Nexus Engineering Group Celebrates Growth & Industry Leadership in 2024

In 2024, with strong EPCM firm growth, expanded services, and an ESOP transition, Nexus strengthens its position as a full-service EPCM leader.

January 29, 2025 (CLEVELAND, OH) –Nexus Engineering Group, a full-service, independent engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, celebrates its strong growth trajectory in 2024, building upon its success from the previous year with another period of expansion and innovation resulting in over 8% growth. The firm grew its relationships with clients in the refining, chemical manufacturing, and energy sectors. The year marked Nexus’ full evolution into an EPCM firm, therefore rounding out its fully integrated project delivery model.  

Nexus welcomed 25 new Team members across its Cleveland headquarters, Maumee, Midland and Oak Brook offices in 2024. With this expansion, Nexus’ workforce exceeds 250 professionals, and the firm added expertise in the areas of procurement, construction management, transmission line services, project controls, and asset & information management.

Moreover, Nexus earned multiple recognitions for its award-winning culture, leadership and commitment to professional development. This continued EPCM firm growth in 2024 not only expanded Nexus’ Team and capabilities but also enhanced its ability to provide integrated project delivery, further reinforcing its leadership in the EPCM approach to client service.

Establishment of Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) 

In January 2024, Nexus transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s commitment to its Team. This move allowed Nexus Team members to become part owners of the firm, reinforcing a culture of shared success, collaboration and financial investment in Nexus’ future.  

This transition also enhances Nexus’ ability to retain top engineering talent by offering a unique ownership structure that empowers and rewards employees for their contributions.  

Since the firm’s genesis in 2005, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President Marianne Corrao has championed a workplace culture where employee engagement, collaboration, and talent development are prioritized. 

“By adopting an ESOP approach, Nexus can provide a workplace where employees can be more engaged, motivated and invested in the firm’s success,” says Corrao.  

Building on Corrao’s commitment to employee engagement and development, Nexus Recruiter Ali Wilson highlights three key ways the ESOP model attracts, retains, and rewards top talent.   

Expansion of Construction Management and Turnaround Planning and Project Services  

Nexus’ Project Delivery Team combines project management, project services, procurement and construction management functions under one unified umbrella. As a result, centralized group takes an integrated approach to project delivery, prioritizing collaboration of Teams to optimize outcomes for clients.  

In 2024, Nexus expanded its Construction Management and Turnaround (TAR) Services division, strengthening its ability to support chemical plants, utilities, and refineries during critical maintenance and capital improvement projects.  

Supporting this initiative, Nexus welcomed Hugo Hall as Director of Construction Management and Turnaround Services. With nearly 15 years of industry experience, Hall brings an extensive background in project execution, workforce leadership and strategic planning. Hall’s leadership reinforces the firm’s ability to deliver safe and cost-effective solutions for clients and transforms Nexus to a full service EPCM provider.  

“Over the last several months, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication and expertise that sets Nexus apart,” notes Hall. “Our approach to Construction Management and TAR Services prioritizes safety, efficiency and collaboration, ensuring our clients achieve highly successful outcomes. I am excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025 and drive value for our partners.” 

In late 2024, Nexus welcomed Chris Ackerman as Project Services Director. Ackerman will lead Nexus’s Project Services & Controls group, ensuring the seamless execution of estimating, risk management, scheduling, and quality assurance services, while expanding the group’s offerings.  

According to Nexus President and Co-Founder Jeff Herzog, transforming the project delivery group and formalizing the CM organization was an organic step. “We’re focused on addressing our clients’ needs by innovating our offering. We’re proud to welcome great talent that will help us grow our project delivery approach, including a fully integrated EPCM model that drives results for our clients.” 

Notable Recognitions 

Nexus earned multiple accolades in 2024, highlighting its commitment to engineering excellence, innovation and workplace culture. The firm was recognized as a Top Workplace by The Cleveland Plain Dealer for its second consecutive year, reflecting its dedication to fostering an engaging and rewarding environment for its team members.  

Furthermore, Nexus was named a 2024 Fast 50 honoree and Top Engineering Firm by Crain’s Cleveland Business, underscoring its industry leadership and development of high-quality solutions for clients. 2024 marks the third consecutive year that Nexus has been recognized as one of the top ten largest firms in the Northeast Ohio region. 

Nexus Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Marianne Corrao, was honored with the Washkewicz College of Engineering at Cleveland State University Distinguished Alumni Award in November. The award recognizes Corrao’s professional achievements and her influence within the engineering community.  

Together, these achievements represent Nexus’ ongoing ability to foster innovation and elevate its position as a trusted leader in engineering excellence.  

What’s Next in 2025? 

In 2025, Nexus will mark yet another major milestone – 20 years of engineering excellence and developing lasting client partnerships. With a continued commitment to quality and safety, Nexus continues to enhance its offerings, expanding its Engineering Services, Construction Management and Turnaround Services, Procurement, and Data Solutions. 

The firm will continue to invest in technical training programs and welcome new talent in 2025. “Nexus remains steadfast in its commitment to formalizing its professional development processes for Team members in the early stages of their career,” Wilson explains. “Additionally, we look forward to welcoming more tenured professionals to our roster of exceptional engineers.” 

As Nexus reflects at what’s to come, the Team and its leadership thank those who have been a part of the firm’s 20-year journey. 

“This year, we will be celebrating 20 years of growth, innovation, and partnerships. From our start as a small engineering firm to becoming an industry leader in full-service EPCM, our growth has been fueled by the expertise of our Team and the confidence of our clients,” emphasizes Herzog.  

About Nexus Engineering Group 

Nexus Engineering Group is a full-service, independent engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio with offices in Toledo, Ohio, Midland, Michigan, and Oak Brook, Illinois. Nexus is focused on supporting clients’ specific project goals from concept to startup. Since 2005, clients have recognized Nexus as the engineering services firm of choice in the refining, petroleum midstream, chemical, manufacturing, utility, power, energy, and renewables industries. 

With more than 250 professionals on staff, Nexus is made up of experienced process, instrumentation and controls, structural engineering, electrical, mechanical engineering, and piping professionals with decades of hands-on conceptual and detailed system design, construction and project management experience. 

Nexus delivers project designs that reduce overall risks resulting in safer work environments. By utilizing state-of-the-art software and innovative design tools, Nexus consistently meets client project and investment requirements. Get to know us and you will agree that Nexus is not your typical engineering firm – “Engineering Relationships.”