Above Group is leading the design of a new $15M, 6,600 square foot boiler plant, a critical project to ensure safe and reliable healthcare for veterans at the Marion, Illinois VA Medical Center. This new facility will correct seismic deficiencies in the existing 1940s-era plant while implementing modern energy efficiency standards, decarbonization, and life cycle cost optimization. The new plant is planned to house boiler, control, and generator rooms, restrooms, offices, staff spaces, and a mechanical shop. Above Group is proud to offer project management, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural design, and telecommunications engineering design services for this vital infrastructure upgrade.
Above Group, Inc. Named as a Prime Contractor for Two Department of Veterans Affairs AE IDIQ MATOC, TN VISN 9 Contracts.
Melbourne, Florida, January 6, 2025 — Above Group, Inc., a leading provider of innovative engineering services, has been named a prime contractor on two Department of Veterans Affairs Architecture Engineering (AE) Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) VISN 9 contracts:
• AE IDIQ MATOC – Lt. Col Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN
• AE IDIQ MATOC – Tennessee Valley Healthcare System – Nashville and Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, Murfreesboro, TN
With an initial base ordering period of one year, followed by four one-year option periods, the 5-year, $40,000,000 Capacity AE IDIQ MATOC from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – NCO 9. will help the Department of Veteran’s Affairs continue to provide state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the healthcare of our U.S. Veterans.
“We are proud to provide the Department of Veterans Affairs with an experienced, highly skilled team of technical, responsive, and solution-oriented engineers who are fully dedicated to our client and their mission to support our honored veterans,” said Nicholas Kugler, PE, Above Group’s Founder and CEO.
As Above Group celebrates a decade of excellence, growth, and innovation, we are thrilled to introduce our refreshed brand identity. This new look represents who we are and where we are headed. Built on a legacy of quality and collaboration, our updated visual style boldly reflects our continued commitment to delivering exceptional solutions for our clients.
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Above Group, Inc. Named Honoree for 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards. Press Release.pdf
Melbourne, Florida October 24, 2024 — Above Group, Inc. is proud to announce that it has been selected from over 500 nominees as an honoree for the 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Award. Now in its fourteenth year, the prestigious awards program recognizes outstanding second-stage companies across the state for their contributions to Florida’s economic landscape. The honorees selected represent a diverse range of industries, all demonstrating impressive growth potential. Above Group, Inc. was recognized for its innovative approaches, strong leadership, and dedication to positively impacting our community and state.
We’re proud to celebrate Above Group’s 10th anniversary! Our founder and president Nicholas Kugler reflects on the journey that’s brought us here and the exciting road ahead.
Melbourne, FL – October 8, 2024 – Above Group, Inc., is honored to announce that it was recently named a Hot Firm and one of the Best Firms To Work For in 2024 by the Zweig Group. These prestigious awards highlight Above Group’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and employee satisfaction within the industry.
The Hot Firm Award honors the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms in the United States. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Above Group’s impressive growth trajectory, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to excellence, earning them a spot among the top firms in the nation.
In addition, Above Group has been selected as one of the Best Firms To Work For. This award celebrates companies prioritizing workplace culture, employee engagement, and professional development. Above Group’s inclusive and supportive work environment and focus on employee well-being and career growth have set it apart as a leading employer in the industry.
“We are incredibly honored to receive these two distinguished awards,” says Nicholas Kugler, PE, Above Group’s Founder and CEO. Our success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our talented team. We remain committed to maintaining a dynamic and rewarding workplace while continuing to deliver outstanding service to our clients. Additionally, God deserves all of honor for the success of our remarkable firm. Everything is possible when you have faith in Jesus Christ as your savior and you honor him in all that you do!”
Above Group’s recognition as a Hot Firm and one of the Best Firms To Work For (#1 in the 10-49 Employee Category and #2 in the Multidisciplinary Firm of All Sizes) underscores its position as an industry leader, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to its team. The company looks forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater heights.
About Above Group, Inc. Founded in 2014 on Florida’s Space Coast, Above Group, Inc. is an engineering firm that knows what it means to reach for the stars and go above and beyond. We are a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that specializes in highly technical building system knowledge and design expertise. We provide innovative engineering solutions for multiple industries throughout the United States. Our services include mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), process piping, fire protection, structural engineering, energy, technology and security design. We believe in a people strategy as the fundamental driver of our organization. That is why we strive to do everything “Above the Standard. Above Expectations.”
