A recent analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reveals five foundational safety best practices that significantly reduce workplace injuries across the construction industry. Based on 2024 data covering more than 1 billion work hours from construction, heavy civil, and specialty trades, the 2025 Health and Safety Performance Report highlights how focusing on leading indicators and employee engagement can dramatically improve safety outcomes.

Employers who implement in-depth new hire safety orientations that go beyond compliance to instill a culture of health and safety experience a 52% lower Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) compared to those with basic orientations. This comprehensive approach sets the tone from day one, creating a workforce equipped to identify hazards and work safely.

Tracking and reviewing leading indicators, such as near-miss reports and safety training, correlates with a 59% reduction in TRIR and a 60% reduction in Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) rates. Proactively addressing risks before injuries occur is key to preventing workplace accidents.

Robust substance abuse prevention programs —including drug and alcohol testing where permitted—also contribute to a 52% decrease in TRIR. Supporting employee wellness and readiness is increasingly recognized as essential to overall jobsite safety.

Frequent, daily toolbox talks stand out as one of the most effective safety practices. Organizations that hold daily safety discussions report a 78% reduction in TRIR compared to those conducting talks monthly. These brief, focused conversations keep safety top of mind and encourage real-time hazard awareness.

Finally, top management engagement in safety programs leads to a 49% decrease in TRIR. When leadership visibly prioritizes safety, it reinforces its importance at every level of the organization and drives accountability.

These findings confirm what industry leaders have observed firsthand: a proactive, engaged safety culture saves lives and reduces injuries. Emphasizing prevention, communication, and leadership commitment creates safer, healthier worksites where every employee can thrive.

As regulatory agencies continue to update and refine safety requirements, adopting these proven best practices offers companies a path to not only compliance but true safety excellence.

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August 5, 2025 — Allied Resources Group (ARG), a leading parent organization of technical and professional services companies, announced today its acquisition of Verigent, a nationally recognized provider of information technology staffing and telecom workforce solutions. The acquisition represents a significant milestone in ARG’s long-term strategy to expand its service offerings across critical infrastructure sectors, deepen its national footprint, and deliver integrated talent solutions that meet the evolving demands of today’s digital economy.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Verigent brings more than two decades of experience in placing skilled IT and telecom professionals across more than 40 states. With deep client relationships and a strong track record of performance, Verigent adds specialized staffing capabilities that complement ARG’s existing portfolio in engineering, healthcare, construction management, energy, and industrial inspection.

“This acquisition is a key step in ARG’s continued growth,” said Dennis F. Zatlin, President and CEO of Allied Resources Group. “Verigent brings deep industry experience, strong client relationships, and a reputation for quality staffing in telecom and IT. Together, we’ll deliver even greater value to companies building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our world connected, including next-generation data centers. It also opens the door for ARG to expand our engineering, project, and construction management services.”

Verigent will continue operating under its well-established brand, with its leadership team and staff remaining in place. The company will benefit from ARG’s national scale, shared services infrastructure, and investment support to accelerate growth and expand service offerings. Clients can expect the same high level of service, with access to additional capabilities through ARG’s broader network.

“At Verigent, we’ve always believed that relationships are at the heart of everything we do,” said Kevin Kiernan, Founder of Verigent. “We treat both our clients and our employees as customers and have built our business on delivering unmatched service to both. Joining ARG allows us to expand those values while gaining new resources and opportunities to grow.”

With the addition of Verigent, Allied Resources Group now offers a seamless solution set spanning engineering, IT, energy, healthcare, inspection, and field services. The acquisition underscores ARG’s commitment to investing in companies that share its values of integrity, entrepreneurship, and a people-first approach.

You can read the full press release on Newswire here: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/836906263/allied-resources-group-acquires-verigent-expanding-into-data-center-infrastructure-market

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Data centers have become the backbone of the digital economy, powering everything from artificial intelligence and cloud computing to streaming services and critical communications. As these facilities grow in size and complexity, so do the demands placed on the infrastructure that supports them. Building reliable, scalable, and sustainable data center infrastructure is essential not only to meet today’s performance expectations but also to prepare for the digital future. 

At Allied Resources Group (ARG), we bring decades of experience delivering integrated infrastructure solutions for mission-critical projects. Our multidisciplinary expertise, including engineering, construction management, quality assurance, field services, and workforce deployment, supports the complex infrastructure challenges behind modern data center development. 

The Growing Stakes: Power, Reliability, and Sustainability 

Data centers are among the most energy-intensive facilities in the world. According to the International Energy Agency’s 2023 report, AI and cloud-driven workloads could increase electricity demand from data centers by up to five times by 2035, accounting for as much as 12 percent of total U.S. electricity consumption. This rapid growth underscores the critical need for energy infrastructure that is not only robust and reliable but also flexible enough to integrate emerging clean energy solutions. 

Uptime remains the defining metric for data center success. The Uptime Institute’s latest analysis shows that unplanned downtime costs operators an average of $9,000 per minute. A significant portion of outages are caused by infrastructure issues outside of IT equipment. This highlights the importance of comprehensive quality assurance, rigorous inspection, and proactive risk management throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. 

Delivering Integrated Infrastructure Solutions 

Reliable data center operation depends on a complex energy and infrastructure ecosystem. This includes natural gas pipelines, compression stations, electrical substations, and backup power systems. ARG’s integrated delivery model combines deep expertise in power system engineering, construction management, field inspection, and staffing to address this complexity holistically. 

