Client satisfaction is first and foremost at NFE. NFE consists of 80+ engineers, surveyors, technical and administrative professionals, and is structured to ensure ongoing involvement from senior management in carrying out the requirements of our clients.
The firm’s management committee are working engineers skilled in all phases of infrastructure development and rehabilitation, from planning through design and construction. In addition, each associate has extensive knowledge/experience in:
- Municipal Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Site Analysis/Infrastructure Evaluation
- Environmental Sciences
- Wetland and Water Resources
- Surveying
- Construction Engineering
Working with NFE, you get an experienced team dedicated to making your project a reality.
- Management Committee
- Principals
- Associates
- Managers
Principal
Brett J. Buchholz, PE
Principal
Mr. Brett Buchholz began his career at NFE as an engineer in 1994, and through several promotions, currently serves as a Principal in the firm with over 25 years of civil engineering experience. His main role is Project Manager overseeing design and construction engineering services on a wide range of public improvement and private land development projects, as well as overseeing product delivery for bidding and permits.
Since 1999, Brett has worked on NFE's municipal consulting services account for the City of Birmingham. He currently serves as Project Manager for construction plans and specifications for many roadway, streetscape and underground utility reconstruction projects, many of which has received awards. He also provides construction assistance, manages the construction and stakeout, and oversees preparation of as-builts for input into the city's GIS system.
Brett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
John A. Dell’Isola, PE
Principal
Mr. John Dell’Isola joined NFE in 2022 and currently serves as a Principal in our Macomb County office. John brings with him over 30 years of civil engineering experience with a special emphasis on land development and infrastructure design & management. His main role is Project Manager overseeing the design and construction engineering services for NFE’s municipal and private development work in Macomb and Oakland County. John’s project experience includes the assessment and/or design of civil infrastructure including water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, retaining walls, and pavement systems.
John has significant experience with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and state-specific barrier-free guidelines and has worked on retrofitting over 100 retail properties across the country for improved accessibility. In his national work, he has managed and teamed with several local and national surveyors, architects, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and construction managers in the retail environment where schedule and maintenance of operations are critical.
John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and retains professional licensure in 13 states: AZ, TX, IA, LA, FL, MO, MN, MT, MI, OH, KY, UT, KS.
Robert J. Fraus
Principal
Mr. Robert Fraus is in charge of all ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys and has been performing survey work since 1995. Bob specializes in land title surveys for commercial, industrial and multi-family developments. Through this work, he has developed close working relationships with financial institutions, attorneys, realtors and developers both on a local and national level.
Bob and his team are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and understand accuracy is paramount to every project, no matter the scope. He has extensive experience in completing surveys, and often undertakes both the field and office work necessary to complete a land survey project with short notice. Bob is also NFE's drone expert and flies many of the firm's projects for surveying and construction progress purposes.
Michael D. Peterson, PE
Principal
Mr. Michael Peterson is a Principal at NFE with over 41 years of civil engineering experience. Mike joined NFE in 2003 to provide his experience and expertise on projects for both municipal agencies and private land developers.
Mike advocates a team approach to project development and continually works to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. When possible, he uses sustained development ideas and strategies, including implementation of best management practices (BMPs), LEED development and environmental design.
Mike believes communication, listening and leadership are the cornerstones to having a satisfied client and successful project. Together with his team, Mike has designed and managed municipal projects involving utility infrastructure, parking lots, storm water management, pavement/water/sewer systems, and streetscapes and parks. On the private side, he has designed and managed a wide variety of private land development projects, varying in use, size and complexity. Mike and his team currently serve as consulting engineer for the Charter Township of York.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
Allan E. Schneck, PE
Principal
Mr. Allan Schneck began his career at NFE in 2022 and currently serves as Principal with over 37 years of civil engineering experience. His main role is Project Manager overseeing the design and construction engineering services on NFE’s municipal development work in Macomb County. A majority of Allan’s career was spent in the public sector, State, County and Municipal governments where he successfully delivered capital projects, implemented progressive operational procedures, secured numerous grants and employed various technologies to sustain operations.
Allan has extensive knowledge and understanding of infrastructure related projects including traffic & safety, sanitary sewer collection systems, water main distribution systems and fleet. Allan excels at operation maintenance and management, finding sustainable solutions and effectively corresponding and engaging with NFE clients to achieve the project goals, expectations, approvals, and delivery within given time constraints, as well as budgets.
