In today’s utility landscape, the complexity of infrastructure projects is growing—and so is the need for cross-disciplinary coordination. Projects don’t succeed in isolation. They succeed when engineering, field execution, staffing, and technology work in sync. 

At Allied Resources Group (ARG), we’ve seen this firsthand. Over decades of working alongside some of the nation’s top utilities, we’ve learned that the most effective solutions are rarely created by one team alone. They’re built through collaboration—where each phase of a project informs the next, and where everyone is aligned on outcomes from day one. 

Designing with Purpose: Engineering for Resilience and Growth 

Utility infrastructure doesn’t just need to meet today’s standards—it needs to be ready for what’s next. Whether it’s substation upgrades or new interconnection designs, long-term resilience starts in the engineering phase. 

Our engineering teams specialize in utility-grade substation design, grounded in regulatory knowledge and informed by field realities. We think ahead—not just to meet current loads, but to build scalability into the system. The questions we ask early in the design process—about constructability, safety, future-proofing—are the ones that reduce risk later on. 

The Bridge Between Plans and Reality: Field Execution that Aligns with Design 

The gap between a well-drawn plan and a successful build is often where projects stall. That’s why execution needs to be closely tied to engineering from the beginning. 

With RTR, one of ARG’s field-focused companies, utility construction management is about more than staying on schedule. It’s about maintaining continuity between disciplines. Our field teams are in constant communication with engineers, ensuring that what’s designed on paper holds up in practice. 

Technology also plays a critical role here. Our drone and aerial imaging capabilities aren’t just impressive—they’re practical. They help teams track progress, verify work, and make real-time decisions based on hard data rather than assumptions. 

Talent as Infrastructure: Why the Right People Still Matter Most 

The conversation around infrastructure often revolves around technology, but people are still the most vital resource. Especially in utilities, where regulations are complex, timelines are tight, and safety is non-negotiable, you need more than just warm bodies on site—you need professionals who understand the environment. 

That’s where ARTC comes in. ARG’s staffing arm doesn’t just fill roles; it understands the nuanced skill sets utility projects demand. From safety leads to field technicians, having the right people at the right time can be the difference between progress and delay. 

A Systemic Approach to Utility Work 

What makes this model work isn’t any one service—it’s the system we’ve built. ARG isn’t a collection of disconnected services. It’s a framework designed to scale with your project, solve real-world problems, and adjust as conditions change. 

We’ve supported storm response operations, managed complex substation upgrades, and helped utilities navigate vegetation management and environmental compliance—all through teams that communicate and collaborate. 

And while every project is different, the core challenge remains the same: how do you keep complex systems aligned under pressure? 

That’s the problem we’ve set out to solve, not just once, but as a repeatable, reliable process. 

The Bottom Line

The utility sector is entering a new era—driven by decarbonization, decentralization, and digital transformation. That means the way we approach infrastructure projects has to evolve, too. 

Collaboration isn’t a buzzword. It’s an operational necessity. 

If there’s one thing ARG has learned over decades in the field, it’s this: projects don’t succeed because of one capability. They succeed when all the pieces fit—and when the people behind them know how to work together. 

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Negin Naraghi, Senior Vice President of Staffing & Workforce Augmentation

We’re proud to welcome Negin Naraghi to Allied Resources Group (ARG) as our new Senior Vice President of Staffing & Workforce Augmentation. A proven leader in the professional staffing industry, Negin brings more than 20 years of experience building high-performing teams, scaling recruitment operations, and driving client-focused workforce solutions across multiple industries.

At ARG, Negin will oversee and direct our staffing strategy across our family of companies, with a focus on growing our verticals in engineering, utilities, public infrastructure, oil & gas, healthcare, and life sciences. She will also help guide expansion into new markets, shaping the future of our staffing operations from both a strategic and operational perspective.

Before joining ARG, Negin held executive roles at Randstad USA and Randstad Enterprise, where she led both sales and delivery functions across large regions and global programs. As Global Vice President of Delivery, she was responsible for managing complex IT and engineering talent initiatives for Fortune 500 clients, integrating workforce planning, global sourcing, and data-driven delivery models.

Her approach is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence, with deep expertise in contingent labor, direct hire, and executive search. Negin’s leadership is also shaped by her academic and professional development—she attended Rosemont College, completed the Executive Leadership Program at Wharton, and holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Generative AI.

Based out of ARG’s corporate office, Negin is already collaborating with leadership to refine our workforce strategies, optimize delivery models, and continue building a culture of performance and accountability. Her forward-thinking mindset and strategic vision will be key as we strengthen our capabilities and grow our impact across industries.

Please join us in welcoming Negin to the ARG team—we’re excited for what’s ahead.

