feed01.fireside.fm Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:47:34 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:45:04 -0700 Welcome to the GBA Podcast, where we present information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe to provide you with wisdom and insight to help in your pursuit of knowledge.   GBA was founded over 50 years ago to serve geotechnical, environmental, and other geoprofessionals by giving them proven tools to achieve business success by confronting risk and optimizing performance. en-us © 2026 Geoprofessional Business Association episodic Presenting information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe to provide you with wisdom and insight to help in your pursuit of knowledge. Geoprofessional Business Association Welcome to the GBA Podcast, where we present information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe to provide you with wisdom and insight to help in your pursuit of knowledge.   GBA was founded over 50 years ago to serve geotechnical, environmental, and other geoprofessionals by giving them proven tools to achieve business success by confronting risk and optimizing performance. false GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Geoprofessional Business Association rymann@gmail.com yes First Word - April 2026 https://www.gbapodcast.com/fw2604 c8287100-74ce-4d23-a695-f921cbd14f61 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful! 5:54 false Summary

On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!

Links to resources referenced in this video:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Summary

On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!

Links to resources referenced in this video:

]]> Summary

On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!

Links to resources referenced in this video:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+NF-M4_Jj ]]> #113 - Case History - Challenge Yourself...Be a Consultant...Serve your Client...The GBA Story https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch113 509c74df-7a20-476f-9ae5-78efc1ad8a0d Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 18:37 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #113 - Challenge Yourself...Be a Consultant...Serve your Client...The GBA Story

Summary

A GBA Member Firm performed construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) services for a new nine-story hospital. Another firm’s geotechnical report recognized the pavement subgrade would include poorly graded soil-rock fill and recommended a bearing ratio that the GBA Member Firm recognized as a “worst case” for design purposes. It became apparent early in the grading process that the fill should produce a higher bearing ratio. This conclusion, based on field observations made during construction, proved to be correct. Despite a lack of precedent, the GBA-Member Firm recognized an opportunity to save the owner a significant amount on asphalt paving costs by reducing pavement section thickness. This resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of savings. The result fostered a great relationship with a new client. Unfortunately, the Member Firm overlooked an opportunity to be fairly compensated for the additional risk and value derived.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Always be sure you're right, then go ahead
  • Understanding the standard of care
  • Share and share alike
  • Confirmation-dependent recommendations
  • The importance of field observation
  • The standard of care isn't static
  • Balance risk with reward
  • Smart testing can turn a conservative design into a real cost saving success

Engineering isn't just about building the structures. It's about building trust, saving money, and protecting your client's interests.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #113 - Challenge Yourself...Be a Consultant...Serve your Client...The GBA Story

Summary

A GBA Member Firm performed construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) services for a new nine-story hospital. Another firm’s geotechnical report recognized the pavement subgrade would include poorly graded soil-rock fill and recommended a bearing ratio that the GBA Member Firm recognized as a “worst case” for design purposes. It became apparent early in the grading process that the fill should produce a higher bearing ratio. This conclusion, based on field observations made during construction, proved to be correct. Despite a lack of precedent, the GBA-Member Firm recognized an opportunity to save the owner a significant amount on asphalt paving costs by reducing pavement section thickness. This resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of savings. The result fostered a great relationship with a new client. Unfortunately, the Member Firm overlooked an opportunity to be fairly compensated for the additional risk and value derived.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Always be sure you're right, then go ahead
  • Understanding the standard of care
  • Share and share alike
  • Confirmation-dependent recommendations
  • The importance of field observation
  • The standard of care isn't static
  • Balance risk with reward
  • Smart testing can turn a conservative design into a real cost saving success

Engineering isn't just about building the structures. It's about building trust, saving money, and protecting your client's interests.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #113 - Challenge Yourself...Be a Consultant...Serve your Client...The GBA Story

Summary

A GBA Member Firm performed construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) services for a new nine-story hospital. Another firm’s geotechnical report recognized the pavement subgrade would include poorly graded soil-rock fill and recommended a bearing ratio that the GBA Member Firm recognized as a “worst case” for design purposes. It became apparent early in the grading process that the fill should produce a higher bearing ratio. This conclusion, based on field observations made during construction, proved to be correct. Despite a lack of precedent, the GBA-Member Firm recognized an opportunity to save the owner a significant amount on asphalt paving costs by reducing pavement section thickness. This resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of savings. The result fostered a great relationship with a new client. Unfortunately, the Member Firm overlooked an opportunity to be fairly compensated for the additional risk and value derived.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Always be sure you're right, then go ahead
  • Understanding the standard of care
  • Share and share alike
  • Confirmation-dependent recommendations
  • The importance of field observation
  • The standard of care isn't static
  • Balance risk with reward
  • Smart testing can turn a conservative design into a real cost saving success