Allan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
Carol P. Thurber, PE, CFM
Principal
Ms. Carol Thurber joined NFE in 2019, and currently serves as Principal with over 30 years of civil engineering experience. Her main role is Project Manager overseeing the design and construction engineering services on all NFE’s municipal and private development work in Macomb County. Carol specializes in the study, design and construction of water mains, sanitary sewer, storm water management and trail development.
She is always interested in finding different solutions to engineering challenges and welcomes creative thinking, enabling her to deliver projects that are sensible, timely and cost effective.
Carol holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Ohio State University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan and a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
Patrick J. Williams, PE
Principal
Mr. Patrick Williams joined NFE in 1994, and through his hard work and several promotions, is now a Principal at the firm. Pat has over 28 years of civil engineering experience and is responsible for the design and management of private land developments, varying in size, use and complexity. His expertise includes storm water management, site grading methods, water distribution and sanitary sewer systems, pavement design, and environmentally sensitive land development strategies.
Pat has extensive knowledge of federal, state, county, and local standards and requirements that enable him to deliver projects that are sensible, timely and cost effective.
Pat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
Brett J. Buchholz, PE
Principal
Mr. Brett Buchholz began his career at NFE as an engineer in 1994, and through several promotions, currently serves as a Principal in the firm with over 25 years of civil engineering experience. His main role is Project Manager overseeing design and construction engineering services on a wide range of public improvement and private land development projects, as well as overseeing product delivery for bidding and permits.
Since 1999, Brett has worked on NFE's municipal consulting services account for the City of Birmingham. He currently serves as Project Manager for construction plans and specifications for many roadway, streetscape and underground utility reconstruction projects, many of which has received awards. He also provides construction assistance, manages the construction and stakeout, and oversees preparation of as-builts for input into the city's GIS system.
Brett holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
John A. Dell’Isola, PE
Principal
Mr. John Dell’Isola joined NFE in 2022, and currently serves as a Principal in our Macomb County office. John brings with him, with over 30 years of civil engineering experience with a special emphasis on ADA guidelines. His main role is Project Manager overseeing the design and construction engineering services for NFE’s municipal and private development work in Macomb County. John project experience includes infrastructure elements such as, water main, sanitary sewer, septic systems, storm sewer and pavement.
John has significant experience with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and state-specific barrier free guidelines.
John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in 12 states; MI, OH, KY, AZ, TX, IA, LA, FL, MO, MN, UT, KS. John has worked with several local and national surveyors, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and construction managers to provide project specific solutions, on schedule critical projects.
Robert J. Fraus
Principal
Mr. Robert Fraus is in charge of all ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys and has been performing survey work since 1995. Bob specializes in land title surveys for commercial, industrial and multi-family developments. Through this work, he has developed close working relationships with financial institutions, attorneys, realtors and developers both on a local and national level.
Bob and his team are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and understand accuracy is paramount to every project, no matter the scope. He has extensive experience in completing surveys, and often undertakes both the field and office work necessary to complete a land survey project with short notice. Bob is also NFE's drone expert and flies many of the firm's projects for surveying and construction progress purposes.
Michael D. Peterson, PE
Principal
Mr. Michael Peterson is a Principal at NFE with over 41 years of civil engineering experience. Mike joined NFE in 2003 to provide his experience and expertise on projects for both municipal agencies and private land developers.
Mike advocates a team approach to project development and continually works to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. When possible, he uses sustained development ideas and strategies, including implementation of best management practices (BMPs), LEED development and environmental design.
Mike believes communication, listening and leadership are the cornerstones to having a satisfied client and successful project. Together with his team, Mike has designed and managed municipal projects involving utility infrastructure, parking lots, storm water management, pavement/water/sewer systems, and streetscapes and parks. On the private side, he has designed and managed a wide variety of private land development projects, varying in use, size and complexity. Mike and his team currently serve as consulting engineer for the Charter Township of York.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
Allan E. Schneck, PE
Principal
Mr. Allan Schneck began his career at NFE in 2022 and currently serves as Principal with over 37 years of civil engineering experience. His main role is Project Manager overseeing the design and construction engineering services on NFE’s municipal development work in Macomb County. A majority of Allan’s career was spent in the public sector, State, County and Municipal governments where he successfully delivered capital projects, implemented progressive operational procedures, secured numerous grants and employed various technologies to sustain operations.