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By Christopher D. Antoni, P.E., P.Eng.
Senior Vice President, AED Energy Services 

This month’s “Culture of Caring” safety moment comes from a personal experience that reminded me just how easy it is to overlook everyday hazards. 

I was sitting in traffic the other day when a large diesel pickup idled in front of me. Within seconds, I caught a strong whiff of exhaust. Instinctively, I reached over and flipped my car’s air system to recirculation mode to avoid the fumes—but the moment stuck with me. It reminded me of the critical importance of diesel exhaust awareness on our job sites. 

Diesel Engines: Essential but Hazardous 

Diesel engines are the workhorses of our industry. They power everything from water pumps to haul trucks and other heavy machinery that keep construction sites, energy projects, and mining operations moving forward. But with this power comes responsibility. Prolonged or unprotected exposure to diesel exhaust is more than just unpleasant—it’s a serious health risk. 

Workers exposed to diesel exhaust may experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, and eye or nose irritation. Long-term exposure, however, has been linked to more severe conditions, including respiratory disease and even lung cancer. The dangers are real and documented—diesel exhaust was classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization in 2012. 

What’s in Diesel Exhaust? 

According to OSHA, diesel exhaust is a complex mix of gases and fine particles. The particulate portion—called diesel particulate matter (DPM)—contains microscopic solid carbon particles coated with hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons include compounds known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. 

Mitigating the Risk: What We Can Do 

Fortunately, there are several proven ways to minimize risk:

1. Ventilation is critical—whether it’s natural airflow on a construction site or mechanical ventilation in a shop.
2. Preventive maintenance helps engines run more cleanly and efficiently.
3. Filters and cleaner-burning engines significantly reduce emissions.
4. Air monitoring ensures we stay within safe exposure limits.
5. Operational practices like minimizing idling, limiting the use of diesel-powered equipment in confined spaces, and providing filtered cabs for operators all make a difference.
6. Training and awareness ensure the whole team understands the risks and how to manage them. 

Even something as simple as enforcing a “no unnecessary idling” policy can significantly reduce overall exposure. 

A Culture of Caring Means Slowing Down to Go Fast 

On a related note, I’d also like to share a quick “quality” moment. It might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the fastest way to get a job done is to slow down. 

We’ve all felt the pressure of a tight schedule, and in those moments, it’s tempting to skip steps or cut corners to save time. But when we move too fast, we often do things out of order—and that’s when mistakes happen. Rework becomes necessary, and the job ends up taking longer than if we’d done it right the first time. 

By slowing down, being intentional, and following proper procedures, we not only improve safety and quality—we also gain efficiency in the long run. 

Final Thoughts 

Our “Culture of Caring” is about looking out for each other, staying mindful of the small things, and making smart choices—even when no one is watching. Whether it’s protecting our teams from diesel exhaust or taking the time to do the job right, it all adds up to a safer, more productive workplace. 

Let’s keep taking care of one another out there. 

Christopher D. Antoni, P.E., P.Eng. Senior Vice President, AED Energy Services

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ARG Vice President of Sales, Scott Freeman

As part of ARG’s continued strategy to streamline our services, we are proud to announce the promotion of Scott Freeman to Vice President of Sales. This move reflects ARG’s commitment to building a cohesive, client-focused organization with strong leadership at every level.

With over a decade of experience leading business development efforts across the chemical, industrial, energy, and manufacturing sectors, Scott brings a proven track record of strategic growth, client relationship building, and leadership to this new role.

Scott joined Allied Engineering and Design in 2020 as Director of Business Development and has been instrumental in transforming our approach to client engagement—from transactional partnerships to trusted, consultative relationships. His efforts have directly contributed to our company’s expansion across key markets, including Chemical, Renewables, Pharmaceutical, Consumer Products, and Oil & Gas. Under his guidance, we’ve seen remarkable growth in repeat business, client referrals, and long-term partnerships—all signs of the sustainable, relationship-driven organization Scott continues to help shape.

A Vision for Sales Growth

In his new role as VP of Sales, Scott is focused on building a high-performing, collaborative sales team equipped to meet the evolving needs of our clients. “Our industry and clientele are rapidly evolving,” Scott shared. “By embracing continuous learning, promoting a growth mindset, and staying informed of industry trends, our group can stay agile and effective. Structured planning and small victories will help us reach big goals.”

His leadership style emphasizes clarity, accountability, and support. With a focus on professional development and purposeful hiring, Scott is building a team that not only complements each other’s strengths but is also driven to create value for our clients at every touchpoint.

“We’re not just growing—we’re growing thoughtfully,” Scott said. “Our aim is to break down silos, share learnings, and bring fresh ideas to our clients’ toughest challenges. That’s how we become true partners—not just vendors.”

Scott’s past experience with industry leaders like KBR, Honeywell, and PDIR, Inc. has given him a well-rounded perspective on how to deliver solutions that balance innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term impact. He brings that same mindset to every client relationship and internal initiative at Allied.

