Dean Tanner’s retirement marks the end of an incredible 52-year career at Viox & Viox serving clients throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.
Today, we celebrate Dean Tanner’s retirement and the incredible impact he has had on Viox & Viox over the past 52 years. From hand drafting site plans to adapting alongside today’s advanced design software, Dean’s career reflects decades of dedication, patience, and service to both the company and the communities we serve throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.
Dean joined Viox & Viox in 1974 right out of high school after discovering a love for mechanical drawing in one of his classes. After being recommended to Bill Viox by his brother Glenn, Dean was given an opportunity that would grow into a remarkable career spanning more than five decades.
A Career That Evolved Alongside the Industry
Throughout his time at Viox & Viox, Dean became a dedicated and versatile member of the civil engineering team, contributing to countless projects. His work included improvement plans, site plans, roadway plans, water main plans, and sanitary sewer plans, helping shape communities throughout the region.
During Dean’s career, he witnessed major changes within both Viox & Viox and the civil engineering industry itself. He experienced the company’s transition from older office buildings into its current space and watched the industry evolve from hand drafting and hand calculations to today’s advanced computer-based design software.
One project that remains especially meaningful to Dean is the Ryle High School Site Plan, which was the last major site plan he completed entirely by hand. The project represents both the craftsmanship required during that era of drafting and the technological transformation the industry experienced throughout his career.
Reflecting on Dean Tanner’s Retirement
As coworkers reflect on Dean Tanner’s retirement, many remember not only his technical knowledge and dedication, but also the friendships and memories created throughout the years. Known affectionately around the office as “Dean-o,” Dean became a familiar and valued part of daily life at Viox & Viox.
Whether it was coffee and donuts in the office, NCAA hat drawings, Christmas parties, or singing and playing guitar at Vioxpalooza, Dean helped create the culture and camaraderie that generations of employees have enjoyed.
When asked who had the biggest impact on his career, Dean quickly pointed to Bill and Jim Viox for taking a chance on him right out of high school. When reflecting on what kept him at Viox & Viox for 52 years, his answer was simple: “It was always there.”
Dean’s favorite memories centered around the people he worked alongside over the years, including longtime colleagues such as Harlan Strong and Dixie Viox. When asked about the biggest lesson his career taught him, his answer was one word: “Patience.” Fittingly, when asked to describe his career in one word, Dean chose “Service.”
Thank You, Dean
Dean Tanner’s retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career built on dedication, loyalty, patience, and service. His impact on Viox & Viox, its employees, and the communities we serve will not be forgotten.
Dean, thank you for your countless contributions over the last 52 years. We wish you nothing but the very best as you begin this well-earned retirement and enjoy all the free time ahead.
Congratulations, Dean!
