Dan R. Stoppenhagan (deceased)
M.S., The University of Texas at Austin, 1987
B.S., Purdue University, 1985
Inducted, 2019
Dan R. Stoppenhagan was a distinguished leader with over 35 years of international experience in the engineering and construction industry, specializing in the transportation and infrastructure sectors. Throughout his career, Dan built and maintained deep relationships with top-level officials in transportation departments and transit agencies across North America.
Dan played a pivotal role in transforming a business unit from non-existent in the late 1990s to a $2 billion enterprise by 2020. His efforts included launching a self-perform, direct-hire construction company capable of executing construction-only projects up to $400 million.
A professional engineer by training, Dan advanced through the ranks to manage an engineering department at a major international engineering-procurement-construction-maintenance (EPCM) company. His comprehensive understanding of the engineering process and the management of risk and profit in service delivery was complemented by his deep appreciation for client-relationship management. A significant portion of his career was dedicated to self-performing construction and managing construction subcontractors, which greatly benefited his professional journey.
Dan was an expert in navigating industry contracts and mitigating associated risks. His negotiation skills secured terms and won bids that resulted in over $250 million in profit over a decade. He successfully led pursuits of alternative delivery projects ranging from $30 million to $2 billion.
Known for his ability to form successful teams and build effective client relationships, Dan established joint ventures capable of bidding on and executing some of the most complex projects in North America. His portfolio includes landmark infrastructure projects across seven states and provinces. Dan excelled at attracting, developing, motivating and retaining top talent and developed strategies to build the workforce of the future. He understood the diverse needs and values of people from all age groups.
Dan R. Stoppenhagan's unique blend of skills, experience, and reputation made him exceptionally qualified to lead engineering and construction companies of any size and serve in leadership roles across virtually all areas of a company.
