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Celebrating 15 Years of Forensic Engineering

November 19, 2021 in News & Events

Bill Janowsky, P.E. & Principal Engineer; Mike DeHarde, P.E. & Principal Engineer; and Gary Bell, MBA, Managing Partner

Fifteen years.  Hard to believe, but U.S. Forensic is now 15-years-old.

In 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana, three engineers and a businessman shared a vision. Equipped with knowledge, determination and courage, they set out to build a forensic engineering company. Their goal was to hire good people who were the best in their respective fields. Today, U.S. Forensic serves our clients from 60 locations across the country.

Mike DeHarde, P.E., and principal engineer reflects on the early days.

Fifteen years ago, I was a 51-year-old engineer that lost all of my belongings a year earlier in Katrina. I decided to risk unemployment to chase a dream. After pitching the idea of forming a new company to a colleague and inviting another engineer to join us, we set out on an unknown path. That path led to success that this mature engineer had only dreamed about.”

Mr. DeHarde explained that along the way great people joined the team and continued to raise the bar, enhancing U.S. Forensic’s reputation and growth. The result is a successful company of great people, all working together.

Although U.S. Forensic now serves clients nationwide, the early weeks proved challenging.

“We had an office, a $5000 phone system and no furniture. So we would sit on the floor next to the phone,” Bill Janowsky, P.E and principal engineer explained. He recalled those first assignments – and because there were only a handful – much of the conversations surrounded those jobs.

“Mike’s first case was a heavy equipment case involving a vibratory hammer. It seemed as though every conversation ended with, ‘I’ve got to work on the vibratory hammer,’” Mr. Jankowsky said, laughing. “We were happy when that report went out.”

U.S. Forensic Partners and engineering staff in 2007

Over the years, U.S. Forensic has worked on notable cases. For the engineers who were also football fans, they had the opportunity to evaluate LSU’s indoor training facility and the University of Texas’ football stadium locker room equipment. Other local projects included the Saenger Theatre, the Sunshine Bridge, and the home of a celebrated football coach. The music studio of a well-known rapper was a memorable project. The team has also worked on more sobering assignments including tragic building collapses at home and in other states.

While the professionalism has always remained the same, U.S. Forensic has adapted its know-how and equipment to provide the most up-to-date accurate reports to clients. When the company started, accident reconstructionists would use total stations to measure and document accident scenes. Now, experts use a 3-D laser scanner and drones to capture 3-D images allowing them to assess the scene from any angle and produce a high-quality video animation that can be used in the courtroom.

The structural division has experienced the evolution of technology as well. The cost of an infrared camera used to determine hidden moisture concerns was almost $15,000 when U.S. Forensic got its start. Now, you can obtain the same or better technology for $200.

All along the way, the company has managed to support its employees and the community and have some fun as well.

In 2013 & 2017, U.S. Forensic proudly sponsored Toyota Camry #44 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series after  former USF engineer Hal Martin decided to take a risk and pursue his dream of racing. His old colleagues were happy to cheer him on, and the company sponsored Mr. Martin when he was driving in the NASCAR circuit and then again when he owned his own racing company.


In the Last 15 years, U.S. Forensic has been the recipient of several awards and honors including Top 100 Private Companies & Top Engineering Firm in 2013, Best Places to Work in 2014, Face of Forensic Engineering by Louisiana Life Magazine featuring Mr. Janowsky, P.E. in 2015 and Mr. DeHarde, P.E. in 2017, nominated for Best Engineering Firm in 2017,  a Top 10 Engineering Firm in 2018, Fastest Growing Companies in 2019 & 2021, Up & Comer in a 2020, finalist for the Louisiana Economic Development’s Growth Network Leader Award in 2020, Top Workplaces 2021 award, and A.M. Best’s Recommended Expert Service Provider from 2014-2021.

Gary Bell, managing partner shared, “

Ours has been a story of people and progress, of laughter and tears (literally), and of success and (some minor) failures. When looking back on it all, I am extremely proud of who we have become as a company.   Because of our clients’ willingness to give us a shot, stick with us when faced with many options, reach out to us when they had a question or concern and stand by us through the years, we are here.”

