History of Engineering Service Company

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James L. Larsh (1909-2000)

James “Jim” Larsh (1909–2000) was an original co-founder of Engineering Service Company (ESC) and a highly respected civil engineer and surveyor whose work helped shape both Colorado’s infrastructure and its wartime history.

Jim’s early career gained national significance during World War II, when the U.S. War Department determined a need for a specialized Army training facility for what would become the 10th Mountain Division. A site between Red Cliff and Leadville, along the Eagle River Valley, was selected for Camp Hale. Jim was contracted to provide the required surveying and engineering design for the facility.

He completed the Camp Hale project ahead of schedule, a notable achievement given the scale and urgency of the work. In recognition of his contributions, Jim was awarded Honoree Status as a Civilian on the Home Front, and his name was later placed on the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Following the war, Jim founded Engineering Service Company on Montview Boulevard in Aurora, Colorado, establishing a firm built on technical excellence and reliability. He went on to engineer what is now the City of Northglenn for Perlmak-Perlmutter, along with numerous other projects in Aurora and throughout Colorado.

Jim Larsh’s engineering expertise, leadership, and commitment to quality laid the foundation for ESC’s enduring reputation and continue to influence the firm’s work today.

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John J. Wilder (1928-2012)

John J. Wilder (1928–2012) was an original co-founder of Engineering Service Company (ESC) and a lifelong example of service, discipline, and leadership. An Eagle Scout with three Palms from Denver’s first Boy Scout Troop #1, John lived by the ETO creed: “Winners never quit, and quitters never win.”

While attending East High School, John attempted to enlist in the U.S. Navy at age 16 and succeeded the following year. He served from 1946 to 1948 aboard the USS Missouri as a diver specializing in underwater demolition, and continued his service in the Navy Reserves from 1948 to 1953.

John graduated from the University of Denver in 1952 with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1953, he served as a Building Inspector for the City of Aurora, marking the beginning of a long and impactful career in public service and engineering. During this early period, he also co-founded Engineering Service Company (ESC) before leaving the firm in 1955 to continue his public-sector career.

He went on to hold positions with multiple government agencies, rising to Assistant Regional Administrator for HUD, and later served under Denver Mayor William McNichols as Director of Community Development.

He concluded his public service career with the Denver Water Department, retiring in 1993 after serving as its first Conservation Officer and as Principal Lobbyist at the Colorado State Legislature for three years.

Our Approach

We believe that every project is unique and requires a customized approach. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and goals, and we develop solutions that are tailored to their requirements. Our approach ensures that our clients get the best possible outcome from their investment.

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Edward L. Newman (1930-2007)

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Black and white portrait of a smiling man in a suit and tie.

Hayward “Red” Miller, Jr. (1931-1994)

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Company History

1954: Jim Larsh, Engineering Service

1969: Engineering Service Company of Colorado, Inc

Jim Larsh’s (1909-2000) early work as a civil engineer and surveyor began when the War Department decided that a US Army facility was needed to train 15,000 soldiers of what would become the 10th Mountain Division in mountain climbing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, and cold-weather survival skills. A location between Red Cliff and Leadville, along the Eagle River Valley in Colorado, was selected to become the home of Camp Hale and Mr. Larsh was contracted to provide the necessary surveying and engineering design. He completed the project ahead of schedule, and for his efforts and accomplishments, Mr. Larsh was awarded an Honoree Status of Civilian on the Home Front and his name was placed on the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Soon thereafter, Mr. Larsh founded Engineering Service on Montview Boulevard in Aurora, Colorado. He engineered what is now Northglenn, Colorado for Perlmak-Perlmutter and numerous other projects in Aurora and throughout Colorado.

Edward L. Newman (1930-2007) and Hayward “Red” Miller, Jr. (1931-1994) joined Mr. Larsh, and in 1969 Engineering Service Company of Colorado, Inc. (ESC) was incorporated in the State of Colorado. Mr. Newman graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Civil Engineering. Mr. Newman began his career working for the United States Geological Survey traveling the country helping to create some of the first maps of remote areas that are still in use today. Before joining Mr. Larsh, he was the City Engineer in the City of Aurora for several years and served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives.

Mr. Miller graduated from Colorado A&M College (now Colorado State University) in 1953 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He served as an Officer in the United States Air Force in the late 1950’s and then, after leaving the military, moved his young family back to Colorado in the early 1960’s. Before joining Mr. Larsh, he was the Director of Public Works for the City of Aurora and was instrumental in the design and completion of Homestake Reservoir, located in southern Eagle County in the Colorado River Basin, which was completed in 1967 and still in use today. While with ESC, Mr. Miller served on the Aurora City Council.

When Mr. Newman left the firm, Mr. Larsh and Mr. Miller continued to operate as ESC. Mr. Miller’s son, Brett, began working at the firm soon thereafter as a rear chainman/rod-man on a survey crew. Today, the President of the firm is Mr. Miller’s son, Brett Miller, PLS.

In keeping with the experience and expertise of the Company, the services performed are in the field of land development civil engineering, land surveying, and construction surveying. The practice of the Company adjusts with the demands of the market and the capabilities of the staff. With that in mind, the firm added Entitlement and Program Management services in 2017.

History of Engineering Service Company

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James L. Larsh (1909-2000)

John J. Wilder (1928-2012)

Our Approach

Edward L. Newman (1930-2007)

Hayward “Red” Miller, Jr. (1931-1994)

Company History

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