Grumman|Butkus Associates marked its 50th year in business on May 2, 2023.
The company was incorporated on May 2, 1973, as Enercon, Ltd.: a one-person energy consulting firm based in Evanston, IL. Initial commissions consisted mainly of energy management studies, energy grant applications, and energy consulting services. During the following decade, the firm grew and expanded its capabilities to include design of retrofits for implementation of energy conservation measures recommended in its studies, plus remodeling and renovation of mechanical/electrical systems in large buildings.
In 1981, the name “Grumman|Butkus Associates” was adopted with the promotion of Al Butkus to company principal. Also that year, GBA opened an office near Milwaukee in Wauwatosa, WI, headed by Jeff Conner. The Wisconsin operation eventually expanded to include a branch in Madison. A New York regional office was opened in 2013 in Hoboken, NJ, reflecting growth in the overall commissioning and retro-commissioning markets.
Today, a majority of the firm’s work involves MEP design, including infrastructure assessments and upgrades, building renovations, new construction, commissioning, and retro-commissioning services. Experience in energy efficiency and management has also built the firm’s technical consulting expertise for sustainable design certification programs such as LEED and Green Globes.
Key market sectors include healthcare, higher education, hospitality, science/technology/pharmaceutical, commercial/industrial, multifamily residential, senior living, government, cultural, and data centers. The firm’s new website provides many details about current service offerings, our portfolio, and our award-winning team.
Co-founder Al Butkus says: “Going back to the early 1970s, Grumman|Butkus Associates—known as Enercon, Ltd. at the time—was the leading firm in the Midwest and one of leading firms in the country addressing efficient water and energy use in buildings. Forward-looking clients like the College of Lake County, Mercy Hospital, and the Springfield Lincoln Library used our services decades before it became fashionable to do so. We strove to provide clients with justification to invest in reducing utility use and costs, in other words to give them the information to make rational economic decisions. The firm’s services have greatly expanded since then but at our core is the culture of efficient utilization of our nation’s resources.”
The company continues to grow, with nearly 90 employees in the Evanston office alone. “I feel incredibly proud and lucky to be able to lead an organization celebrating 50 years in business,” says Illinois President Chad Luning. “GBA’s success and culture are a testament to the foundation built by Dave Grumman, Al Butkus, and Dan Doyle. I am supremely confident that future leaders will do incredible things at GBA over the next 50 years!”
Pictured, left to right: Bob Bayne, President-Wisconsin; Dan Doyle, Chairman-Illinois; Dave Grumman, Founding Principal; Al Butkus, Founding Principal; Chad Luning, President-Illinois; Jeff Conner, Chairman-Wisconsin.
