History
THE HISTORY OF HUNSAKER & ASSOCIATES
Our History
“You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” ― Wayne Gretzky
In 1976, driven by little more than a dream and a whole lot of courage, Richard Hunsaker founded Hunsaker & Associates with three partners (John Michler, Tom McGannon, and Doug Snyder). Each partner brought a special expertise, resulting in a unique approach to community development.
The company’s core principles and strengths lie in its multidisciplinary team approach for every project. The process begins with planning, followed by preliminary and final engineering, design, surveying, and ultimately, construction staking. This expertise and understanding of the development process showcase our commitment to quality and innovation, achieved through careful team selection and the combined skills of our team.
What sets Hunsaker & Associates apart is how the Planning, Engineering, and Surveying departments work together to create integrated, tailored solutions to each project. Since its founding, the firm has grown based on personal involvement, teamwork, and a dedication to excellence, integrity, and reliability. We offer comprehensive planning, engineering, and surveying services, and we have consulted on over 600,000 acres of land development projects ranging in size and scope from small neighborhood shopping centers to large-scale master-planned communities.
In June 2000, eight new partners joined H&A leadership (Doug Staley, Kamal Karam, Bradley Hay, David Frattone, Kris Weber, Paul Huddleston, Joe Wightman, and Jack Tarr); all are accomplished team members with a vast and diverse portfolio of successful projects. Following the retirements of five principals, two new partners, Jonathan Petke and Ted Frattone, brought additional expertise to support H&A’s ongoing growth in 2026.
In 2009, Richard Hunsaker retired, passing leadership to Doug Staley. Today, six partners- Fred Graylee, Bradley Hay, Kamal Karam, Doug Staley, Jonathan Petke, and Ted Frattone lead the company, managing projects and supporting staff. After over 40 years devoted to the Building Industry, Richard Hunsaker’s legacy endures through his respected career and the values he instilled in his team, which are reflected across the company. Hunsaker & Associates has since become three independent firms – located in Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Diego – each share the same integrity and dedication to community development.
Our Mission
Our mission at Hunsaker & Associates Irvine, Inc. is to deliver professional, innovative design and engineering services that support feasible planning, development, and infrastructure for public and private clients. Committed to integrity, quality, and resourcefulness, we aim to create cost-effective solutions that foster opportunities and add value while protecting the environment.
Teamwork
At Hunsaker & Associates Irvine, Inc., our strength lies in teamwork where all voices and contributions are valued. Our leadership fosters innovation through open dialogue and mutual support, helping us reach common goals. Embracing diverse perspectives and expertise allows us to tackle challenges and develop sustainable solutions. We build not just projects but lasting relationships that drive our success in planning, engineering, and surveying.
Integrity
At Hunsaker & Associates Irvine, Inc., our leadership embodies integrity as a guiding principle, ensuring that every decision and action reflects our commitment to honesty and transparency. This unwavering focus cultivates an environment where ethical standards are paramount, fostering trust among team members and clients alike. By prioritizing integrity, we not only enhance our relationships but also reinforce our reputation as a responsible and dependable partner in planning, engineering, and surveying. Our leaders inspire by example, encouraging a culture where accountability and ethical practices thrive, ultimately driving the success of our projects and the satisfaction of our clients.
Commitment
At Hunsaker & Associates Irvine, Inc., our leadership is deeply committed to excellence and growth, empowering each team member in our mission. This dedication shapes our project management approach, where leaders inspire collaboration and trust, driving innovation. By fostering a culture of accountability and support, we enable our teams to tackle challenges and transform them into opportunities for success, making commitment the core of our organization and allowing us to deliver impactful solutions that extend beyond our projects.
Reliability
At Hunsaker & Associates Irvine, Inc., our culture is built on integrity, driving our work to new heights. Our partners uphold the highest ethical standards, inspiring team members to embrace honesty and accountability in every project. This commitment fosters trust within our teams and enhances relationships with clients and stakeholders, enabling us to deliver exceptional results with transparency. By nurturing an environment of integrity, we create a solid foundation for collaboration and innovation, empowering us to tackle complex challenges and achieve success in planning, engineering, and surveying.
Hunsaker & Associates, founding partners (1976)
From left to right: John Michler, Tom McGannon, Richard Hunsaker, and Doug Snyder.
