Vice chairman and vice president of business development John Fenstermaker closes out the Seeking CHF season by reflecting on his career and his father’s enduring legacy. Starting as a party chief in 1983, John shares how C.H.’s drive for perfection and trust in employees shaped his approach to leadership. He recalls early field work that taught him to build relationships with company men and deliver accurate surveys on time, and explains how he helped grow the survey and mapping division into one of the country’s most respected. John discusses his current focus on business development, including creating a sales playbook and strategically hiring industry specialists. Throughout the conversation, he celebrates the company’s unique culture, open door policy, and investment in technology, and reveals that people—both family and colleagues—are what fuel him.
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Seeking CHF: A Conversation with John Fenstermaker
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- May 16, 2022
- Episode: 5
- 49 mins
Episode Summary
“My father cherished his employees – he liked people who were engaged and had foresight into new technology.”
“When you don’t have anything to do, do something to make the company better – management has always taken our word for it if a tool will improve operations.”
Meet the Leader Behind the Vision
John Fenstermaker is vice chairman and vice president of business development at Fenstermaker. A registered professional land surveyor, he previously led the survey and mapping division, expanding it through innovative workflows and a focus on client satisfaction. John belongs to numerous professional associations and leads the firm’s sales and marketing efforts while championing its culture and staff.
“People fuel me – it’s like my family away from my family; we’ve created a culture here that’s unique, and that’s why I want the next generation to be successful.”
Seeking CHF: John Fenstermaker on Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Fenstermaker
Episode Highlights
- John recounts beginning his career as a party chief and learning perfection by doing field surveys under watchful oil company representatives.
- He notes that C.H. rarely discussed his wartime service but valued employees, trusted them with technology, and expected them to be engaged.
- John emphasises that the company invests in technology and encourages good ideas from all levels; management has always supported purchases that improve operations.
- He describes creating a sales playbook and hiring specialists to expand business lines, such as pipeline and municipal services.
- John highlights Fenstermaker’s unique culture—an open door, a passion for knowing everyone on the team—and states that people fuel his drive and desire to see the next generation succeed.
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Established in 1950, C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. is a highly diversified, multi-disciplinary consulting firm. With a commitment to help our clients succeed, we specialize in surveying and mapping, engineering and environmental consulting.
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