Bob Wade & Don Trim

Bob Wade and Don Trim joined forces while working together at a small engineering firm in Dearborn, MI, that grew to become Wade Trim. Bob started out as a drafter and rodman while attending college in the early 1950s. Don came to the firm as a professional engineer in 1964. They quickly formed a friendship that evolved into a vested interest in the firm’s success. When Edwin Orr, the firm owner, started an early retirement, Bob and Don began running the firm’s operations.

In 1966, they purchased the firm that included 22 employees, several clients, and a lease on the office space. The new firm was used to the Edwin Orr name but within 2 years the name was changed to Wade, Trim & Associates. Clients knew Bob and Don and were pleased with their work.

Bob and Don led the firm with enthusiasm and integrity. As proud owners, they created a supportive culture and embraced an employee-ownership model and strategic planning to support growth. Core values were defined to fulfill collective client, company, and individual needs. Bob and Don fostered growth through acquisitions and expansion of expertise and geographies.

With a focus on business operations, Bob was passionate about using technology to advance engineering design for clients. He pioneered the firm’s transition to digital tools like computer-aided drafting and design equipment and workstations with robust hardware and software. He embraced the computational revolution, leveraging its power through the application of advanced computing methods, modeling, and data analysis. Bob recognized the value technology could bring to clients and fostered change and adoption throughout the firm.

Don believed that partnering and collaboration during a project produced the best outcomes. He was successful at building relationships with multiple communities and agencies involved in large projects. He championed a process of supportive management, information sharing, relationship building, involvement of affected parties, and embraced visions. Don led development of programs and publications for the American Council of Engineering Companies to advocate for consulting engineers to be recognized as trusted advisors. He also guided Wade Trim’s efforts to foster interest in our profession through scholarships and internships.

Bob and Don transitioned out of Wade Trim’s management in the 1990s. They cared deeply about the firm they built. We honor their legacy by remaining employee-owned, focusing on innovation, and staying true to our culture and core values as we grow.