– Seeking CHF: A Conversation with R.J. Boutté

Episode 3 – Seeking CHF

Seeking CHF: A Conversation with R.J. Boutté

R.J. Boutté reflects on the formative lessons learned under founder C.H. Fenstermaker, from starting as a chainman to becoming a senior vice president. He highlights the culture of excellence, mentorship, and attention to detail that defined the company, and shares how this emphasis on quality, safety, and collaboration continues to guide Fenstermaker’s operations and inspires new employees entering the field today.

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Episode Summary

Retired senior vice president R.J. Boutté looks back on nearly 50 years at Fenstermaker and the indelible mark left by founder C.H. Fenstermaker. Starting as a survey chainman in 1972, R.J. describes the company’s humble beginnings—a small office on Pinhook with four‑person survey crews—and the mentorship he received while learning the trade. He recounts C.H.’s intellect and no‑nonsense management style, emphasizing that excellence was the company mantra: high‑quality work was demanded in every survey, report, and legal description. R.J. also shares his own contributions to developing safety and quality programs, offers advice for new employees, and explains why a sense of family and pride in the firm’s breadth of services remain central to its culture.

“C.H. was one of the most intelligent people that I knew… he was very smart in surveying, math and engineering.”

“As a boss, he gave you tasks to do and expected those tasks to be done accurately and timely.”

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

R.J. Boutté served nearly five decades at Fenstermaker, rising from chainman to senior vice president. He oversaw operations, quality and safety programs, coordinated daily activities, and helped implement policies set by the CEO and president. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth in size, expertise, and revenue, and its safety and quality control standards became hallmarks of its reputation.

“His mantra was strive for excellence – high‑quality work was demanded of everyone and it made everyone better.”

Seeking CHF: R.J. Boutté on Mentorship, Excellence, and Fenstermaker’s Culture

In this episode of FUELED, we speak with R.J. Boutté, retired senior vice president at Fenstermaker. R.J. shares stories of working alongside founder C.H. Fenstermaker, the lessons learned from a culture of excellence, and how mentorship, safety, and quality programs shaped the company’s success. Discover insights for employees and leaders in engineering, surveying, and corporate culture.

Episode Highlights

R.J. recalls joining Fenstermaker in 1972 during a recession and learning the basics of surveying as a chainman in the Atchafalaya Basin.
He describes C.H. as one of the most intelligent people he knew—a no‑nonsense boss who expected tasks to be completed accurately and on time.
The founder’s mantra was to strive for excellence, pushing everyone to deliver high-quality work whether in the field or in the office.
R.J. believes this demand for excellence still permeates the company and credits it for Fenstermaker’s longevity and reputation.
He advises new employees to learn about all the company’s services, take advantage of support resources, communicate with colleagues, and have fun while doing their best.

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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.

(337) 237-2200

Click here for complete information about the licensing boards governing our Survey and Engineering professionals.