In 1980 Mr. Sage, a licensed civil engineer, started a consulting engineering company in Big Rapids. As that practice grew it became apparent that land surveying services where needed.

In 1982 he joined into a partnership with Henry Mulder, a licensed surveyor, and the firm Sage & Mulder, P.C. was formed.  The partnership operated until 1988 when Mr. Mulder decided to move his family for health reasons. They are still very close friends and Tom treasures mentoring and professionalism from Henry.