FWC Structural Engineers was founded in 1991 by Seb Ficcadenti and Mike Waggoner with a simple but enduring belief: great engineering is built on strong relationships, technical excellence, and a team that shares a common vision. From the start, their focus was not only on delivering high-quality work, but on building a firm grounded in trust, collaboration, and long-term partnership.

That foundation quickly translated into growth. Within the first decade, FWC expanded its leadership with the addition of Tom Castle and Mark Schroeder and extended its reach into new regions and markets. Tom established FWC’s Northern California presence, opening the Concord office and broadening the firm’s ability to serve clients statewide. In Southern California, Mark helped shape a diverse portfolio across retail, mixed-use, and government sectors, projects that continue to serve as lasting assets within their communities.

As the firm evolved, so did its capabilities. George Sun and Sayola Briney joined the principal group, strengthening both technical expertise and strategic growth. George expanded FWC’s work in parking structures and retail developments, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for thoughtful, technically sound design. Sayola helped guide company-wide growth by leading business development efforts, strengthening client relationships, and advancing operational strategy and innovation across the firm.

FWC’s continued growth is reflected in its next generation of leadership. In 2025, Chad Sakai, Jeff Kersh, and Matt Slazas were promoted to principal. Chad has expanded the firm’s litigation and forensic engineering practice, growing its presence in expert witness services. Jeff plays a key role in advancing FWC’s Northern California office alongside Tom Castle, where clients have come to rely on him, while also driving growth across the Southwest and expanding the firm’s national reach. Matt leads the Boise office and continues to drive growth throughout the Mountain West region.

Today, FWC is a team of more than 70 professionals across five offices in California, Nevada, Idaho, and North Carolina. While our work spans the United States and includes projects as far as Korea and Norway. Our approach remains rooted in the same principles established at the beginning.

More than three decades later, the strength of FWC is reflected not only in the work we deliver, but in the people behind it. Many of our team members have been with the firm for over 20 years, a testament to the culture, stability, and shared commitment that define who we are.

FWC continues to move forward with a clear purpose: to deliver thoughtful engineering solutions, build lasting client relationships, and uphold the standard of excellence that has guided the firm since day one.