The CID recently caught up with Larry Kaiser, President of Collaborative Infrastructure Services, Inc., to learn more about his extensive career in civil engineering and his work with the CID.
Collaborative Infrastructure Services provides project engineering, resident engineering inspection and program management for public and private sectors, overseeing construction of various infrastructure projects ranging from stormwater to transportation and building projects. The firm's clientele consists primarily of mid- to small-size city and county governments. His firm also provides city and county engineering services such as development plan reviews and building inspections for various governments statewide. Several of CIS's clients include Putnam County and the Cities of Eatonton, Snellville and Clarkston. In addition, Larry also manages engineering projects for the Lilburn, Tucker Summit and Tucker Northlake CIDs and is the Executive Director for Metro South CID. How did Larry become the go-to for so many infrastructure projects?
Larry’s journey began in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he and his brothers built chicken houses for his father’s poultry farm. Unbeknownst to Larry and his brothers, constructing those pens would start them on a path to civil engineering, the oldest engineering profession in the U.S. and the basis of civilization. His interest in engineering led him to Purdue University, where he received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Engineering, then Georgia Tech for his Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering. Larry’s wife is also a civil engineering graduate from Purdue University and their daughters are Georgia Tech graduates in civil engineering and industrial engineering.
“Many people may not know this, but engineering requires a lot of creative problem-solving, which is one of the reasons I enjoy my job,” said Larry Kaiser. “I also like that I have opportunities to collaborate with citizens and business owners with diverse backgrounds to bring projects to fruition. To actually be involved in the development and formation of an idea to physical implementation that ultimately leads to an actual infrastructure project that the public and society can utilize in their everyday lives is what makes my work so enjoyable.”
Lilburn CID is grateful for its 12-year partnership with Larry, who has worked with the CID since its inception. Out of all the projects he has worked on, Larry feels the most connected to the “Corridor of Opportunity,” which launched in 2010 to revitalize the Hwy 29 corridor. Larry’s involvement started during the planning stages, helping to develop the framework for this massive project.
Twelve years later, the CID is moving forward with further enhancements to this planning project after receiving a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Study grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission. This planning study, which is currently underway, will be undertaken in close coordination with the City of Lilburn and Gwinnett County and will set in motion opportunities to enhance economic development opportunities and improve transportation safety and traffic flow on the Hwy 29 Corridor over the next decade.
