When people talk about quality in engineering, they often think about the final product: the completed design, the successful project, the absence of problems. But at HGI, quality means much more than that. It’s the care behind the work. The diligence no one sees. The willingness to slow down, ask questions, double-check details, and do things the right way, even when it’s easier not to.

As HGI celebrates 40 years in fire protection engineering consulting, one thing that has remained unchanged is a deep commitment to delivering work our clients can trust. That commitment is reflected in HGI’s core values, where quality serves as a foundational part of how we approach our work, clients, and responsibilities. “Our commitment to quality is really a commitment to our clients,” says Matt Connolly, Assistant Director of Engineering, Quality & Training. “It’s the standard we hold ourselves to, and it’s how we continue earning trust over time.” That mindset has shaped HGI from the very beginning.

Quality doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with the people behind the work.

At HGI, every project is built by individuals who genuinely care about the client, about the details, and about supporting one another throughout the process. From project managers and lead engineers to reviewers and engineers of record, quality is something every team member contributes to daily. Matt believes that commitment starts with hiring the right people. People who believe in the process, take pride in what they do, and are willing to put in the effort required to do it well. “You can’t have quality without the right people there to ensure it,” he says. That care shows up in the way projects are reviewed, how teams collaborate, and how challenges are approached with both technical expertise and accountability.

Another part of maintaining quality is making sure it’s passed on.

At HGI, training and mentorship play a major role in helping our engineers grow, not just technically, but professionally. New team members are taught what HGI’s standards look like and why they matter. “If we expect people to perform at a high level, then we also have a responsibility to teach and support them,” Matt explains.

As the fire protection engineering industry evolves, HGI continues evolving with it. Codes change. Technologies improve. Expectations shift. That’s why continuous learning remains such an important part of our culture. The goal isn’t just to build technically strong engineers. It’s to build well-rounded professionals who can confidently deliver quality work across a wide range of fire protection disciplines and project types.

Over the last 40 years, HGI has grown from a small team into a company of more than 60 professionals. While our firm has evolved, the expectation for quality has only become stronger. In the early days, quality standards were maintained informally through close collaboration and direct oversight. As we expand, more structured processes have become necessary to ensure consistency across every project and every client experience.

But even as systems and practices evolved, the heart behind the work stayed the same. “The challenge as you grow is making sure every project still gets the same level of attention and care,” Matt says. “That commitment to quality has never changed.”

One of the most meaningful parts of quality work is that clients may never fully see it.

Sometimes quality means avoiding problems before they happen. It means catching small issues early, preventing costly delays, or finding solutions that keep a project moving forward smoothly. And oftentimes, HGI is brought into projects specifically to help solve challenges others couldn’t.

Rather than simply delivering a generic code report, our team works to connect requirements directly to the realities of a client’s facility, operations, and goals. One client recently shared how much they appreciated that HGI’s analysis was tailored specifically to their building by translating technical code requirements into clear, actionable solutions that actually made sense for their project. HGI’s role is often to serve as the “glue” between the code and the building itself: helping clients understand not only what is required, but how to apply it effectively and economically. That level of coordination, problem-solving, and real-world application is a key part of what quality means at HGI.

Whether it’s navigating complex code requirements, resolving infrastructure limitations, or helping clients find practical solutions under difficult circumstances, our team takes pride in being a steady, trusted partner when it matters most. “By doing our job well, we help ensure that our client doesn’t suffer from any number of problems that could otherwise occur at any point (and never at a convenient time) during the design and construction process,” Matt says.

Forty years is a milestone worth celebrating. For HGI, it’s also a reflection of the trust clients have placed in us over decades of partnership. That trust has been earned through consistency, accountability, and people who genuinely care about doing good work.

And while we continue to grow and evolve, that commitment remains the same today as it did 40 years ago. Because at HGI, quality isn’t just part of the process.

It’s personal.

The post More Than a Standard: What Quality Really Means at HGI appeared first on Harrington Group Inc.

Over the years, our founder, Jeff Harrington, wrote a series called “How I Stumbled Into Fire Protection Engineering.”

And “stumbled” is actually the right word.

Jeff originally started out studying electrical engineering, but something about it never fully clicked. It felt abstract and disconnected from the real world. That changed when he became involved in a project with the Worcester Fire Department while attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute (“WPI”).

For the first time, engineering felt tangible.