Engineering isn't just about building the structures. It's about building trust, saving money, and protecting your client's interests.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+NMjaA2eK ]]> #89 - Case History - Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch89 7ddc620a-120b-4870-9e63-7c911c731df7 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 22:08 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #89 - Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied

Summary

A GBA Member Firm’s scope of services included a geotechnical engineering study and construction materials engineering and testing (COMET) services for a medical office building in area with old fill, expansive soil, and shale. During construction, the Member Firm was discouraged (“if we want your opinion we will ask for it”) from making suggestions and was only responsible “to enforce the plans and specifications as written and recommend alternative approaches only if specifically requested to do so.” A few months after construction ended, sidewalks began to move due to frost heave. The Member Firm and constructor in charge got the blame, which eventually led to mediation. The client’s former project engineer “spoke highly” of the Member Firm, which got them released from the litigation.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer of Geoprofessional Services at BSK Associates, an employee-owned engineering firm. With over 30 years in materials testing and inspection, he oversees six Northern California offices and chairs BSK's Board of Directors. Tim is Past-President of the California Council of Testing and Inspection Agencies.

Lessons Learned:

  • A Limitation-of-Liability Provision Is Essential
  • Don’t Use Two Contracts When One Will Do
  • Understand the Personalities Involved: Use Personal Diplomacy
  • Don’t “Go Along to Get Along”
  • Know the Limits of Your Authority to Deviate from the Plans and Specifications
  • Professional Performance Is Essential
  • Document

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #89 - Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied

Summary

A GBA Member Firm’s scope of services included a geotechnical engineering study and construction materials engineering and testing (COMET) services for a medical office building in area with old fill, expansive soil, and shale. During construction, the Member Firm was discouraged (“if we want your opinion we will ask for it”) from making suggestions and was only responsible “to enforce the plans and specifications as written and recommend alternative approaches only if specifically requested to do so.” A few months after construction ended, sidewalks began to move due to frost heave. The Member Firm and constructor in charge got the blame, which eventually led to mediation. The client’s former project engineer “spoke highly” of the Member Firm, which got them released from the litigation.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer of Geoprofessional Services at BSK Associates, an employee-owned engineering firm. With over 30 years in materials testing and inspection, he oversees six Northern California offices and chairs BSK's Board of Directors. Tim is Past-President of the California Council of Testing and Inspection Agencies.

Lessons Learned:

  • A Limitation-of-Liability Provision Is Essential
  • Don’t Use Two Contracts When One Will Do
  • Understand the Personalities Involved: Use Personal Diplomacy
  • Don’t “Go Along to Get Along”
  • Know the Limits of Your Authority to Deviate from the Plans and Specifications
  • Professional Performance Is Essential
  • Document

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #89 - Don't Rush Go Along to Get Along. Don't Get Bullied

Summary

A GBA Member Firm’s scope of services included a geotechnical engineering study and construction materials engineering and testing (COMET) services for a medical office building in area with old fill, expansive soil, and shale. During construction, the Member Firm was discouraged (“if we want your opinion we will ask for it”) from making suggestions and was only responsible “to enforce the plans and specifications as written and recommend alternative approaches only if specifically requested to do so.” A few months after construction ended, sidewalks began to move due to frost heave. The Member Firm and constructor in charge got the blame, which eventually led to mediation. The client’s former project engineer “spoke highly” of the Member Firm, which got them released from the litigation.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer of Geoprofessional Services at BSK Associates, an employee-owned engineering firm. With over 30 years in materials testing and inspection, he oversees six Northern California offices and chairs BSK's Board of Directors. Tim is Past-President of the California Council of Testing and Inspection Agencies.

Lessons Learned:

  • A Limitation-of-Liability Provision Is Essential
  • Don’t Use Two Contracts When One Will Do
  • Understand the Personalities Involved: Use Personal Diplomacy
  • Don’t “Go Along to Get Along”
  • Know the Limits of Your Authority to Deviate from the Plans and Specifications
  • Professional Performance Is Essential
  • Document

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+DNwIPLH3 ]]> #45 - Case History - Small Projects Can Create Big Risk...Yet Again, and Again and Again... https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch45 6d872826-1434-4076-afb0-1021e21b3c4d Tue, 03 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 16:56 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #45 - Small Projects Can Create Big Risk...Yet Again, and Again and Again...

