Dunaway Celebrates 70 Years of Service
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, team members from across Texas gathered at the Fort Worth Convention Center to celebrate a milestone few firms reach – 70 years of service, growth, and impact.
Hosted in downtown Fort Worth, where Dunaway was founded in 1956, the soirée brought employees together for an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across regions and disciplines while honoring the relationships and accomplishments that have shaped the firm over the decades.
70 years ago, Dunaway was founded on a simple idea. Do great work, build lasting relationships, and leave things better than you found them.
”Celebrating 70 Years of Service Across Texas
The night opened with a powerful reminder of where it all began. In his remarks to attendees, CEO and Principal Chris Wilde reflected on the company’s origins and the values that have guided Dunaway for seven decades. “70 years ago, Dunaway was founded on a simple idea. Do great work, build lasting relationships, and leave things better than you found them,” Wilde shared. “What started as a small Texas land surveying firm has grown into a multidisciplinary engineering and design company that has shaped communities, built critical infrastructure, and made a lasting impact across Texas and beyond.” That growth, he emphasized, is the direct result of generations of dedicated employees, loyal clients, and trusted partners. Today, Dunaway serves communities across Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Midland, and Farmersville.
Honoring Dunaway’s One Heart Culture
But the evening was not just about looking back – it was about recognizing the people who continue to move the firm forward. Wilde emphasized that while the firm’s growth and accomplishments are significant, Dunaway’s greatest strength has always been its people and the culture that unites them.
“Dunaway has never been defined by projects alone. It is defined by the people who show up every day committed to excellence, to teamwork, and to what we call our One Heart culture – all rowing in the boat together.” In a moment that resonated throughout the room, every team member was invited to stand, reinforcing the message that every role matters and every person has a hand in shaping the next generation of leaders.
Dunaway has never been defined by projects alone. It is defined by the people who show up every day committed to excellence, to teamwork, and to what we call our One Heart culture – all rowing in the boat together.
”As music from the band played throughout the evening, team members had the opportunity to brand their own luggage tags, while others danced the night away. The sense of connection extended well beyond the ballroom. For many, the soirée was a meaningful opportunity to gather in the same room with people they had worked alongside virtually for years.
Recognizing the People Behind the Work
Throughout the event, employees also participated in a filmed Q&A experience, sharing personal reflections on the company – from its collaborative “One Heart” culture and long-standing relationships to the pride they feel in contributing to projects that strengthen communities across Texas. The video serves as another meaningful reminder that Dunaway’s story is not told through milestones alone, but through the experiences, perspectives, and dedication of the people behind the work.
With cocktails flowing, laughter and conversations filling the room, and a shared sense of pride in the firm’s past and future, the evening concluded with the clinks of glasses and the echoes of toasts to 70 years of excellence and to the next chapter still being written.