scroll down to find the office address and phone number information.