Summary

A GBA Member Firm performed an environmental site assessment (ESA) for a commercial real estate developer. After the Member Firm reported the laboratory tests, which indicated unacceptable levels of a contaminant, the prospective purchaser reneged and demanded a return of its deposit. After getting a second ESA from another laboratory, the Member Firm reviewed the second laboratory’s results and agreed that the initial lab did not record the results correctly, and the contamination levels were not as severe. Both the developer and prospective purchaser sued the Member Firm who, in turn, sued the other laboratory. The Member Firm prevailed against the initial lab but recovered less than half the total amount of the settlement it reached with the developer and prospective purchaser.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Exercise Due Diligence When Hiring Chemical Analytical Laboratories
  • Contract Carefully
  • Keep Internal QC in Mind
  • Realize That Small Projects Can Create Big Risks
  • Provide Appropriate Oversight
  • Try Mediation
  • Written Agreements Are Essential

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #45 - Small Projects Can Create Big Risk...Yet Again, and Again and Again...

Summary

A GBA Member Firm performed an environmental site assessment (ESA) for a commercial real estate developer. After the Member Firm reported the laboratory tests, which indicated unacceptable levels of a contaminant, the prospective purchaser reneged and demanded a return of its deposit. After getting a second ESA from another laboratory, the Member Firm reviewed the second laboratory’s results and agreed that the initial lab did not record the results correctly, and the contamination levels were not as severe. Both the developer and prospective purchaser sued the Member Firm who, in turn, sued the other laboratory. The Member Firm prevailed against the initial lab but recovered less than half the total amount of the settlement it reached with the developer and prospective purchaser.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Exercise Due Diligence When Hiring Chemical Analytical Laboratories
  • Contract Carefully
  • Keep Internal QC in Mind
  • Realize That Small Projects Can Create Big Risks
  • Provide Appropriate Oversight
  • Try Mediation
  • Written Agreements Are Essential

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #45 - Small Projects Can Create Big Risk...Yet Again, and Again and Again...

Summary

A GBA Member Firm performed an environmental site assessment (ESA) for a commercial real estate developer. After the Member Firm reported the laboratory tests, which indicated unacceptable levels of a contaminant, the prospective purchaser reneged and demanded a return of its deposit. After getting a second ESA from another laboratory, the Member Firm reviewed the second laboratory’s results and agreed that the initial lab did not record the results correctly, and the contamination levels were not as severe. Both the developer and prospective purchaser sued the Member Firm who, in turn, sued the other laboratory. The Member Firm prevailed against the initial lab but recovered less than half the total amount of the settlement it reached with the developer and prospective purchaser.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Exercise Due Diligence When Hiring Chemical Analytical Laboratories
  • Contract Carefully
  • Keep Internal QC in Mind
  • Realize That Small Projects Can Create Big Risks
  • Provide Appropriate Oversight
  • Try Mediation
  • Written Agreements Are Essential

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+53o6Dgsh ]]> First Word - March 2026 https://www.gbapodcast.com/fw2603 cbefcd80-f89e-415d-9973-d565ff2b0fe7 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful! 3:56 false Summary

On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!

Links to resources referenced in this video:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Summary

On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!

Links to resources referenced in this video:

]]> Summary

On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful!

Links to resources referenced in this video:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+zE6TYDGe ]]> #5 - Case History - If the Bus Driver Doesn't Have a License, Get Off the Bus https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch5 6fcdc9e4-2743-4cef-8485-ac7f3a61ec13 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 15:06 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #5 - If the Bus Driver Doesn't Have a License, Get Off the Bus

Summary

An architect for a church retained a GBA member firm to perform a limited-scope geotechnical study for a federally funded retirement home. Only boring logs and a brief letter report to the structural engineer were needed for the design of a pile foundation. Unfortunately, the design was not within the budget and the structural engineer refused to change the design and withdrew from the project. The replacement structural engineer redesigned the foundations and satisfactory load tests were performed but the federal agency balked until a geotechnical study was provided for the revision. A new geotech was retained but after the agency reviewed their report, the agency directed that a mat foundation be used. The church filed suit against the original member firm for the new costs.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Professional Firms Must Respond in a Professional Manner
  • Professional Firms Need to Be Compensated Appropriately
  • Take Heed When Others Withdraw
  • Cheap Can Be Expensive
  • Develop a Deliverables-Issuance Protocol
  • Writing-Skills Improvement Should Be an Important Element of Professional Development

