Tony Luciano
Principal – director of engineering services
AG Architecture
1414 Underwood Ave., Wauwatosa
www.agarch.com
Industry: Architecture/engineering
Employees: 43
Family: Michelle, wife
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“AG got serious about the way we do new business development. We have a much more proactive mentality to enhance our ability to maintain long-lasting client relationships and receive referrals.”
What’s new at your company?
“We have a lot of change in progress, including transitioning to the next generation of company leadership, which I am fortunate to be a part of. We are looking at all aspects of our operation and refining processes to maintain competitiveness.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Our high level of service keeps clients coming back and aggressive business development has led to a full pipeline of new work, so we have a real need for additional architectural and engineering talent.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Specializing in all aspects of senior living design, we see our client base capitalizing on rehabilitation and therapeutic services as revenue generators.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“On a macro level, we are benefitting from a great construction environment for housing-related sectors. Hopefully, the economy maintains the momentum that’s driving this project work. On a micro level, we have to be careful to not burn out our employees from pushing hard and fast on deadlines and workload.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“When I started at AG 20 years ago, one of the previous owners of the firm, Chuck Aldrian, mentored me. From the way he ran the business to his architectural and engineering knowledge, he was extremely influential to my professional development.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“My grandfather told me to work with my brain, not with my back…it will get me farther and last longer. That was when I was six years old, learning how to make change in my head while selling tomatoes and strawberries at his produce stand. It motivated me to never stop learning.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“Thankfully, technology has evolved to the point where we no longer have to make blueprints on a machine that can suck your tie in with the paper to choke you if you aren’t paying attention.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I love spending time with family and friends fishing and cruising on our boat on Pewaukee Lake. I still haven’t caught the ‘big one,’ but nothing melts stress like the wind, waves and a fine cigar.”
