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40 Years of Applied Engineering: A Legacy of Service, Dependability, and Adaptability

Published February 19, 2026

More than a milestone

For us, turning 40 isn’t just about looking back and patting ourselves on the back for making it this far. It’s about recognizing what got us here, and using the lessons we’ve learned to move forward with confidence.

Since 1986, Applied Engineering has built a reputation of combining consistency and adaptability. Through economic and industry shifts and evolving client needs, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to providing the best engineering solutions with even better customer service. This has helped us not only survive, but thrive, for four decades. It’s allowed us to grow, innovate, and become a trusted partner to the businesses we serve.

Our 40th anniversary is more than a milestone. It’s a testament to the people, partnerships, and principles that have shaped Applied Engineering into what it is today. From a single office in Fargo to a 100% employee-owned company with a regional footprint, our journey reflects the ever-evolving needs of our clients and our unwavering dedication to meeting them.

Here’s how we got here – and where we’re headed next.

1980s

  • 1986: Applied Engineering is founded in Fargo, ND by Dwight Hinkel.

1990s

  • 1990: Applied opens office in Bismarck, ND.
  • 1991: Applied opens office in Minneapolis, MN.
  • 1993: Site Leader role is introduced, allowing Applied to better serve our clients on-site.
  • 1995: Applied becomes Solidworks VAR (Value-Add Reseller)
  • 1999: Dave Raatz becomes President of Applied Engineering.

2000s

  • 2002: Applied becomes partially employee-owned through an ESOP.
  • 2006: Applied becomes 100% employee-owned through the ESOP.
  • 2006: Dave Raatz becomes CEO/President.
  • 2007: Applied becomes Autodesk VAR
  • 2007: Applied acquires Widget Works, LLC.

2010s

  • 2014: Applied acquires Quiet Waters Engineering, Inc.

2020s

  • 2022: Applied expands into Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas.
  • 2022: Applied sells tech sales division, pivoting to an entirely services-based model.
  • 2025: Applied names external trustee to ESOP advisory.
  • 2026: Applied Engineering celebrates 40 years of service.

The Future

Forty years in and we’re just getting started. 

The adaptability that built Applied Engineering will continue to drive us forward – into new markets, emerging technologies, and evolving client needs. As an employee-owned company, our success is personal. Every project, every innovation, every relationship matters because we’re all invested in the outcome.

Technology will change. Industries will shift. But our commitment to dependable service and technical excellence remains constant.

Thank you to the clients, partners, and employee-owners who’ve shaped our first forty years. We’re looking forward to the next forty.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your business goals.