The Legacy of Bob Warner, Founder of R.E. Warner & Associates
In celebration of National Entrepreneur Day, we honor the remarkable legacy of Robert E. Warner, founder of R.E. Warner & Associates. His story continues to inspire our team’s values, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit.
From Humble Beginnings to Engineering Visionary
In honor of National Entrepreneur Day, we celebrate Bob Warner, founder of R.E. Warner & Associates, whose legacy inspires our team’s values and spirit.
Born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Bob Warner graduated from Penn State University in 1932 with a degree in architectural engineering—during the height of the Great Depression. At the time, securing a job was difficult, and many were focused simply on survival. Because of his degree, Bob qualified for a role as a social caseworker, helping people access food, clothing, and relief. That experience nurtured the empathy, steadiness, and practicality that became hallmarks of his leadership.
By 1935, Bob transitioned into his field, accepting a draftsman position at W.B. Pollock Co. in Youngstown, Ohio, helping design equipment for steelmaking and steel processing, including blast furnaces and ladle handling. The work gave him a strong technical foundation and deep familiarity with the challenges of heavy industry. A decade later, he moved to Lorain to work at National Tube as an assistant project engineer on a coke plant expansion.
Founding Warner Engineering Company
After completing the National Tube expansion project, Bob took a bold step. In 1951, he founded Warner Engineering Company in downtown Lorain, Ohio. The firm’s first office was located on the fourth floor of the Broadway Building—a bustling hub of industry. For the first year, Bob was the company’s sole employee. Within a decade, the team had grown to 30.
Despite living with painful arthritis, Bob remained personable and respected. His warmth and professionalism helped him build strong relationships and a thriving business.
Building a Regional Powerhouse
Bob’s experience at National Tube helped him secure major contracts across the Midwest. The firm’s first project came from W.B. Pollock, Bob’s former employer. Initially expected to last three months, the job extended to three years. The second project was for U.S. Steel’s Fairless Works in Pennsylvania. Soon, Warner Engineering was taking on projects in Indiana, Michigan, and beyond.
Bob stayed attuned to developing engineering trends and prepared the firm for new eras of work. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he expanded the firm’s engineering disciplines to meet client needs and enter new markets.
Outside the office, Bob was deeply engaged in the community. He was early supporter of the Vermilion Boat Club in addition to being a member of the United Church of Christ, as well as a trustee of the Lagoons of Vermilion Association. Bob was also highly-regarded as a great thinker, belonging to the “Amateur Philosophy Club” of Vermilion—a group that met frequently to discuss politics, work, current events, and religion. These pursuits reveal the same values that guided his professional life: a belief that work should serve communities, strengthen relationships, and be something you can proudly stand behind.
Passing the Torch and Continuing the Legacy
In 1972, Bob handed leadership to his long-time friend and partner, Jack Ochse. He moved to Florida in 1983 and passed away on December 20, 1987 at age 78. Memorials were held in Florida and, later that spring, in Vermilion—fitting tributes to a life and career that left a lasting impact.
Today, R.E. Warner & Associates has grown to a team of over 210 professionals. We are recognized as a leading consulting engineering firm with long-standing client relationships and a national portfolio.
Our success is rooted in Bob Warner’s commitment to excellence and service. His values continue to guide us more than 70 years after he founded the firm.
