VMR History
Vertical Mapping Resources was co-founded in 2001 by President Joseph Bartorelli and CEO Kurt Okraski. After meeting in college in the early 1990s at the University of Nevada, Reno, the two became good friends and remained in touch after graduation despite heading to separate coasts.

Upon graduation, Bartorelli went to work for HJW GeoSpatial Inc., a photogrammetric mapping and geographic information firm based in California, while Okraski pursued his passion for entrepreneurship and launched a contracting company in New York based on more than 10 years of working with his father in the industry.  After a year and a half of being back on the East Coast, Okraski wanted to head out west again, so he bought a coffee shop in Reno.

While with HJW, Bartorelli created and grew HJW’s Southwest Division, capturing numerous high-profile photogrammetric projects and establishing himself in the geospatial industry, both locally and nationally.  After Okraski sold the coffee shop in 1998, Bartorelli and Okraski reunited when Okraski was recruited to open a branch office for HJW’s Southwest Division in Phoenix. When HJW changed ownership in 2000, Bartorelli and Okraski decided the time was right to launch their own integrated aerial mapping and geospatial land information company.

Although the company officially launched just after Sept. 11, 2001, Vertical Mapping Resources quickly built a solid network of clients based on the team’s previous track record and a commitment to mapping excellence and superb client service. Bartorelli and Okraski shared a vision to merge traditional mapping methodologies with the latest technology to provide a complete service package offering timely, accurate and cost-effective solutions to all their clients’ land information needs.

Within just a few short years, the firm expanded to meet a growing demand for services. By 2005, VMR employed more than a dozen associates and opened its Scottsdale Airpark headquarters office. In 2006, VMR added an office in Dana Point, Calif., to serve its growing roster of clients and projects in Southern California and in August 2008, VMR opened an office in the Sacramento area to serve the Northern California market. The company continues to strategically position itself within the industry by hiring top talent and exploring new markets.

Vision
Moving forward, Vertical Mapping Resources will continue to position itself as the premier resource for geospatial information, data solutions and consulting services in the Southwestern United States. The company expects to grow strategically by capitalizing on new opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships. VMR is committed to advancing the mapping profession through the use of the latest technology and best practices in the industry.