Please join us in congratulating Scott on his well-deserved promotion. We are excited about the future he’s helping to shape—not only for our sales team but for the entire organization and the clients we proudly serve.

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ARG Business Development Director, Midwest Region

We’re excited to announce that Shawn Vickers has joined Allied Resources Group (ARG) as our new Director of Business Development.

Shawn is a seasoned chemical engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a Master’s in Business from Southern Illinois University. He brings decades of hands-on experience in chemical engineering and process operations, having worked with major industry players like Dow, Conoco Phillips, and Marathon Petroleum. His background in operations—including turnarounds, upsets, and day-to-day plant challenges—gives him a deep understanding of the issues our clients face across industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, pipeline, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

Shawn joins ARG to lead business development efforts across the Midwest region, where he will focus on growing our presence in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. His strong network and industry knowledge position him to build lasting partnerships and expand ARG’s reach in core sectors including pipeline, power, utilities, and gas, while also identifying new areas where our engineering expertise can deliver value.

In the near term, Shawn is working closely with our Pittsburgh office to diversify its traditionally steel-focused client base. He has already kicked off outreach to new prospects, bringing ARG’s multi-disciplinary capabilities to a broader audience.

Shawn’s approach to business development is rooted in listening first—understanding client pain points and applying his background in engineering, operations, and project management to deliver smart, tailored solutions. He’s also drawn to ARG’s ambitious growth mindset and reputation for delivering high-quality work that leads to lasting client relationships.

Outside of work, Shawn stays busy with three active teenage kids and enjoys golfing, running, skiing, and working out.

Please join us in welcoming Shawn to the ARG team!

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At ARG, we understand the significance of community support, especially during challenging times. Last month, we proudly collaborated with Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS) for their Holiday Goods Drive, a longstanding initiative dedicated to aiding individuals facing difficulties. PACS, with its admirable commitment since 1972, exemplifies community support by offering emergency assistance through food distribution and Information & Referral services, fostering a community where everyone cares for each other.

Our team, together with Allied Resources Technical Consultants, actively participated in this drive, contributing non-perishable food items, baby essentials, cleaning products, and toiletries. The experience of dropping off these donations was profoundly heartwarming. We were honored to tour PACS’s facilities, witnessing firsthand their state-of-the-art freezer system and a walk-in “grocery store” that serves as a beacon of hope for those in need. As we reflect on our involvement, we’re deeply grateful to be a small part of PACS’s impactful mission, spreading joy and warmth in our community during this holiday season.

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At Allied Resources Group, community involvement is at the heart of our values, and we are proud to contribute to meaningful initiatives like the 2023 Warmth for All Drive organized by Orion Communities. Orion Communities, a local nonprofit based in Phoenixville, PA, is dedicated to providing hope for individuals and families facing hardships due to poverty, disability, or illness, fostering self-reliance along the way. This special drive, aligned with National Hunger & Homelessness Week, focused on collecting new and gently used coats, blankets, gloves, and new socks. These essential items were distributed to those in our community who are most vulnerable, offering not just physical warmth but also a sense of dignity during the winter months.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at ARG who generously contributed to this impactful cause, and we’re excited about the positive impact these donations will have on the lives of those in need in our community. Together, we’re making a difference and spreading warmth and hope where it’s needed most.

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In a significant move towards revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape, U.S. regulators have given their nod to proposals expediting the connection of new power projects to the electric grid. This reform addresses the mounting backlog of requests from wind and solar energy developers, totaling over 2,000 gigawatts, almost double the existing U.S. generation capacity. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Acting Chairman Willie Phillips emphasized that this rule marks a monumental step towards transmission reform.

Among the pivotal changes, the interconnection process will shift from a “first come, first served” to a “first ready” approach. This means projects armed with essential elements like land rights and permits will receive priority. Additionally, stringent financial and other conditions will be imposed to secure a spot in the interconnect queue. Grid operators failing to complete interconnection studies on time may face penalties of up to $2,500 per day. To expedite the process, FERC will also allow projects to be studied in clusters rather than one by one.

At ARG, we recognize this reform’s potential to reshape the renewable energy sector. Our subsidiaries, such as RTR, play a vital role in this endeavor. RTR works closely with the energy delivery industry, offering top-tier environmental inspection, constructability analysis, and project management services. With a team of seasoned professionals, we’re dedicated to finding intelligent ways to integrate renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the U.S. power grid.

The current complex process that new power generators and battery storage resources must navigate before connection involves multiple studies, taking an average of five years. This reform is poised to streamline this process, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable energy future. At ARG, our engineering consulting firms stand strong with the power utilities market. We’re committed to being at the forefront of this transformative journey towards a cleaner, more efficient power grid.

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