The work was practical, hands-on, and rooted in something that mattered: protecting people and property. That experience ultimately shifted the trajectory of Jeff’s career and introduced him to the emerging field of fire protection engineering. As his career progressed, he began to see a pattern within the industry. Many fire protection solutions were highly prescriptive and often failed to fully align with the actual risks or operational realities clients faced. That realization shaped a different philosophy. One centered on understanding the problem first and then developing the right solution.

That mindset ultimately became part of the foundation of Harrington Group, Inc.

Today, 40 years after the company was founded, that same approach still guides how we work. While the tools, technologies, and projects have evolved over the decades, the core philosophy has remained consistent: Understand the problem. Evaluate the risk. Develop the right solution.

As we celebrate 40 years of HGI, it felt like the right time to revisit where it all started.

If you’re interested in reading the original series, you can find the first post here.

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When you talk with someone who has spent decades building client partnerships in fire protection engineering consulting, patterns start to emerge. Not in the form of buzzwords or formulas, but through stories. Moments where trust was tested. Decisions that required flexibility. Projects that asked for something entirely new. For Ben Randle, long-term client relationships have never just been about a “secret sauce.” They’ve been about building a level of client intimacy where you show up consistently, adapt when things change, and remain willing to solve problems that don’t yet have clear answers.

Over the course of his career, Ben has worked closely with some of the largest and most well-known companies in the country. And while the scale of those organizations presents challenges of its own, the foundation of the relationship is surprisingly simple: understanding who you’re serving and making sure their needs are truly met. An approach rooted in client intimacy and a deep understanding of each client’s goals and challenges.

“There’s a certain expectation when you’re working with long-time clients,” Ben explained. “It’s making sure their needs are fulfilled, and then continuing that process over the years. When things change, you have to be able to adapt and support those changes.”

That adaptability, especially with large and complex organizations, is what keeps a partnership moving forward instead of stalling out. It’s also a key part of maintaining strong client intimacy over time and where trust really starts to grow. Ben often points to the moments when something goes wrong as the most important test of a relationship. “If you want to compare it to a marriage, it’s never going to be perfect,” he said. “But when things go wrong, we own up to those mistakes. We fix them and make sure we don’t repeat them. That’s how you build trust over time.”

One project in particular stands out when Ben talks about relationships that truly deepened. Years ago, a client approached HGI with a request that didn’t fit within traditional codes or standard solutions. They wanted to build something completely out of the ordinary, and they needed help making it possible. The team worked through the challenge, developing a solution that required research, fire testing, and coordination well beyond a typical fire protection engineering consulting project. The result was a building unlike anything else in their industry at the time.

Then, years later, that same client came back.

“Five to ten years later, they said, ‘We’re going to do this again,’” Ben recalled. “They set out to build another facility unlike anything that had been done before, and once again trusted us to help solve that challenge.”

The client’s concern wasn’t just cost. It was time. Without a performance-based approach and innovative testing, construction would drag on, delaying operations and ultimately the client’s planned revenue. By thinking beyond prescriptive codes, HGI helped shorten construction by up to a year. “They can’t make money while the building is still being built,” Ben said. “If you add a year to construction, that’s a massive amount of lost revenue.” These are the moments where technical expertise, creative thinking, and trust intersect and turn a project into a long-term partnership.

Over his 30-year career, Ben’s approach has evolved alongside the industry itself. Codes have grown more complex. Expectations have shifted. But the core mindset remains the same: stay curious, stay flexible, and think ahead. “My first NFPA code book was a pamphlet,” he said with a laugh. “Now it’s five times that size. You can’t just design to today’s adopted code. You have to look five or six years ahead and understand where the industry is going.” That forward-thinking mindset extends beyond technical work and into how Ben and HGI approach relationships with clients and with teammates.

When asked what advice he’d give to someone early in their career, his answer was refreshingly straightforward: “Show up to work and do your job well. That’s it.”

Be willing to listen. Admit when you’re wrong. Stand up for yourself when you’re right. And above all, be consistent. “When you show up every day and do your job to the best of your abilities, people notice,” Ben said. “And funnily enough, they’ll promote you.”

As for what sets HGI apart, Ben doesn’t point to a client list or high-profile names. Instead, he talks about standards and respect. “At the end of the day, all of our clients get the same level of treatment,” he explained. “We’re not going to lower our standards to meet someone else’s. And if a client shares those standards, that’s when the relationship really lasts.” That consistency, paired with a commitment to client intimacy, is what strengthens relationships over time.

