Oates Associates Celebrates 45 Years of Engineering Excellence

Collinsville, IL - Oates Associates, Inc. proudly celebrates 45 years of shaping communities through thoughtful engineering. As the firm marks this milestone, they reflect on the people, projects, and partnerships that have defined their journey – and continue to inspire their future.

People at the Core

Oates Associates’ strength has always been its people. What began as a small team of passionate engineers has grown to a multidisciplinary workforce spread across multiple offices. The firm credits its longevity to a strong foundation established by founder David Oates. The firm’s continued success is driven by the dedication, creativity, and expertise of its employee-owners. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan company (ESOP), Oates Associates fosters a culture of shared ownership, where many team members have spent decades growing their careers and helping shape the firm’s legacy.

"Celebrating 45 years is a testament to the people who make up Oates Associates," said Jeffrey Rensing, PE, SE, Chief Executive Officer of Oates Associates. "It’s their commitment that has carried us forward – and it's what will continue to drive us in the years ahead."

Projects that Shape Communities

Over the past 45 years, Oates Associates has delivered innovative solutions across a wide range of civil and structural engineering and surveying projects – from critical infrastructure improvements to award-winning community spaces. Each project reflects the firm’s commitment to quality. The firm takes pride in solving complex challenges through a practical, client-focused approach.

Partnerships Built on Trust

Strong relationships with clients and consultants have been foundational to the success of Oates Associates. Many partnerships span decades – and across multiple projects, a testament to the trust built through open communication, consistent performance, and shared goals.

“The trust we’ve built with our clients and partners is something we never take for granted,” said Bruce Schopp, PE, SE, President and Chief Operating Officer of Oates Associates. “Our relationships are rooted in listening, follow-through, and a shared commitment to doing what’s right for our clients.”

As the firm celebrates this milestone, Oates Associates remains focused on the future – embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and continuing to serve clients with integrity and excellence. Oates Associates remains committed to delivering thoughtful solutions that improve lives and connect people and communities. Here is to the next 45 years.

Now in its 45th year, Oates Associates is a 100% employee-owned multi-disciplined design firm with offices in Collinsville and Belleville, Illinois and St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri. Oates provides engineering and surveying services for transportation and building projects. Specifically, this includes transportation and traffic engineering, ADA transition planning, stormwater management, site design, building and bridge structural design and inspections, surveying, and drone operations. For more information, visit www.oatesassociates.com or call 618.345.2200.