Unparalleled Expertise, Unrivaled Impact.
The trusted partner for AEC firms nationwide, accelerating success across the industry.
1,400+
AEC Firms Served
Nationally
>25%
of the ENR Top 250
Represented
10+ Years
Top 100 VAR for
Deltek Solutions
Accelerating Success in AEC: SN’s 2025 Year in Review
Message from President & CEO
Steven L. Hake, CPA
Reflecting on 2025, it’s amazing to see how much the architecture, engineering, and construction industry continues to evolve, and how much potential lies ahead. The conversations happening across the AEC community today are bold, strategic, and transformative. Firms are rethinking what success looks like, embracing data and technology in new ways, and prioritizing leadership that drives both performance and purpose.
At Stambaugh Ness, we’ve been privileged to be part of that momentum, launching powerful strategic partnerships with Zweig Group and Egnyte, sharing insights, and creating spaces where ideas become action. From our research surveys to industry events like M&A Next and Elevate, and through the hundreds of leaders we’ve connected with this year, one thing is certain: the next chapter of the AEC industry is being written.
As we embark on 2026, our focus remains clear: to help firms not just adapt to change but lead it. We’re deepening our partnerships, expanding access to knowledge, and continuing to invest in the tools and insights that help firms build stronger, more resilient futures.
The year ahead holds tremendous opportunity. Together, we can shape an industry that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and shared success.
We remain grateful to our clients and partners for their ongoing trust and partnership.
Strategic Partnerships: Building an Ecosystem of Success
We don’t just anticipate change – we invest in relationships that help our clients lead it. In 2025, SN executed two strategic collaborations to expand access to critical data, technology, and industry knowledge.
Guiding Firms Through Every Stage of the M&A Journey
In 2025, Stambaugh Ness deepened our commitment to supporting AEC firms throughout their M&A lifecycle – from strategic planning and valuation to deal execution and post-transaction integration. Our comprehensive approach combines advisory expertise, proprietary research, and industry leadership to help firms maximize value and mitigate risk.
M&A Advisory
M&A Advisory
13+ Deals Advised
SN guided buyers and sellers through a number of complex transactions in 2025, from due diligence to integration, helping AEC firms achieve strategic growth objectives with end-to-end M&A support to navigate challenges and maximize transaction value.
Value Creation Playbook
AEC Value Creation Playbook
New in 2025
To help strategic buyers, private equity firms, and platform businesses maximize value and mitigate risk throughout the M&A process, SN developed a comprehensive playbook. This strategic guide provides actionable frameworks for value creation in AEC transactions.
M&A Outlook Survey
M&A Outlook Survey
Industry research
Through our strategic partnership with Zweig Group, we conducted comprehensive industry research to benchmark M&A sentiment, activity trends, and strategic priorities across the AEC sector. Our survey insights help firms understand the current M&A landscape and position themselves for success in a competitive market.
M&A Next Conference
M&A Next Conference
Event Co-Presenters & Session Speakers
Jointly, with Zweig Group, we brought together industry leaders at M&A Next to explore critical trends, strategies, and best practices shaping the future of M&A in the AEC sector. This premier event connected decision-makers to share insights and build strategic relationships.
AEC Unscripted Podcast
AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition
new episodes with influential Insiders
In year two of our podcast series, we continued in-depth conversations with top AEC leaders and M&A experts from firms including Verdantas, Stonebridge, and AVID Group. Each episode delivers actionable insights on essential growth strategies, from deal structuring to post-merger integration.
M&A Advisory
13+ Deals Advised
SN guided buyers and sellers through a number of complex transactions in 2025, from due diligence to integration, helping AEC firms achieve strategic growth objectives with end-to-end M&A support to navigate challenges and maximize transaction value.
AEC Value Creation Playbook
New in 2025
To help strategic buyers, private equity firms, and platform businesses maximize value and mitigate risk throughout the M&A process, SN developed a comprehensive playbook. This strategic guide provides actionable frameworks for value creation in AEC transactions.
M&A Outlook Survey
Industry research
Through our strategic partnership with Zweig Group, we conducted comprehensive industry research to benchmark M&A sentiment, activity trends, and strategic priorities across the AEC sector. Our survey insights help firms understand the current M&A landscape and position themselves for success in a competitive market.
M&A Next Conference
Event Co-Presenters & Session Speakers
Jointly, with Zweig Group, we brought together industry leaders at M&A Next to explore critical trends, strategies, and best practices shaping the future of M&A in the AEC sector. This premier event connected decision-makers to share insights and build strategic relationships.
AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition
new episodes with influential Insiders
In year two of our podcast series, we continued in-depth conversations with top AEC leaders and M&A experts from firms including Verdantas, Stonebridge, and AVID Group. Each episode delivers actionable insights on essential growth strategies, from deal structuring to post-merger integration.
Industry Recognition & Client Service Excellence
The performance and trust of our clients are the ultimate measure of our success. These results reflect our commitment to superior client service and our specialized role as the go-to strategic advisor in the AEC industry.
Client Satisfaction
Best of Accounting Award
In 2025, we launched our first-ever client feedback survey. Our commitment to excellence earned us the ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Award, reflecting our team’s dedication to providing collaborative and rewarding experiences.
Deltek Leadership
Excellence in Deltek Solutions
Recognized as a Bob Scott Top 100 VAR for the 13th consecutive year, SN was also named Deltek’s Customer Satisfaction Reseller of the Year.
These accolades highlight our deep expertise as a premier partner.
Results Delivered
New Client Success Library
We’ve partnered with our clients to share how we turn challenges into growth.
This new library highlights real-world collaborations that help AEC firms reach their goals and accelerate their long-term success.
Thought Leadership that Empowers
We remain passionate about providing a leading voice in AEC education, focusing our efforts on actionable intelligence that not only allows our clients to stay up-to-date, but drives meaningful decision-making in a challenging business environment.
1
Online Learning
Platform (SPI)
26
Industry
Conferences
68
Blogs
Published
92
Webinars & Educational Events
12,502
Engaged Industry Leaders
Published Reports & Strategic Insights
Leveraging proprietary data and industry surveys, we guide AEC leaders in benchmarking performance and navigating strategic decisions.
SN INDUSTRY RESEARCH
Strategic Hires: Deepening Our AEC Talent
We welcomed key industry veterans and proven leaders whose expertise strengthens our commitment to excellence at every level of the firm.
Building a Better World: Our Commitment to Purpose
As we reflect on the year, we are guided by our value to be Servant Spirited. In honor of your partnership and our mutual commitment to building a better world, Stambaugh Ness made a charitable contribution to Engineers Without Borders USA.
Engineers Without Borders USA
Engineers Without Borders brings together engineers, architects, and construction professionals to address essential infrastructure challenges in underserved communities worldwide. Their work—from designing clean water systems and building resilient bridges to supporting educational facilities —perfectly aligns with the mission of the AEC industry.