For Ben, the most rewarding part of his work is walking into a client’s facility years later and seeing something that didn’t exist before, and knowing he played a role in helping make it possible. “It’s fulfilling to think you’re part of creating a legacy for another company,” he said. “If they didn’t have us, they couldn’t operate the way they do today.”

After 40 years, that sentiment captures what long-term relationships are truly built on: trust earned over time, a willingness to evolve, and a commitment to helping clients succeed. Not just once, but again and again. It’s an approach that continues to define our work in fire protection engineering consulting and the way we build lasting, meaningful client partnerships.

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We’re proud to welcome Debra Miller to the team as our newest Senior Fire Protection Engineer!

Debra grew up in Truth or Consequences (formerly Hot Springs), New Mexico, a place that shaped her strong sense of community and connection to the landscapes she still holds close today. She earned her undergraduate degree in General Engineering from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and went on to complete her master’s degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (“WPI”). Along the way, she built valuable experience serving as a liaison and working closely with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (“AHJs”), giving her a well-rounded understanding of both technical and regulatory perspectives.

In her Senior Fire Protection Engineer role here, Debra is especially excited about the balance of office work and site visits, as well as the variety of projects she’ll be involved in. She thrives on seeing how different environments and challenges come together, and she brings both curiosity and care to every project she touches. Outside of work, Debra finds joy in the natural beauty of her home state. She enjoys exploring places like the Healing Waters, the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway, and other scenic routes that reflect the rich history and landscape of the region. She is deeply connected to her family, especially her father and sister, and values the strength and perspective those relationships bring to her life.

Debra’s story is one of remarkable resilience. As a 26-year survivor of stage 4 cancer, she embodies perseverance, strength, and an unwavering appreciation for life. Her positivity is both genuine and contagious, and it shapes how she approaches challenges, relationships, and opportunities alike.

Please join us in welcoming Debra. We’re honored to have her on the team and excited for the experience, perspective, and energy she brings each day.

The post New Hire Spotlight: Debra Miller – Fire Protection Engineer appeared first on Harrington Group Inc.

We’re excited to welcome Kevin Cardwell to the team as our newest Senior Dust Hazards Consultant! Based in Verona, Missouri, Kevin brings decades of hands-on experience, and a unique perspective shaped by nearly every role in the combustible dust and fire protection field.

Kevin most recently served as a Senior Combustible Dust Consultant and Fire & Explosion Investigator, where he built a strong reputation for his investigative expertise. His career path, however, is anything but conventional. He served as a Navy shipboard firefighter, followed by 10 years as a volunteer firefighter, all while working full-time and finishing his degree. He started his career in this industry as a system designer and later worked as a test lab manager and project engineer before becoming a consultant and investigator. These experiences gave him a deep, practical understanding of fire behavior, risk, and response that continues to shape his work today.

Over the years, Kevin has worn just about every hat in the industry. That breadth of experience allows him to approach challenges holistically, combining technical knowledge with real-world application. His favorite part of the job is investigating and digging into the “why” behind incidents and helping organizations prevent future events. Equally important is Kevin’s passion for teaching. He thrives on sharing knowledge and helping others grow, and he is currently writing two books focused on training the next generation of engineers and safety professionals. His goal is simple but powerful: to help others gain in years what took him decades to learn. He believes deeply in building better engineers through mentorship, education, and practical insight.

Outside of work, Kevin is deeply family-oriented and enjoys spending time with his daughter, who is recently engaged. The two share a love for hunting, fishing, and competitive shooting, where Kevin competes in high-power, long-range events. His daughter has also had an impressive journey of her own as a former professional gamer and is now exploring a future in criminal justice. Whether outdoors or at the range, Kevin values the time they spend together.

Please join us in welcoming Kevin. We’re excited for the expertise, curiosity, and passion he brings to our team!

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Every family has a storyteller.

Someone who doesn’t need a spotlight — because their quiet presence has lit the room for decades (though, a disco ball blazer helps, too). Someone whose wisdom doesn’t come from talking the loudest, but from choosing their words with care. Someone who has seen where we’ve been, helped shape where we’re going, and reminds us why the journey matters.

