50+ Years of Civil Engineering

and Land Development Excellence

A STEP IN TIME

Celebrating Over 50 Years of Transforming Ideas into Reality: The Sambatek Story
Sambatek is built-to-last. It stood the test of time, with its stellar reputation and legacy growing over the past five decades.  While we improvised our brand name to reflect changing times, the core of who we are remains steadfast in the success of our clients and colleagues who have been with us through this amazing journey. Here’s our story:

The Beginning: A Foundation Laid in 1966
In 1966, U.S. Navy veteran Williams (Skip) McCombs, PE, and professional land surveyor Dickman Knutson embarked on a remarkable journey, founding McCombs-Knutson Associates in Plymouth, Minnesota. Little did they know that this modest beginning would lay the foundation for a legacy of excellence in civil engineering and surveying services.

Evolving with Excellence: The 1980s and 1990s
As the years unfolded, the firm evolved into McCombs Frank Roos and Associates, Inc. (MFRA), rapidly expanding its municipal and private land development client base. The firm became a beacon of innovation and expertise in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest.

From Turbulence to Triumph: 2000s
The Great Recession took a toll on several firms in our industry. It was a true test of what our firm is made of – a client-centric, employee-centric company of associates who are tenacious in preserving and safeguarding the reputation and legacy that is built to last. As they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Sirish Samba, PE, emerged as the President and CEO to help maneuver the firm through turbulent times. Sirish championed transitioning the firm from a private equity group ownership model to a firm owned and operated by its key leaders. This pivotal moment paved the way for our DBE and MBE certifications, opening doors to Transportation/Transit markets.

The Rise of Sambatek: 2014
2014 marked a significant milestone as the firm emerged as the 48th Fastest Growing Civil Engineering firm in the Country. Reflecting our expansion into new markets and territories, our headquarters found a new home in Minnetonka, symbolizing our commitment to growth and innovation and the emergence of a new brand – Sambatek!

A National Presence: 2019
Sambatek continued its growth trajectory, graduating from the DBE program, and opening a branch office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2019, solidifying our presence in the market. This expansion was a testament to our dedication to better serving our clients across diverse regions.

Joining Hands with Commercial Site Design: 2022
In 2022, Sambatek expanded its capabilities by acquiring Commercial Site Design, a firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializing in multi-unit rollout and development services. This strategic move positioned Sambatek to expand its national footprint further.

Our Commitment to Excellence: A Dynamic Future
Looking ahead, Sambatek is poised for a dynamic future. Our commitment to excellence, sustainable solutions, and client success will continue to drive our growth and success in the future. Join us in celebrating over 50 years of Sambatek’s entrepreneurial spirit and the countless stories of transforming ideas into reality. Here’s to the next 50 years of innovation and growth enhancing the lives of our colleagues, clients, and the communities we live-work-play.

2020’s

2022
In 2022, Sambatek acquired Commercial Site Design, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based firm specializing in multi-unit rollout and development services.

2010’s

2019
Sambatek receives the Best Suburban Multifamily Design Award from the Minnesota Real Estate Journal for The Reserve at Arbor Lakes.
Sambatek expands its geographic footprint to better service clients in Texas by opening a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Sirish Samba is elected President of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Minnesota.
2017
Sambatek provides engineering consulting services for the MnDOT I-35W rehabilitation project.
2015
Sambatek provides engineering and surveying services for the METRO Transit Blue Line Extension (Bottineau Corridor) LRT project.
2014
MFRA, Inc. changes its name to Sambatek, Inc.
MFRA, Inc. receives recognition as the 48th fastest growing AE firm in the Nation according to the ZweigWhite Hot Firm List.
2013
MFRA, Inc. provides preliminary design services for the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest Corridor) LRT project.
2018
Sambatek receives the Industrial Environmental Achievement Award from the Central States Water Environment Federation for its work on the GNP Company (Gold’n Plump) Wastewater Treatment Facility in Cold Spring, MN.
The MnDOT Office of Civil Rights recognizes Sambatek, Inc. as a Transportation Leader Advancing Equity for a Minority Owned Business.
Sambatek designs its first solar project in Waite Park, MN.
2016
Sambatek celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
Sambatek completes site grading design and street utility work for the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.
2012
MFRA, Inc. provides design services for the METRO Transit Green Line (Central Corridor) LRT project from downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul.
2010
MFRA, Inc. enters the wind industry by providing services for the 130 MW Taloga Wind Farm in Putnam, OK, and the 51 MW Kit Carson Wind Farm in Burlington, CO. for Wanzek Construction.

2000’s

2009
MFRA, Inc. completes the design of the prominent West End retail center in St. Louis Park, MN.
McCombs Frank Roos Assocates, Inc. changes its name to MFRA, Inc.
2004
Mark Anderson, Principal, joins the company.
2000
The company receives the American Planning Association of MN Distinguished Planning Award for the Comprehensive Park Trail & Area Plans for Saint Michael, MN.
2008
Jeff Roos retires.
Sirish Samba, PE, is appointed President & CEO.
2006
The company acquires Schoell & Madson, Inc.
2005
Corey Bergman, Principal, joins the company.
A private equity group acquires McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc.
2002
OPUS and RED Development retain the company for the site design of The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, the Twin Cities’ first “lifestyle center” mixed-use development in Maple Grove.

1990’s

1997
The company acquires Hult Associates, LLC to expand its survey services.
Erik Miller, Principal, joins the company.
1993
Skip McCombs retires.
1996
Design and construction management of the St. Michael Wastewater Treatment Facility is completed. The project receives the Consulting Engineers Council Grand Award and the Seven Wonders of Minnesota Award.
1994
Current President and CEO Sirish Samba joins McCombs Frank Roos Associates as an Engineer-in-Training.
1992
Greg Frank becomes President & CEO of McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc.

