Mentorship, stewardship, and enduring professional relationships form the backbone of any successful business. Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate a key figure in both my career and the story of ADR Consulting Engineers: Donald (Don) Foster.
Our journey together spans nearly a quarter of a century. Don and I first met around 25 years ago at Mechelec, a mechanical and electrical contracting company in Dover, Kent. At the time, I was just starting out as an apprentice, while Don was serving as an experienced Contracts Manager. Fast forward ten years: I reached out to Don while he was working as a Senior Electrical Engineer at MLM. In 2012, when I joined MLM, Don naturally stepped into the role of my mentor, sharing his wealth of engineering knowledge and guidance.
Don later moved across to my previous company where he met Nat Godden, and worked alongside us building the Canterbury team. The three of us have always had a passion for engineering – and mountian bikes. That “work hard – play hard” mentality took us on many adventures including Afan, Wales.
Eleven years later, the journey came full circle when Don joined ADR Consulting Engineers as a Director with Nat Godden and together we pushed the company into new uncharted territory.
Over the past three and a half years, Don has provided invaluable mentorship and stewardship to our team. His technical expertise and leadership have helped shape our company and deliver standout landmark developments. This includes high-profile community regeneration schemes like the Dover Beacon project.
As with many things in life, priorities change over time. Don has decided it is time to step back from his role as a Director to pursue a new focus and enjoy a different pace of life. Both Nat and I fully support Don in his next chapter and remain immensely grateful for everything he has contributed to ADR.
To share his own perspective on this transition, here are a few words from Don
“After 3 years as a director at ADR, I have decided to step down from my current position.
I would like to thank Lex for giving me this opportunity, and it has been great to see ADR Consulting Engineers develop into the successful business that it is today. I am in no doubt that it will continue to grow and prosper over the coming years, especially with the support of Nat, Scott and Dan.
It has been one hell of a ride with many highs and lows over the last 3 years, but one that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss. Good luck for the future, guys.“
While Don is stepping down as Director, this isn’t a final goodbye. We are delighted to announce that Don will be retained as a self-employed consultant. Supporting the team and our clients delivering exceptional projects.
On behalf of myself, Nat, Scott, and the entire team, thank you, Don, for 25 years of leadership, mentorship, and friendship. We wish you and Bridget all the absolute best with your next adventures!
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.“
Maria Robinson
Do you have a project coming up?
Why not get in touch with our team today to discuss? We offer free and confidential advice and are happy to support projects of all sizes.
You must be logged in to post a comment.