Greg joined Grotheer & Company in 2001, and early on worked toward obtaining his professional engineering license in electrical power. During the same time frame, while at Grotheer & Company, Greg worked on all aspects of electrical design, performed site surveys internationally at numerous sites, and supported contractors during the construction process of many projects. His capabilities include telecommunications infrastructure (to BICSI standards), power distribution (low and medium voltage), definition of backup power systems including UPS and generator systems, fire alarm system replacement and modifications, and high security system replacement and modifications to existing systems.

Greg became a principal in 2001, and has been responsible for the electrical oversight of numerous design and construction projects.  These projects have included domestic and overseas work for both new construction and renovations of modern and historic buildings. As President of Grotheer & Company, Greg has been able to get involved with various challenges within the company from personnel management, to maintenance of our 401k Plan, to medical insurance management. He wants to make sure the project is done right, exceeds client expectations, and is within the budgeted cost and schedule. At Grotheer & Company, we strive to continue to re-invent ourselves, our team of employees, and our business practices to continue the Company’s storied history, which began in the early 1950’s, well into the future.   

Prior to joining Grotheer & Company, Greg worked in the fuel equipment and delivery field and was employed at Northrup Grumman as an electrical engineer where he completed many projects related to undersea defense electronics.  Greg holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a MS in Engineering Management from George Washington University.  He is a licensed professional electrical engineer in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia and is a member of NFPA and BICSI.

Michael W. Emmerich joined Grotheer & Company straight out of college in 1997 as a junior mechanical engineer, and was quickly elevated through the ranks to project manager within a couple of years.  He became a principal in 2001 and Vice President in 2012.   He has been at all levels of the mechanical engineering discipline and has a keen understanding of the plusses and minuses associated with each. Michael is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Over the years, Michael has provided HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems design and analysis for many different types of applications with specializations in controls, security and historic structures.  His responsibilities have included all aspects of design and construction services to include calculations, design, site investigation / survey, cost estimating, submittal / shop drawing review, construction administration and project management.  He has experience with testing and balancing of air systems, and has also worked on multiple projects involving site investigation/analysis of existing systems for future retrofit and/or replacement.

Knowing your role is an important aspect of being a team player with communication being the glue that holds everything together.  Whether being the team lead or in a supportive role, Michael has proven that he can play each role effectively.  There have been many changes in the building industry over the years, such as a focus on energy efficiency, a shift from design/bid/build to design/build, and accelerated construction schedules.  Michael has successfully led the Company in adapting to the changing market conditions in order to ensure that we are continually providing our clients with the best possible product and service.

Mr. Grotheer started working at Grotheer & Company as a part time intern in the 1980’s while studying engineering at University of Maryland, where he went on to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering.  Shortly thereafter, Phil developed an early interest in robotics and automation during involvement in a special project his final two years in school.  He went on to hold positions at Hughes STX to work on a commercial robot startup venture, and then on to a renowned Baltimore machine tool developer to design large automation equipment.

Phil migrated back to Grotheer & Company in 2002 to learn commercial building HVAC, plumbing, and fire sprinkler design, and established a long term commitment to the building design field.  After a few short years, Mr. Grotheer was taking on project management roles on many of his jobs.  In 2006, Mr. Grotheer became a principal in the firm and now serves as a principal mechanical engineer and is also the firm’s Treasurer.

With hundreds of design projects under his belt, Phil takes an active, hands-on approach to all his projects.  Phil thoroughly enjoys the process of getting to know each job early in the design process.  Whether large or small, institutional or commercial, each job has its own unique requirements.  Phil’s approach to each one is to never be afraid to ask questions early.  Without this direct communication with the client, they often wonder what’s happening with their project, or why the designer chose a particular path without their consent.  Ask questions early, state your assumptions loudly, and communicate often throughout the project and you will likely have happy customers are some of Phil’s beliefs.

Phil is always looking forward to continuing his relationships with long time customers and bringing in new ones.  Phil believes engineering is fun, and also enjoys working with the great people within the firm and his customers who are considered part of the Grotheer team.  Phil holds a professional mechanical engineering license in Maryland and is a member of ASHRAE and the ICC.

C.J. Van Vooren joined Grotheer & Company in 2004 as a mechanical engineer.  Over the years, he grew into the role of project manager, and in 2015 he became a principal with the firm, where he is dedicated to ensuring the continued success of the company.

During his time with Grotheer & Company, C.J. has learned the importance of providing clients with the highest level service possible.  He enjoys helping clients determine what their needs are and then providing innovative engineering solutions to exceed their goals.  C.J. understands the challenges associated with a wide variety of projects from local historic renovations to overseas mechanical upgrade projects for U.S. Government clients.  His consistent and attentive performance has earned him a reputation with clients and colleagues as a valuable team member that they can count on to deliver.

Prior to joining the Grotheer & Company team, C.J. worked for CSC, where he provided engineering support for U.S. Navy ship programs.  He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2000 with a degree in Ocean Engineering.  C.J. is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland and is a LEED Accredited Professional.