Our teams work closely with utilities, energy providers, and project partners to design, build, and manage the infrastructure that powers data centers. This integrated approach enables us to optimize coordination, reduce risk, and maintain project momentum, even on the most aggressive timelines. 

Addressing Workforce and Quality Challenges 

Infrastructure projects across the country are facing a growing skilled labor shortage. This challenge, detailed in recent reports by FMI Corporation and Engineering News-Record, can threaten project schedules, increase costs, and impact quality. 

ARG’s comprehensive staffing and field services help bridge this gap. We provide specialized, experienced professionals focused on construction management, quality assurance, health and safety, and field inspection. Our proactive oversight reduces rework, improves compliance, and contributes directly to uninterrupted data center operation. 

Preparing for the Digital Future 

The data center industry is evolving rapidly. Beyond sheer scale, today’s projects require flexible, modular infrastructure that can adapt to emerging technologies like edge computing, decentralized storage, and on-site renewable energy generation. Federal and regional policies, including recent executive orders supporting clean energy and grid modernization, further shape project requirements. 

ARG’s experience across industrial and utility sectors equips us to navigate this dynamic environment. We prioritize designs and delivery strategies that support scalability, sustainability, and compliance with evolving regulations and certifications. 

Why Allied Resources Group 

With a national footprint and multidisciplinary capabilities, ARG is uniquely positioned to support data center infrastructure projects from initial planning through execution. Our integrated approach aligns engineering, construction, quality assurance, and staffing to drive efficiency and reliability. 

As data center energy demands rise and project complexity increases, ARG’s expertise in energy infrastructure and field services offers clients the confidence and agility required to meet today’s challenges and build for tomorrow’s digital future. 

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In the construction and infrastructure industries, project needs can shift fast. Schedules accelerate, scopes expand, and specialized skills are often required with little notice. In these moments, having access to qualified talent—without the delay of a long hiring process—can make all the difference. 

That’s where workforce augmentation comes in. 

Successful project delivery depends on having the right people in the right roles at the right time. At ARG, we provide flexible staffing solutions that adapt to evolving project demands—whether short-term or long-term, skilled trades or technical professionals. 

What Is Workforce Augmentation?

Workforce augmentation supplements your internal team with qualified professionals who can step in and support your project goals—without requiring full-time hires. It’s a scalable approach to staffing that gives you the flexibility to respond to workload changes and address skill gaps as they arise. 

How It Supports Our Clients

For many clients, workforce support plays a critical role in maintaining momentum across project phases. Whether ramping up for construction, staffing long-term maintenance programs, or covering internal resource constraints, workforce augmentation ensures you have access to experienced personnel—when and where you need them. 

Examples of Support Roles Include: 

• Construction managers and field supervisors
• Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) specialists
• Project engineers and schedulers
• Skilled trades and field technicians
• Inspectors, document control, and QA/QC professionals 

Through our network of staffing partners, ARG brings together technical expertise, local market knowledge, and the flexibility needed to keep your projects moving forward—safely, efficiently, and on schedule. 

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At Allied Resources Group (ARG), we believe being a strong parent company isn’t about how many businesses you own—it’s about how well you bring them together.

Our companies may be spread across the U.S., but we operate as one connected organization. We share resources, ideas, and expertise to help each other grow—and to deliver better results for our clients.

Where others operate in silos, we collaborate. We lean on each other’s strengths, solve challenges together, and build lasting success through shared effort. That’s the difference.

One Team, One Goal

ARG offers a range of services—engineering, inspections, field services, staffing, and construction management—but we don’t operate as separate vendors. We’re one company, united by one goal: getting the job done right.

Because we work as one, we deliver complete, end-to-end solutions. A project might start with an inspection, call for engineering support, require boots on the ground, and finish with the right talent in place. Our teams—spread out geographically but closely connected—collaborate seamlessly to move projects forward, efficiently and effectively.

That’s the power of One ARG.

More Than Ownership: Real Partnership

At ARG, we don’t just bring companies under one name and call it a day. We roll up our sleeves and work alongside our teams—offering strategy, operational support, and real-world guidance where it matters most.

• Collaborating to open new doors and win larger, more complex contracts
• Sharing leadership experience and industry knowledge to guide decisions
• Using shared systems that simplify work and free teams to focus on results
• Offering growth plans that give teams independence while keeping a clear path forward

Our focus is long-term value—helping our companies grow stronger, smarter, and more connected over time. That’s how we create lasting impact for clients, communities, and each other.

People Come First

Strong companies are built by strong people. At ARG, we put our people at the center. That’s why we focus on:

• Providing career paths that allow team members to grow and explore new roles
• Developing leaders who will shape the future of the company and industry
• Encouraging collaboration across teams to spark new ideas and innovation
• Building a culture based on honesty, hard work, and shared values

When our people grow and succeed, so do our companies. And when our teams work together, the impact multiplies.

ARG isn’t a distant parent company overseeing a group of separate businesses. We’re a unified organization—where every company contributes, collaborates, and works toward a shared purpose.

Whether it’s inspections in the field, engineering in a control room, or healthcare staffing in a hospital, our strength comes from acting as one connected team. We share knowledge, align around quality, and support each other to solve problems and create opportunity.

Because a strong parent company isn’t just about ownership—it’s about bringing people together to grow, deliver, and succeed as one.

That’s One ARG.

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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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