1980’s

1987
The Water Resources and Hazardous Waste Division is established to provide groundwater contamination plume modeling services.
The company acquires Midwest Engineering, LLC.
Greg Frank, Jeff Roos, and Paul Johnson become partners of McCombs-Knutson Associates, Inc. To recognize this transition, the company name was changed to McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc.
1984
The company receives the Consulting Engineers Council of MN Grand Award for the design of the Wastewater Treatment Facility for the Village of Turtle Lake, WI.
Dickman Knutson retires.

1970’s

1977
The company receives the Consulting Engineers Council of MN Grand Award for the Nursery Irrigation System at Crow Hasan Nursery, Hennepin County Park Reserve District.
1974
The company receives the Consulting Engineers Council of MN Honorary Award for the design of the Chaska Wastewater Treatment Plant in Chaska, MN.
1973
Principal Paul Pearson joins the firm and is still recognized as the longest-tenured employee of 43 plus years.

1960’s

1966
U.S. Navy veteran Williams (Skip) McCombs, a professional civil engineer, and Dickman Knutson, a professional land surveyor, start McCombs-Knutson Associates, Inc. in Plymouth, MN.

2020’s

2022
In 2022, Sambatek acquired Commercial Site Design, a Raleigh, North Carolina-based firm specializing in multi-unit rollout and development services.

2010’s

2019
Sambatek receives the Best Suburban Multifamily Design Award from the Minnesota Real Estate Journal for The Reserve at Arbor Lakes.
Sambatek expands its geographic footprint to better service clients in Texas by opening a new office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Sirish Samba is elected President of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Minnesota.
2018
Sambatek receives the Industrial Environmental Achievement Award from the Central States Water Environment Federation for its work on the GNP Company (Gold’n Plump) Wastewater Treatment Facility in Cold Spring, MN.
The MnDOT Office of Civil Rights recognizes Sambatek, Inc. as a Transportation Leader Advancing Equity for a Minority Owned Business.
Sambatek designs its first solar project in Waite Park, MN.
2017
Sambatek provides engineering consulting services for the MnDOT I-35W rehabilitation project.
2016
Sambatek celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
Sambatek completes site grading design and street utility work for the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.
2015
Sambatek provides engineering and surveying services for the METRO Transit Blue Line Extension (Bottineau Corridor) LRT project.
2014
MFRA, Inc. changes its name to Sambatek, Inc.
MFRA, Inc. receives recognition as the 48th fastest growing AE firm in the Nation according to the ZweigWhite Hot Firm List.
2013
MFRA, Inc. provides preliminary design services for the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest Corridor) LRT project.
2012
MFRA, Inc. provides design services for the METRO Transit Green Line (Central Corridor) LRT project from downtown Minneapolis to downtown St. Paul.
2010
MFRA, Inc. enters the wind industry by providing services for the 130 MW Taloga Wind Farm in Putnam, OK, and the 51 MW Kit Carson Wind Farm in Burlington, CO. for Wanzek Construction.

2000’s

2009
MFRA, Inc. completes the design of the prominent West End retail center in St. Louis Park, MN.
McCombs Frank Roos Assocates, Inc. changes its name to MFRA, Inc.
2008
Jeff Roos retires.
Sirish Samba, PE, is appointed President & CEO.
2006
The company acquires Schoell & Madson, Inc.
2005
Corey Bergman, Principal, joins the company.
A private equity group acquires McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc.
2004
Mark Anderson, Principal, joins the company.
2002
OPUS and RED Development retain the company for the site design of The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, the Twin Cities’ first “lifestyle center” mixed-use development in Maple Grove.
2000
The company receives the American Planning Association of MN Distinguished Planning Award for the Comprehensive Park Trail & Area Plans for Saint Michael, MN.

1990’s

0997
The company acquires Hult Associates, LLC to expand its survey services.
Erik Miller, Principal, joins the company.
1996
Design and construction management of the St. Michael Wastewater Treatment Facility is completed. The project receives the Consulting Engineers Council Grand Award and the Seven Wonders of Minnesota Award.
1994
Current President and CEO Sirish Samba joins McCombs Frank Roos Associates as an Engineer-in-Training.
1993
Skip McCombs retires.
1992
Greg Frank becomes President & CEO of McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc.

1980’s

1987
The Water Resources and Hazardous Waste Division is established to provide groundwater contamination plume modeling services.
The company acquires Midwest Engineering, LLC.
Greg Frank, Jeff Roos, and Paul Johnson become partners of McCombs-Knutson Associates, Inc. To recognize this transition, the company name was changed to McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc.
1984
The company receives the Consulting Engineers Council of MN Grand Award for the design of the Wastewater Treatment Facility for the Village of Turtle Lake, WI.
Dickman Knutson retires.

1970’s

1977
The company receives the Consulting Engineers Council of MN Grand Award for the Nursery Irrigation System at Crow Hasan Nursery, Hennepin County Park Reserve District.
1974
The company receives the Consulting Engineers Council of MN Honorary Award for the design of the Chaska Wastewater Treatment Plant in Chaska, MN.
1973
Principal Paul Pearson joins the firm and is still recognized as the longest-tenured employee of 43 plus years.

1960’s

1966
U.S. Navy veteran Williams (Skip) McCombs, a professional civil engineer, and Dickman Knutson, a professional land surveyor, start McCombs-Knutson Associates, Inc. in Plymouth, MN.