Allan has extensive knowledge and understanding of infrastructure related projects including traffic & safety, sanitary sewer collection systems, water main distribution systems and fleet. Allan excels at operation maintenance and management, finding sustainable solutions and effectively corresponding and engaging with NFE clients to achieve the project goals, expectations, approvals, and delivery within given time constraints, as well as budgets.
Allan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
Carol P. Thurber, PE, CFM
Principal
Ms. Carol Thurber joined NFE in 2019, and currently serves as Principal with over 30 years of civil engineering experience. Her main role is Project Manager overseeing the design and construction engineering services on all NFE’s municipal and private development work in Macomb County. Carol specializes in the study, design and construction of water mains, sanitary sewer, storm water management and trail development.
She is always interested in finding different solutions to engineering challenges and welcomes creative thinking, enabling her to deliver projects that are sensible, timely and cost effective.
Carol holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Ohio State University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan and a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
Patrick J. Williams, PE
Principal
Mr. Patrick Williams joined NFE in 1994, and through his hard work and several promotions, is now a Principal at the firm. Pat has over 28 years of civil engineering experience and is responsible for the design and management of private land developments, varying in size, use and complexity. His expertise includes storm water management, site grading methods, water distribution and sanitary sewer systems, pavement design, and environmentally sensitive land development strategies.
Pat has extensive knowledge of federal, state, county, and local standards and requirements that enable him to deliver projects that are sensible, timely and cost effective.
Pat holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
Associates
Allen J. Eizember, PE
Associate
Mr. Allen Eizember began his career at NFE as an engineer in 2016, and after several years, currently serves as an Associate for the firm with over 9 years of civil engineering experience. His main role is Project Engineer, concept planning, drafting, designing, and reviewing plans for private land development projects, including residential, retail, office, and industrial improvements. Allen is proficient in completing permit applications and processes for local, county, and state agencies as required. Additionally, he has experience in concrete cylinder testing and asphalt field inspection.
Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
Kevin Navaroli, PS
Associate/Survey Manager
Mr. Kevin Navaroli began his career at NFE in 2007, and after several promotions, currently serves as Associate/Survey Manager for both municipal/MDOT improvement and private land development projects. He also assigns NFE’s surveying teams to projects, overseeing that all surveyors are busy, and projects are completed on time. Kevin has exceptional communication and organizational skills, along with tons of patience, that is needed to successfully schedule NFE’s surveying resources to meet our client’s needs.
With extensive field experience, Kevin’s expertise includes boundary, topographic, control, construction layout/staking and ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey preparation. He is proficient in boundary review and analysis, right-of-way determination, legal research of property descriptions/deeds and field monumentation. In addition, Kevin has comprehensive knowledge of Michigan Public Act 132, Michigan Condominium Act and Michigan Plat Acts for development purposes.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in surveying engineering from Ferris State University and is a registered Professional Surveyor in the states of Michigan and Ohio.
George A. Ostrowski, Jr., LLA
Associate
Mr. George Ostrowski joined NFE in 2003 as Manager of the newly formed Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Department. George has over 27 years as a Landscape Architect and is proficient at providing land planning and landscape architecture services for municipal agencies, as well as private land developers. In addition to his leadership duties, he works closely with the NFE team and clients as a Project Manager, preparing site and landscape plans from concept through final construction documents.
George also provides environmental planning services, including wetland mitigation plans and woodland preservation plans, and oversees and assists with LEED compliance issues on projects when needed. Throughout his career, George has developed an extensive knowledge and understanding of local municipal ordinances and has established relationships with many local officials.
George holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Michigan State University and is a Licensed Landscape Architect (LLA) in the State of Michigan. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional (AP).
Paul A. Tulikangas, PE
Associate
Mr. Paul Tulikangas began his career at NFE in 2012, and after several promotions, currently serves as Associate/Engineer Manager for the firm with over 20 years of civil engineering experience. His responsibilities include conceptual planning, site plan development, detailed engineering design and project management for both public and private infrastructure projects.