U.S. Forensic continues to listen to clients and develop in ways to meet their needs. Here are some highlights of our 15 years together:

  • November 16, 2006 – U.S. Forensic LLC opens for business in Metairie, La., with a personally- guaranteed eight-month lease and a prayer.
  • 2007 – First “remote” office opens in Lafayette, La., starring Joe Hughes.
  • 2008 – Donna Runnebaum starts full time. Calls from interested engineers from Hattiesburg, Miss., Orlando, Fla., Austin and San Antonio, Texas provide service from those locations.
  • 2009 – Tampa, and West Palm Beach, Fla., Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta, Ga.,
  • 2010 – Miami, Fla., and Columbia, S.C. offices open.
  • 2012 – Reggie Fequiere moves from Miami to open Jacksonville, Fla. Service offerings from Destin and Tallahassee, Fla.,
  • 2013 – Cleveland, Ohio
  • 2014 – Milford, Conn., Philadelphia, Pa., Detroit, Mich., Greensboro, N.C., locations are added.
  • 2017 – Houston, Texas
  • 2019 – New York, N.Y., Richmond, Va., Toledo, Ohio, Chicago, Ill., locations open.
  • 2021 – We add our 59th & 60th Location – Louis, Mo., and Anchorage, Alaska

Mr. Bell explained, “While this list is not all inclusive, it does demonstrate how things progressed and how we expect they might continue to progress with the same values. Thank you to all of the employees, clients, and colleagues that have made U.S. Forensic possible.”

 

“Black Box” Data & So Much More

May 23, 2022 in News & Events

Aircraft Tire Failure

April 25, 2022 in Featured Projects, News & Events

Mr. Robertson, P.E. Joins Our Team of Experts – Raleigh, NC

February 2, 2022 in News & Events

2022 A.M. Best Expert Service Provider

January 20, 2022 in Awards

Mr. Maloney, P.E. Joins Our Team of Experts – Mobile, AL

January 18, 2022 in News & Events

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Very easy to submit claim to US Forensics for them to start a case. Very quick response time with acceptance of case and updates on the case. Very detailed report that is easy to read and understand. Very pleased with experience."

"Always a pleasure to work with your knowledgeable staff and engineers."

"Very thorough, efficient and timely. Great communication throughout process."

"From submitting the claim through receiving results, I'm 100% satisfied, and will definitely be keeping US Forensic on speed-dial for any new claims in LA. Thank you so much!"

"I recently called Michelle Hughes for some help...Because of system issues US Forensic is unable to provide the engineers contact info with their [automated] email however, Michelle, quickly figured out a solution. I love working with Michelle, she really is the best rep I've personally ever dealt with! Thank you Michelle and to US Forensic staff! You guys really do make our jobs easier!"

"Kevin Brown conducted a mechanical engineering analysis for us...Kevin, however, was very skilled, knowing what to look for and what questions to ask. He let the evidence tell the true story. I learned so much watching him and learning from him. I was also impressed as to how fast our referral was accepted, assigned and conducted--all within two days! I am very grateful for Kevin and US Forensics. This was money very well spent."

"Mike Deharde was extremely knowledgeable and very thorough, his report was very detailed and helpful to overall resolution of the claim. I would love to work with him again."

"Friendly, knowledgeable and thorough staff. I always appreciate your assistance no matter the type of claim."

"Very satisfied with the services provided by US Forensic. Quick turnaround time, knowledgeable engineers, professional reports and easy to understand conclusions. Highly recommend them for any insurance related investigations!"

“I used them many times around the country for mechanical failure and fire O&C claims. They are very detailed and professional with their inspections and write a very solid easy to follow report.”

“Professional engineers that provide great, quality services. Michelle Hughes has done continuing education for our company... I’d definitely recommend US Forensic.”

“Prompt and courteous as always.”

“Great company to work with, the engineers are very well trained and knowledgeable in their prospective fields…I am always pleased with the service I receive on the assignments given to your organization.”

“USF is an absolute fantastic place to work with a great environment and culture!”

“The response is always very prompt with initial results reported promptly so we can take appropriate action.”

“This company is great. I would highly recommend them. I dealt with Rob and his customer service and attention to detail is superb.”

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