Joseph P. Derhake, PE
CEO & Founder
Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.
May 2025—Torrance, CA—Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. (Partner), is pleased to announce that its founder and CEO, Joseph P. Derhake, PE, was selected as a finalist in the 2025 LA Times Studios LA Executive Forum and Leader Awards.
The LA Times Studios LA Executive Forum and Leader Awards honor outstanding business leaders in Los Angeles County who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact over the past 12 to 24 months. Criteria for the awards are based on four categories: recent achievements, career-long leadership, organization and industry impact, and community engagement. With a concrete track record in all four criteria, Mr. Derhake was a finalist in the “Founders-Large Companies” category.
Under Mr. Derhake’s leadership, Partner has expanded from an eight-person team to a global firm with over 1,300 employees. Through this rapid growth, Mr. Derhake has remained committed to fostering a values-driven culture, where collaboration, work-life balance, and entrepreneurial spirit attract top industry talent.
With over 30 years of experience as a professional engineer, Mr. Derhake has led thousands of environmental site assessments, subsurface investigations, and remediation projects for major lenders, investors, and corporate clients. His expertise in risk management, coupled with a deep understanding of real estate finance, has made him a key influencer in the due diligence space.
A pioneering force in commercial real estate due diligence, Mr. Derhake has helped to shape industry standards and advance risk assessment methodologies. He has participated in developing policies for over 20 national and regional financial institutions, ensuring that lenders and investors have the insights necessary to make informed decisions. His involvement in professional organizations such as the National Engineering and Environmental Due Diligence Association (NEEDDA) and ASTM International has further positioned him as a thought leader in engineering and environmental consulting.
In recent years, Mr. Derhake has pushed Partner to embrace technological advancements, integrating data-driven tools to enhance environmental and engineering due diligence. His insights on the impact of technology in CRE transactions have been shared through industry panels, webinars, and published articles, challenging firms to rethink risk management strategies.
Mr. Derhake’s strategic vision continues to drive Partner’s expansion into new markets. One of his most significant accomplishments in the past two years has been the establishment of Partner Valuation Advisors, a full-service real estate valuation firm. After years of consideration, Mr. Derhake saw the opportunity to enter the appraisal business with the right leadership team in place. Since its launch, Partner Valuation Advisors has grown to over 90 professionals, breaking into the top 10 appraisal firms in the country within its first year. This bold expansion reflects Mr. Derhake’s ability to identify market needs and execute with precision.
Additionally, Mr. Derhake has led Partner through several high-profile mergers and acquisitions, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in environmental risk management, geotechnical engineering, and building sciences. His expertise in integrating teams and technologies has enabled seamless transitions that maximize value for both clients and employees.
Mr. Derhake attributes Partner’s success to its people-first philosophy. His belief that “the most essential element in progress is people” is reflected in the company’s investments in training, professional development, wellness programs, and mentorship initiatives. By cultivating an environment of shared commitment to excellence, he has positioned Partner as the preferred home for top-tier professionals in the industry.
Beyond business, Mr. Derhake is active in the Los Angeles County community, supporting industry education efforts and championing initiatives that promote sustainability and responsible real estate development. He and his family also support organizations that serve the youth of Southern California.
Partner is proud of the many contributions Mr. Derhake has made to the commercial real estate industry, the communities of LA County and Southern California, and Partner’s employees and clients. His technical expertise, exceptional leadership and vision, and commitment to community make him a worthy finalist in the LA Times Studios LA Executive Forum and Leader Awards.
To learn more about Partner’s services or the LA Times Award, check out the following:
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In March 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) rescinded its 2022 directive that had imposed standardized radon testing requirements on all multifamily properties financed through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The new radon policy was effective immediately; however, the agency guidance documents would be updated at a later date.
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Matthew Marcus, Managing Director at Partner Engineering and Science Inc., was recently featured as a guest speaker by The Ground Investigation Podcast. He shares his extensive experience in geotechnical engineering, seismic resilience, and project management.
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In today’s economic landscape, commercial real estate owners must use every tool available to protect the value of their facilities. One such tool that is often overlooked or mismanaged during a real estate acquisition is the existing roof warranty. Transferring an existing warranty ensures that your roof remains covered under manufacturer protections, preventing the risk of unexpected repair costs.