For Harrington Group, Inc., that someone is Jim Rucci.

For nearly 40 years, Jim has been part of the heartbeat of our company. His story is woven into our roots — not just in the projects we’ve completed or the milestones we’ve reached, but in the spirit of humility, craftsmanship, and deep care that he helped cement into the foundation.

Before fire protection became their life work, Jim and Jeff Harrington were young engineering students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (“WPI”), taking on a project that required blending technical skills with community impact. Long before computers were common, Jim, Jeff, and their classmates worked with the Worcester Fire Department to create a microfiche-based system to help firefighters access building information onsite. The technology may feel ancient now, but the purpose behind it — protecting people, solving problems, serving a community — never went out of style.

That purpose became Jim’s compass.

He went on to work for Industrial Risk Insurers, and later Duke Power, where he played a key role in their nuclear construction program. He loved the work, but ultimately, something else was calling him — a chance encounter that would change everything.

As though guided by a steady hand unseen, at a seminar in Maryland, Jim ran into Jeff. Neither knew the other would be there. One conversation — one long walk — and Jeff asked Jim to join what was, at the time, a one‑man consulting firm with big dreams and very modest revenue.

Jim took the leap.

When he tells the story now, he laughs about missing the chance to see a maritime ship simulator — something still on his bucket list — because Jeff used that hour to convince him to come aboard HGI. But beneath the humor, there’s a moment of truth:

“I felt privileged that Jeff wanted me to come on as his first engineer.”

It’s these small windows into Jim’s heart — gratitude, loyalty, humility — that reveal why he has been such an anchor for Harrington Group.

Over the years, he has watched fire protection evolve dramatically. Computer modeling, performance‑based design, egress calculations — the tools are more advanced, the techniques more precise. But to Jim, the core truth remains unchanged:

“The roots – the roots really don’t change. Sprinkler protection and fire alarm, while they’ve evolved, are still the primary means of protection. People need to be able to detect the fire. People need to be able to hear and see the alarm notification devices to evacuate. It’s really not changed; the method of achieving it has, but the basic premise hasn’t.”

Jim has always cared deeply about quality. It’s one of the reasons he joined Jeff in the first place, and is something he takes tremendous pride in. “Well‑engineered” wasn’t just a phrase — it was a promise. A promise to deliver more than code excerpts. A promise to think critically, solve creatively, and serve clients with honesty and pride. A promise to think outside the box and provide alternate solutions.

Because of that mindset, some of our clients have been with us for decades — including one that Jim has served for over 31 years straight. Partnerships that long aren’t built on convenience. They’re built on trust and respect.

When you ask Jim what he’s most proud of, he doesn’t mention awards or achievements, even though there are many. Instead, he talks about people. He talks about the engineers he’s mentored. He talks about the support staff — especially Cameron LeBlanc — who he says were vital to his success. He talks about how rare and special it is to work in a place where the team truly cares about one another.

In Jim’s words:

“I’ve been truly blessed to have Cameron and the Project Coordinators (“PCs”) working with me for so long. I think they live in the shadows too much, and I, at every turn, remind engineers that engineers should be doing engineering, and the PCs should be helping with things not directly engineering related.

You know, it’s maybe looking at some code, doing research, gathering documents—those kinds of things. It saves the engineer time, and we’re extremely blessed that our PCs have that drive and capability.

I think, that too, is unique to Harrington Group. I don’t think all of our competitors have this kind of support structure.”

That’s the kind of perspective that only comes from decades of living the work — not just doing it.

Jim’s presence at HGI is more than history, it’s heritage. He reminds us of who we are. He reminds us of what matters. And he reminds us that excellence is a choice we make every single day.

As we celebrate his time with us, we also celebrate the heart he’s given this company — the care, the craftsmanship, the steadiness, and the kindness that make Harrington Group feel not just like a workplace, but a family.

Jim, thank you.

For the risks you took.

For the clients you served.

For the engineers you guided.

For the humor, the humility, the honesty, and the humanity you’ve shared with all of us.

Your story is part of our story. Your legacy is part of our legacy.

And long after today, long after any of us move on from here, future members of HGI will look back at your name, your work, and your words with the same warmth we feel now — like remembering the wisdom of a grandfather who helped guide the way.

Here’s to 37 extraordinary years.

We are incredibly honored to be part of your journey — and grateful every day that you chose to be part of ours.

