At American Structurepoint, legacy isn't just measured by blueprints or billion-dollar infrastructure. It's etched in community landmarks, company culture, and the lives of approximately 750 staff members shaped by one leader’s vision. As Chief Executive Officer and Partner, Willis “Rick” Conner reflects on more than five decades with the firm—beginning as a blueprint delivery boy in 1971 to leading the organization—his story exemplifies what it means to build with purpose.

The American Executive had the opportunity to speak with Rick about his journey, the values that shaped his leadership, and the vision he’s worked tirelessly to instil in the company. From humble beginnings to the cover of Engineering News-Record, Rick’s path is a masterclass in servant leadership, resilience, and people-first success.

“I was 17 years old when I started here,” Rick recalled. “I was employee number 12. I’ve done practically every job in this company—not nearly as well as people are doing them today—but I understand what they go through.”

That depth of understanding is precisely what defines Rick’s leadership and American Structurepoint’s continued success.

A People-First Philosophy

Ask Rick what drives the firm, and his answer is unequivocal: “The only thing that we've got to sell is our staff. Everything we sell is through our staff.”

That people-first philosophy permeates every aspect of the business, from mentoring future leaders to recognizing the shared pride in each project. “My favorite thing to do is drive around town with my grandchildren and say, ‘Hey, you guys know who did that project over there?’ And they’re all shaking their head saying, ‘Yeah, we know. You guys did.’”

From the outset, Rick understood the importance of empathy and connection in leadership. “If I can help staff? be successful and understand where their pain points are… if I can help inspire them to go the extra mile, that’s what makes the world go round.”

From Blueprint Runner to Builder of Careers

Rick’s professional journey began humbly. “It’s the second W-2 I ever received,” he said, smiling. “The first was pumping gas at a full-service station. That job came through my dad, who later got me this job running blueprints for American Structurepoint.”

It wasn’t long before he was promoted to engineer’s assistant, hand-drawing designs and supporting field teams in harsh weather. “I’ve been out there on a survey crew in the middle of winter when I couldn’t feel my toes,” he said. “Or in the rain, doing inspections. That experience helps me understand deadlines, client demands—everything.”

His early hands-on work at nearly every level of the firm continues to influence how he leads today.

Mentorship, Mistakes, and the American Structurepoint Way

Rick attributes his growth to a mix of strong family values, professional mentors, and the lessons that only come from trial and error.

“There are three ways I’ve learned: from my family, from mentors—both above and below me—and from making mistakes,” he shared. “Mistakes are painful, but they’re also the best learning experiences.”

One of Rick’s key contributions has been creating a formal structure for leadership development. Recognizing that growth created distance between upper management and new staff members, Rick and his executive team established the American Structurepoint Leadership Academy.

“We didn’t want just canned leadership curriculum,” he said. “We wanted something specific to how we do things here. Our executives sit in on the sessions, offering real color commentary. And it’s making a difference.”

Growth Without Acquisition

Unlike many competitors, American Structurepoint hasn’t expanded through acquisitions or venture capital buyouts. “We grow this firm one project, one staff member, one client at a time,” Rick emphasized. “What others are doing is buying people. We’re growing careers. And we happen to be profitable doing it.”

He continues: “We're very proud of the fact that we've never acquired anybody. Our competitors are growing firms for profit. We're growing people.”

This organic, deliberate growth model is reinforced by Rick’s ethos: hire for heart first. “Ninety-nine times out of 100, the technical stuff comes along. But heart—you can't teach that.”

Defining Impact, Not Just Infrastructure

For Rick, legacy isn’t just a company mission; it’s a personal calling. “Legacy for me is about the perpetuation of what has been a really rewarding career. It’s about sharing the success with the people who helped create it.”

Whether it’s a high-profile, billion-dollar interstate project or a local community hospital, Rick sees each accomplishment through the lens of impact.

“That hospital in Westfield, Indiana? I can go there and know we’re helping people heal. That highway interchange in Virginia? Moms and dads are getting home for dinner with their families quicker because we shaved an hour off their commute. That’s impact.”

From Cover Stories to Communities

One of the crowning achievements of Rick’s tenure came in 2022, when American Structurepoint’s work on the I-66 project in Virginia graced the cover of Engineering News-Record (ENR)—a major industry honor.

“We did the most complicated section of that billion-dollar project, with roads going up, down, and around—it’s like spaghetti,” Rick said proudly. “To go from a 12-person firm to the cover of ENR? That was pretty cool.”

He keeps the framed cover in his office, alongside memories of smaller projects with just as much meaning. “Every project, whether it's nationally recognized or serves a local need, if it meets the client’s goals and impacts the community, then it’s a win.”

Culture That Connects

American Structurepoint’s sense of unity stretches far beyond office walls. With 18 design centers across the U.S., the company remains committed to a “one company” ethos.

“We bring everyone together for the holiday party,” Rick said. “We fly them in, cover hotels, and make sure spouses are included. People meet in person for the first time after working together virtually all year. It matters.”

And that culture of inclusion extends to every role. “Everyone’s work is important, from the team leaders to the people working behind the scenes. Every person here owns a piece of the project’s success.” Rick explained. He further added, “You can’t leave anything out. The person drawing those lines, the one gathering data in the field, the person marketing our services—they're all vital. We succeed together.”

Looking Ahead: Innovation with Integrity

Rick may have started his career drawing by hand, but he’s embraced every wave of innovation—from CAD to AI.

“I was the first computer guy here,” he noted. “We’re already using AI, but we’re also cautious. Some of our work is confidential, and we need to respect that. But AI will become more of a part of what we do every year.”

Technology supports the mission but doesn’t replace the people at the center. “We’ll always need idea people. You can’t deliver cutting-edge projects without good ideas.”

The One Piece of Advice

As the conversation drew to a close, Rick reflected on what advice he’d offer future generations.

“It’s about impact,” he said. “They don’t teach you in school that a hospital you help design saves lives, or that a highway helps families spend more time together. But once you see that—once you realize the ripple effect of what you do—it becomes so much more rewarding.”

And in that awareness lies Rick’s lasting legacy: not just in concrete and steel, but in careers built, communities changed, and futures shaped.