Leading the Next Chapter: Meet Apogee’s New Owner, Andrew “Andy” Richards

Apogee President Profile: Andrew “Andy” Richards

When Andy Richards joined Apogee Consulting Group six years ago as an electrical and telecommunications designer, he was focused on doing what he had always done best—understanding how systems work and helping solve complex technical problems.

What he didn’t expect was that his path would lead to ownership.

Today, Andy steps into this role with a foundation built not only on leadership, but on years of hands-on technical experience, professional growth, and a deep understanding of Apogee’s work and clients.

A Foundation Built on Service and Technical Curiosity

Andy’s journey into engineering began in the U.S. Army, where he served as a 94E – Radio and Communications Equipment (COMSEC) Repairer. In that role, he developed a practical, systems-level understanding of electrical components—working directly with circuit boards, resistors, capacitors, and communication systems.

Following his military service, Andy used the GI Bill to attend North Carolina State University, where he pursued his passion for engineering. While in school, he gravitated toward power systems, generators, and electrical distribution, initially envisioning a career in the utility sector.

That technical curiosity—and a natural inclination toward problem-solving—ultimately led him to Apogee.

Growing into Leadership Through Technical Excellence

Andy joined Apogee as an electrical and telecommunications designer, supporting projects for federal clients, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. From the beginning, he approached his work with a focus on both technical precision and practical application.

Over time, he expanded his role within the firm, taking on increasing responsibility across projects and teams. His commitment to professional development culminated in earning his Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) in 2023 and Professional Engineer license in 2024.

These milestones reflect not only technical expertise, but a dedication to mastering the disciplines that are central to Apogee’s work.

As his experience grew, so did his leadership within the firm. Andy went on to serve as Telecom Practice Leader and became a member of Apogee’s board of directors, helping guide both technical strategy and organizational direction.

An Entrepreneurial Mindset

Even before his engineering career began, Andy had an entrepreneurial streak. Working at a local hardware store in high school, he developed an appreciation for practical problem-solving—helping people fix what’s broken and understand how things work.

Throughout college, he considered starting his own business, exploring ideas ranging from hardware to software. That instinct—to build, improve, and take ownership—never left him. It simply found a different outlet at Apogee.

Life Beyond Work

Andy’s approach to leadership is deeply influenced by the life he and his wife, Emily, have intentionally built together.

The two met in Fayetteville while Andy was serving in the Army and have been married since 2013. Today, they are raising three daughters in a home centered around connection, curiosity, and time spent together. Whether it’s hiking, traveling to new places—even planning trips to experience solar eclipses—or simply gathering for card games, puzzles, or a shared video game after dinner, their family life is rooted in being present.

Emily, who has a background in early childhood education, now homeschools their children, further reinforcing the intentional way they approach learning, growth, and time as a family.

That commitment—to building a life where relationships are prioritized and time is spent meaningfully—has had a direct influence on how Andy thinks about work and leadership.

A Vision Centered on People

For Andy, Apogee’s greatest strength isn’t just its technical expertise or its long-standing work with the Department of Veterans Affairs—it’s the experience people have while they’re part of the company.

He believes that, much like a strong family, a company should be built with intention.

At Apogee, that means creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and genuinely connected—not just to their work, but to each other. A place where individuals can grow professionally while still having the space to invest in what matters most outside of work.

“If people look back on their time here and say it was one of the best experiences of their lives—not just professionally, but personally—that’s success.”

Andy is clear that this kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It requires discipline, accountability, and a willingness to prioritize people alongside performance.

He is committed to building a company that earns its place in people’s lives—one that does not expect employees to sacrifice their health, families, or well-being.

“This is a business, and we take that seriously. But we also have to be a company that earns people’s time and commitment.”

Looking Ahead

As Apogee enters this next chapter, Andy’s focus is not on changing what has made the company successful—but on strengthening it with intention.

That means continuing to deliver high-quality work for federal clients, maintaining Apogee’s SDVOSB and veteran-led identity, and investing in the people and relationships that define the organization.

It also means being deliberate about how the company grows—ensuring that as Apogee evolves, it remains a place where people can do meaningful work without losing sight of the lives they’re building outside of it.

By carrying forward the legacy built over the past 27 years—and grounding future decisions in both technical excellence and a people-first mindset—Andy is positioning Apogee to grow in a way that is not only successful, but sustainable.