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Dan Rosenberger, Steve Morris and Darren Keil, JDRM Engineering Inc. – By Barbara L. Roose

Since 1995, JDRM Engineering has been operating in the Toledo area providing mechanical, electrical and telecommunication engineering services for commercial building projects in Toledo and surrounding areas. JDRM Engineering past accomplishments include a variety of high dollar design projects such as: the new Penta Vocational School in Perrysburg Township, Ottawa House residence halls at the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University’s Sebo Athletic Center and a significant number of healthcare projects in Toledo. “We do anything but houses,” jokes JDRM partner Steve Morris.

These days, JDRM partners Dan Rosenberger, Steve Morris and Darren Keil are focused on navigating the tumultuous economic environment by incorporating a wide base of clients, none of which are in the automotive industry. “We’ve intentionally have been broad-based by keeping our fingers in a lot of pies,” explains Steve. “We work with universities, hospitals and retail because typically one of those groups is up or down in any given economy. If one area goes flat, then the other areas can keep us going.”

JDRM Engineering has adjusted to the tight economy by remaining flexible, especially when clients change the timeline on planned projects. Instead of waiting around for projects to begin or progress, JDRM stays busy by keeping abreast of design industry changes and taking advantage of new trends. “Right now, we are busy with safety program called Art Flash,” explains Dan, “It’s a safety labeling program affecting every venue and industry that we are in such as: commercial, medical and education. Art Flash is an engineered labeling system designed to keep workman safe. It’s an OSHA mandate and we have been heavily involved in the last couple of years and it’s really grown. It’s helped us to get through this flat time.”

The partners are also marketing their company to architects and business owners as a full-service company providing not just mechanical, electrical and plumbing, but cabling, A/V and security design services as well. “We can have offer complete engineering solutions so that the architect and owner both know they don’t need to go out and hire a separate company for technology because we can do that as well.”

In addition, the partners are researching the design implications of new technologies such as solar and geothermal energies, wind and green technologies. Since their clients are now curious about these buzzwords, JDRM has embarked upon educating and consulting with business owners exploring these new areas.

Currently, JDRM Engineering  employs 48 engineers, designers and staff. According to the partners, the company growth is just right. “We think we are at the right size for the market we are in..So now, we are working on building our profitability and keeping our focus on being broad and adding new services were it makes sense.”

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JDRM Engineering reflects the names of company’s original founders (right to left):  Larry Juette, Gary Driftmeyer, Dan Rosenberger and Steve Morris.  The company began when Fremont-based engineering firm Nelson Gibson & Associates decided to sell their Toledo branch to Larry, Gary and Dan, who were working for Nelson Gibson & Associates at the time.  Soon after, HVAC business owner Steve Morris came aboard and the four partners combined their experience in electrical, mechanical and plumbing services into JDRM Engineering, Inc.

Unfortunately, Gary was killed in an accident in 2001. The remaining partners elevated Darren Keil to full-partner status after Gary’s death.