Paul also assigns NFE’s civil engineers to projects, overseeing that all engineers are busy, and projects are completed on time. Paul began performing surveying and field observation for municipal and MDOT projects at the start of his career. He then progressed to engineering design and construction management for both public and private projects, including site evaluation, design, bidding and contract administration. He has played an integral role in developing and implementing capital pavement inventory, management and repair programs for various clients on both regional and national levels. From his diverse professional work experiences, Paul has learned how to effectively provide quality engineering design and project management services to exceed client expectations.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction engineering from Western Michigan University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan. He is also a certified MDEQ Storm Water Operator and has the Michigan TAMC Pavement Surface Evaluation & Rating (PASER) certification.
Timothy D. Wood, PE
Associate
Mr. Timothy Wood joined NFE in 2015 and currently serves as an Associate. In this role, he is responsible for preparing site plans and construction documents for municipal and infrastructure improvements, as well as private land development projects.
Tim is highly proficient in key engineering and project management software, including AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suite. In addition to his technical expertise, Tim oversees project budgets, schedules, and deliverables. He manages project staff, coordinates with key client stakeholders, and ensures that each project remains on track and within scope, adapting as needed to meet evolving requirements and priorities.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a focus on structural and transportation design from Wayne State University.
Allen J. Eizember, PE
Associate
Mr. Allen Eizember began his career at NFE as an engineer in 2016, and after several years, currently serves as an Associate for the firm with over 9 years of civil engineering experience. His main role is Project Engineer, concept planning, drafting, designing, and reviewing plans for private land development projects, including residential, retail, office, and industrial improvements. Allen is proficient in completing permit applications and processes for local, county, and state agencies as required. Additionally, he has experience in concrete cylinder testing and asphalt field inspection.
Allen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
Kevin Navaroli, PS
Associate/Survey Manager
Mr. Kevin Navaroli began his career at NFE in 2007, and after several promotions, currently serves as Associate/Survey Manager for both municipal/MDOT improvement and private land development projects. He also assigns NFE’s surveying teams to projects, overseeing that all surveyors are busy, and projects are completed on time. Kevin has exceptional communication and organizational skills, along with tons of patience, that is needed to successfully schedule NFE’s surveying resources to meet our client’s needs.
With extensive field experience, Kevin’s expertise includes boundary, topographic, control, construction layout/staking and ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey preparation. He is proficient in boundary review and analysis, right-of-way determination, legal research of property descriptions/deeds and field monumentation. In addition, Kevin has comprehensive knowledge of Michigan Public Act 132, Michigan Condominium Act and Michigan Plat Acts for development purposes.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in surveying engineering from Ferris State University and is a registered Professional Surveyor in the states of Michigan and Ohio.
George A. Ostrowski, Jr., LLA
Associate
Mr. George Ostrowski joined NFE in 2003 as Manager of the newly formed Land Planning and Landscape Architecture Department. George has over 27 years as a Landscape Architect and is proficient at providing land planning and landscape architecture services for municipal agencies, as well as private land developers. In addition to his leadership duties, he works closely with the NFE team and clients as a Project Manager, preparing site and landscape plans from concept through final construction documents.
George also provides environmental planning services, including wetland mitigation plans and woodland preservation plans, and oversees and assists with LEED compliance issues on projects when needed. Throughout his career, George has developed an extensive knowledge and understanding of local municipal ordinances and has established relationships with many local officials.
George holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Michigan State University and is a Licensed Landscape Architect (LLA) in the State of Michigan. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional (AP).
Paul A. Tulikangas, PE
Associate/Engineer Manager
Mr. Paul Tulikangas began his career at NFE in 2012, and after several promotions, currently serves as Associate/Engineer Manager for the firm with over 16 years of civil engineering experience. His responsibilities include conceptual planning, site plan development, detailed engineering design and project management for both public and private infrastructure projects.
Paul also assigns NFE’s civil engineers to projects, overseeing that all engineers are busy, and projects are completed on time. Paul began performing surveying and field observation for municipal and MDOT projects at the start of his career. He then progressed to engineering design and construction management for both public and private projects, including site evaluation, design, bidding and contract administration. He has played an integral role in developing and implementing capital pavement inventory, management and repair programs for various clients on both regional and national levels. From his diverse professional work experiences, Paul has learned how to effectively provide quality engineering design and project management services to exceed client expectations.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction engineering from Western Michigan University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan. He is also a certified MDEQ Storm Water Operator and has the Michigan TAMC Pavement Surface Evaluation & Rating (PASER) certification.
