Turning Dirt into Economic Gold

How environmental engineering firm HRP helps power Upstate growth

For most people, environmental due diligence and soil remediation aren’t exactly cocktail party conversation. But for Shaun Malin, Principal and Director of Strategic Development at HRP Associates, they’re tools for building a better business climate — often literally from the ground up.

HRP Associates, an environmental engineering and consulting firm with a presence in Upstate SC since 1993, plays a crucial yet sometimes unseen role in the region’s economic development ecosystem. From helping automotive suppliers launch new facilities to supporting federally regulated cleanup projects across the nation, HRP provides strategic insight and boots-on-the-ground capability that make business possible in the first place.

As Malin puts it, “Our book of work is extremely diverse.” HRP works on everything from OSHA health and safety compliance (think industrial hygiene) to complex environmental remediation projects for various U.S. Department of Defense agencies. And while the firm’s Greenville location is the second-largest office among the Connecticut-headquartered HRP footprint, its reach also extends globally.

“Our folks in Greenville go all over the world,” Shaun says. “We have U.S.-based companies that have international operations. Most recently we’ve completed projects in Israel, France, Mexico, and Norway.”

Helping Projects Take Root

Once a company decides to locate in the Upstate, HRP steps in to assess, remedy or mitigate environmental challenges that can arise with construction and facilities operations. That might mean assessing a former industrial site or helping a brand-new facility secure environmental permits (stormwater, air emissions, etc.).

This essential work is just one example of the behind-the-scenes support and infrastructure that enables investment in the region. Through its relationship with the Upstate Alliance and regional network of economic developers, HRP can connect with companies that are considering coming to the Upstate. Economic development leaders and architecture, construction and engineering teams refer prospect companies to HRP as a trusted technical expert to help with environmental needs.

HRP’s services are also deeply embedded in the Upstate’s advanced manufacturing cluster. The firm supports OEMs and suppliers alike with environmental compliance and health and safety work, both to protect employees and also to meet regulatory requirements and avoid costly shutdowns.

“Industrial hygiene is a huge component of regional manufacturing clusters,” Malin says. “We’re in plants monitoring noise, safety practices, and toxicity thresholds, making sure someone working with a chemical eight hours a day isn’t being exposed to dangerous levels.”

Building New Connections Through Upstate Alliance

Since 2015, HRP has invested in the Upstate Alliance’s work to market the region and bring businesses to the Upstate. Their decision to support the Alliance has helped HRP participate in the region’s growth and multiply its business recruitment impact.

“Our investment has increased as we’ve recognized the value that Upstate Alliance brings to us,” Shaun says.

Malin credits investor events, from Coffee & Conversation to Oyster Roasts, for helping him develop the second- and third-degree relationships that have led to real business. Through the Investor Roundtable Club series, Shaun has built relationships with professionals from a variety of industries. These connections have led to tangible outcomes: getting fiber installed at HRP’s previous office, furnishing their workspace and even entering deals with companies looking to remediate contaminated sites.

It’s not always easy to quantify the ROI of relationship-building. But Malin is clear: “What we invest in the Upstate Alliance would be absolutely dwarfed by the amount of money I’d have to spend to build those relationships on a one-off, for me to see people and make appointments with them individually.”

Regional Leadership: Advancing Sustainability

Shaun has also helped to shape the Alliance’s storytelling and speaker series. As a champion for sustainability in the region, he connected the Alliance with Roper Mountain Science Center, resulting in an offsite Coffee & Conversation event providing Alliance investors a chance to see the freshly opened Environmental & Sustainability Building at Roper Mountain Science Center. And, the Alliance has helped HRP land media coverage in Site Selection Magazine for its work to advance sustainable practices in the Upstate.

Further, Malin has also found value in gaining brand recognition within the investor network. “If I can make it work, I plan to sponsor investor events,” Shaun explains. “I’m just one person, and there’s only so much reach I can have on my own. That’s why it’s important for people to see our logo again and again—it reinforces our presence.”

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This profile is part of a series on benefits of investing with the Upstate SC Alliance, highlighting both the role that private business plays in economic development and the value that companies can find by supporting our mission.