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Welcome Michelle Webb, our newest Accounting Specialist!

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Procurement and Acquisitions Management from Athens State University in Athens, Alabama. She began her career working in government, where she developed a strong foundation in administrative and financial processes. Over time, Michelle transitioned into construction accounting while working as an Administrative Manager/Project Accountant—a move that turned out to be the perfect fit. What started as an unexpected career path quickly became a passion, thanks to the fast-paced nature of the industry and, most importantly, the people who make it so rewarding.

Michelle shared that one of the things that drew her to HGI was our strong employee tenure and the genuine care we have for our team members. She’s excited to be part of an organization where people enjoy coming to work and where relationships matter.

Outside of work, Michelle has a daughter who is grown and married, and the two love spending time together whenever they can, especially when it involves catching a show at The Fox Theatre. They try to visit the iconic Atlanta venue every chance they get! Michelle also enjoys unwinding with a good book, particularly a gripping murder mystery. With the added flexibility of working in a hybrid environment, she’s looking forward to rediscovering some of the hobbies that bring her joy. One of those is cross stitch, a creative pastime she’s excited to get back into.

We’re thrilled to have Michelle on board and can’t wait to see the positive impact she’ll make. Welcome to the team, Michelle!

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Harrington Group, Inc. is pleased to announce that Matt Connolly, P.E. has been named Associate Principal, becoming part of the firm’s ownership group. Matt joined our team in 2014 and has consistently demonstrated strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering exceptional fire protection engineering consulting services to our clients. His leadership and professionalism have made a meaningful impact on our team and the projects he supports.

Ownership at HGI reflects a long-term commitment to the firm’s future and the values that guide our work. As we celebrate 40 years of providing excellence in fire protection engineering consulting services, we are proud to continue building the next generation of firm leadership. In his role as Associate Principal, Matt will continue contributing to the strategic direction and growth of the firm.

Please join us in congratulating Matt on this well-deserved milestone.

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Welcome Laura Knoll to Our Team!

Laura joins us with a strong background in event planning, a field she’s been thriving in since 2012. In fact, she’s been the creative force behind our staff retreats for the past two years. Her knack for organization, eye for detail, and ability to bring people together have already made a lasting impact on our company culture, and we’re thrilled to have her talents in-house.

Originally from Florida and now based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Laura is looking forward to a role that lets her stay closer to home. While she loved her previous job and had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places, she’s excited to trade frequent flights for more time with her family. At home, life is lively and full—Laura and her husband are busy parents to four active sons, along with a dog and even a bird!

Sports are a big part of family life. You’ll often find Laura cheering from the sidelines at t-ball, baseball, or soccer games. She and her husband even get in on the action themselves in a local kickball league. When they’re not on a field, the family shares a love for the high-energy fun of the Savannah Bananas and has plans to attend several games this year. They’re also dedicated Minnesota Vikings fans, and one of Laura’s sons is putting his problem-solving skills to work in robotics club!

Laura brings not only professional expertise, but also a genuine enthusiasm for people and community—qualities that make her a perfect fit for our team. We’re so glad she’s here!

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Welcome Nate to the HGI Team!

We’re excited to welcome Nate Czarnota as our newest Industrial Process Safety Consultant on the IPS Team! Bringing a strong background in chemical engineering and process safety, Nate adds valuable experience and energy to our growing group of safety professionals.

Nate earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, where he built the technical foundation that launched his career in industrial process safety. Most recently, he worked as a Chemical Process Project Manager, leading complex projects and developing practical, safety-focused solutions for industrial facilities. His expertise includes chemical suppression and protection systems, making him a great resource for clients navigating high-hazard processes and risk reduction strategies.

Working remotely from Belleville, Michigan, Nate is well-positioned to support projects across the region while staying closely connected with the IPS team. He’s passionate about helping organizations create safer, more resilient operations — and we’re thrilled to have his knowledge and collaborative approach on board.

Outside of work, Nate stays just as active. He’s a big sports fan, cheering on the Detroit Red Wings and the University of Michigan. When winter rolls around, you’ll likely find him skiing or snowboarding, and he’s always up for a good hockey game. At home, he and his wife share their lives with Nelly, their rescue pit bull, who keeps things fun and lively.

Please join us in welcoming Nate to the team — we’re excited for the expertise, enthusiasm, and team spirit he brings.

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