Timothy D. Wood, PE
Associate
Mr. Timothy Wood began his career at NFE in 2015, and currently serves as an Associate. Tim is responsible for the preparation of site plans and construction documents for both municipal/MDOT improvement and private land development projects. Tim is computer-proficient with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Microsoft Office Programs, and Field Manager.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with focus in structural and transportation design from Wayne State University.
Managers
Steve Henige
Inspection Department Manager
Mr. Steve Henige has over 31 years of experience in civil engineering, and currently serves as a Project Manager/Inspection Coordinator for the firm. His main responsibility is scheduling/coordinating all testing/inspections for NFE, including resolving all field issues due to conflicts on jobsites. Steve has experience in site development including paving, grading, road and underground utility piping systems. His storm water management experience includes resurfacing and new pavement for MDOT as well as Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Whatever he is working on, Steve can be relied upon to provide a high level of service in a cost-effective, organized way.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University.
Ryan Johnson
CAD/IT Manager
Mr. Ryan Johnson began his career at NFE as a survey crew member in 1996, and soon after, became part of the office staff as an engineering technician. After several promotions over the years, he currently serves as AutoCAD Manager with over 28 years of experience. His main role is preparing site plans and engineering construction documents for both municipal public works and private land development projects. Ryan also oversees the purchasing and maintenance of computer/CAD workstations for the firm and provides technical support for NFE employees.
Justin Klenk
Engineering Development Team Manager
Mr. Justin Klenk began his career at NFE in 2012, and currently serves as an EDT Manager/Engineer III, providing engineering design and project management on a variety of public improvement and private land development projects. He also maps projects with AutoCAD Civil 3D software and works as a field inspector on construction sites when needed. Whatever project he is working on, Justin can be relied upon to provide a high level of service in a cost-effective way
Justin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, from Michigan Technological University.
Managers
Steve Henige
Inspection Department Manager
Mr. Steve Henige has over 29 years of experience in civil engineering, and currently serves as a Project Manager/Inspection Coordinator for the firm. His main responsibility is scheduling/coordinating all testing/inspections for NFE, including resolving all field issues due to conflicts on jobsites. Steve has experience in site development including paving, grading, road and underground utility piping systems. His storm water management experience includes resurfacing and new pavement for MDOT as well as Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Whatever he is working on, Steve can be relied upon to provide a high level of service in a cost-effective, organized way.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University.
Ryan Johnson
CAD/IT Manager
Mr. Ryan Johnson began his career at NFE as a survey crew member in 1996, and soon after, became part of the office staff as an engineering technician. After several promotions over the years, he currently serves as AutoCAD Manager with over 28 years of experience. His main role is preparing site plans and engineering construction documents for both municipal public works and private land development projects. Ryan also oversees the purchasing and maintenance of computer/CAD workstations for the firm and provides technical support for NFE employees.
Justin Klenk
Engineering Development Team Manager
Mr. Justin Klenk began his career at NFE in 2012, and currently serves as an EDT Manager/Engineer III, providing engineering design and project management on a variety of public improvement and private land development projects. He also maps projects with AutoCAD Civil 3D software and works as a field inspector on construction sites when needed. Whatever project he is working on, Justin can be relied upon to provide a high level of service in a cost-effective way
Justin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, from Michigan Technological University.
Woodland & Wetland Department
Alex Simon, PWS
Wetland Scientist
Alex Simon has 17 years of wetland and forestry experience serving numerous commercial, industrial, and municipal clients. Mr. Simon joined Nowak & Fraus in 2024, bringing in his expertise as an environmental scientist serving the transportation and energy sectors. As a Professional Wetland Scientist, Alex is responsible for characterizing wetlands in advance of preparing EGLE/USACE permit applications. He also prepares wetland mitigation, restoration, and monitoring plans; prepares NEPA documents; and conducts threatened and endangered species habitat assessments. As an ISA Certified Arborist, and Professional Setland Scientist, Mr. Simon is qualified to conduct woodland surveys for local municipalities.
