Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

Even as one of the newest engineering firms owned by Iowa State alumni, Raker Rhodes Engineering is already experiencing success. Erik Raker (MSCE 2000) and John Rhodes (BSCE 1998; MSCE 2000), who had considered opening their own firm since they were graduate students at Iowa State, started their company in December 2006. “Overall, we’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made, the work currently under contract, and the prospects for work in the near future,” says Raker, president of Raker Rhodes Engineering.

The company, located in West Des Moines, provides structural engineering consulting services, mostly for architects, owners, and general contractors. “Most of our work is related to the design of new commercial, retail, and multifamily structures,” says Raker.

Raker and Rhodes have clients in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. They’re currently working on projects such as mixed-use developments, a medical clinic, parking structures, an agricultural building, and office buildings in Iowa and Indiana.

Raker says the company owes much of its early success to Mike Simonson (BA architecture 1982) and to their families. “Starting a business is stressful and requires a great deal of time and dedication,” says Raker. “We both have young children. Our wives deserve a lot of credit for the work they do to pick up our slack at home and for allowing us to start this business.”

They also credit their education at Iowa State for providing them with an excellent technical background and for facilitating networking opportunities “In our experience, Iowa State is the dominant presence in the construction/design community in central Iowa,” says Raker.

Both men are still in awe about being their own bosses. “It’s fun to be the boss,” says Raker.

So far, all signs point to a bright future for Raker and Rhodes. “We have only been in business for a few months, so it’s difficult to say that we are successful,” he says. “But I like where we are headed!”