Above Group, Inc. Named Finalist for 14th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards.
Orlando, FL – August 26, 2024 – Above Group, Inc. has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards. This program honors high-growth, second-stage companies demonstrating exceptional innovation and potential for future success. Sponsored by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services and in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, the award recognizes businesses that significantly contribute to Florida’s economic vitality.
Nicholas Kugler, PE, Founder and CEO of Above Group, expressed his gratitude, attributing the achievement to his dedicated team and faith in Jesus Christ. The rigorous selection process narrowed over 500 nominations to a group of finalists who collectively employ more than 3,700 people and generated over $1 billion in revenue last year. The top 50 Honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on February 27, 2025, at Hard Rock Live, Universal CityWalk in Orlando.
Hear the Above Group team’s perspective on how we achieve the quality of work we do.
Above Group’s CEO Nick Kugler speaks on purpose, heart, team and ministry.
Here are some frequently asked questions
You’ve decided to hire an engineering consulting firm. If you have never hired a consulting firm before or you have a pressing deadline to meet, you may miss out on asking some important questions that are vital to the success of your project. Here are some examples of questions you may find beneficial.
- What does your company offer that others do not?
A. You want to find the consulting agency that is the best fit for your company. Be sure you feel totally comfortable with the agency as they will have a big impact on your companies work.
- What kind of software tools would you typically use for a project like this?
A. Most consultants will have the experience to know what software your project needs, seeing if they have access to software/hardware to solve any problems that may arise is important.
- Has the firm worked on comparable projects successfully?
A. Knowing if the engineering consultant has worked on comparable projects will give some perspective into whether or not the company has the experience to adequately handle your project.
- Who are some of your previous clients?
A. By requesting a list of former and current clients you are able to gauge their level of work, what they can do and what they can handle, and even how successful their previous clients have been.
- How many years of experience does the staff have and what type of engineering degrees do they have?
A. Finding an agency with the level of skill and experience needed for your project is crucial to its success.
3D printing is changing product development and manufacturing
Since 3D printing emerged, it has challenged manufacturing as we know it. 3D printing is changing product development and manufacturing and transforming small businesses, individuals, and corporations into makers. 3D printing has actually been around for quite some time but the progression of technology has made it more affordable for consumers. Thanks to the internet, the materials needed for 3D printing are available to almost anyone. A few of the areas that 3D printing has and will have an impact on our healthcare, aerospace and defense, new products, and mass customization.
3D printing has been around in the healthcare field for a while, it has been used for various items such as dentures and dental work, hearing aids, and prosthetics. With advances in technology, professionals in the medical field are making attempts at printing skin and blood vessels.
As far as aerospace and defense, 3D printing has also been benefiting this field for some time, but the changes to 3D printing will potentially help the military by streamlining the supply chain, especially when in need of items on the battlefield.
Companies will have the ability to make a number of items, custom-made for a specific consumer, like shoes, for example, which will be able to be tailor-made for the owner. Bringing new meaning to the saying, ‘it fits like a glove’.
Undoubtedly, 3D Printing is going to change the manufacturing scene as we know it. The possibilities will be virtually endless.
Here are a few indicators to guide your decision-making process
- Experience is required other than what you and your staff have. Engineering consultants are usually more detail oriented and have a greater focus on aspects of the project that may seem minute. Really question if your impending project can be handled with your experience and knowledge or if it would be helpful to bring in a fresh or more experienced professional. Figuring this out at the beginning of the project will save you time and most likely money as well.
- You need some fresh ideas and creative insight from a new source. A consultant who knows even a little about the way your company operates and accomplishes projects can boost creativity. Even if your company does this type of work on a day-to-day basis, some new perspective can be very beneficial.
- A speedy turnaround is needed and you’re running out of time. You and your team may be completely qualified to complete a project, however, there is an approaching deadline or there is too heavy of a workload on your team. Bringing in outside help in a situation like this is perfect for an engineering consultant because they are routinely hired to compensate for overscheduling or help meet impending deadlines.