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #5 - If the Bus Driver Doesn't Have a License, Get Off the Bus

Summary

An architect for a church retained a GBA member firm to perform a limited-scope geotechnical study for a federally funded retirement home. Only boring logs and a brief letter report to the structural engineer were needed for the design of a pile foundation. Unfortunately, the design was not within the budget and the structural engineer refused to change the design and withdrew from the project. The replacement structural engineer redesigned the foundations and satisfactory load tests were performed but the federal agency balked until a geotechnical study was provided for the revision. A new geotech was retained but after the agency reviewed their report, the agency directed that a mat foundation be used. The church filed suit against the original member firm for the new costs.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Professional Firms Must Respond in a Professional Manner
  • Professional Firms Need to Be Compensated Appropriately
  • Take Heed When Others Withdraw
  • Cheap Can Be Expensive
  • Develop a Deliverables-Issuance Protocol
  • Writing-Skills Improvement Should Be an Important Element of Professional Development

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #5 - If the Bus Driver Doesn't Have a License, Get Off the Bus

Summary

An architect for a church retained a GBA member firm to perform a limited-scope geotechnical study for a federally funded retirement home. Only boring logs and a brief letter report to the structural engineer were needed for the design of a pile foundation. Unfortunately, the design was not within the budget and the structural engineer refused to change the design and withdrew from the project. The replacement structural engineer redesigned the foundations and satisfactory load tests were performed but the federal agency balked until a geotechnical study was provided for the revision. A new geotech was retained but after the agency reviewed their report, the agency directed that a mat foundation be used. The church filed suit against the original member firm for the new costs.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Professional Firms Must Respond in a Professional Manner
  • Professional Firms Need to Be Compensated Appropriately
  • Take Heed When Others Withdraw
  • Cheap Can Be Expensive
  • Develop a Deliverables-Issuance Protocol
  • Writing-Skills Improvement Should Be an Important Element of Professional Development

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+gOxpkXZn ]]> #1 - Case History - Beware! A Friend's Small Project Can be Hazardous to your Firm's Health https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch1 0bfd5b9c-610d-48ab-81ff-82bd2b24e107 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 12:42 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #1 - Beware! A Friend's Small Project Can be Hazardous to your Firm's Health

Summary

The GBA member firm performed a preliminary geotechnical study to estimate foundation-construction costs for a small housing development. The project stalled and years later the developer sold the land with the geotechnical report to another developer. The new owner retained a different firm for a geotechnical study for the new project. When the new geotechnical firm identified problematic soils necessitating a deep foundation system, the new owner filed a $650,000 claim against the member firm alleging negligent misrepresentation. Adamant that the suit was unjustified, the member firm’s CEO finally acquiesced and accepted a $70,000 settlement offer from the new owner rather than risk the uncertainty of a jury trial.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Some Preliminary Studies Can Be Dangerous
  • Make a Study’s Limitations Clear
  • Use the Term “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations”
  • Project Risk Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size and Complexity
  • Construction-Cost Estimates
  • Claims Are a Business Issue

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #1 - Beware! A Friend's Small Project Can be Hazardous to your Firm's Health

Summary

The GBA member firm performed a preliminary geotechnical study to estimate foundation-construction costs for a small housing development. The project stalled and years later the developer sold the land with the geotechnical report to another developer. The new owner retained a different firm for a geotechnical study for the new project. When the new geotechnical firm identified problematic soils necessitating a deep foundation system, the new owner filed a $650,000 claim against the member firm alleging negligent misrepresentation. Adamant that the suit was unjustified, the member firm’s CEO finally acquiesced and accepted a $70,000 settlement offer from the new owner rather than risk the uncertainty of a jury trial.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Some Preliminary Studies Can Be Dangerous
  • Make a Study’s Limitations Clear
  • Use the Term “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations”
  • Project Risk Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size and Complexity
  • Construction-Cost Estimates
  • Claims Are a Business Issue

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]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #1 - Beware! A Friend's Small Project Can be Hazardous to your Firm's Health

Summary

The GBA member firm performed a preliminary geotechnical study to estimate foundation-construction costs for a small housing development. The project stalled and years later the developer sold the land with the geotechnical report to another developer. The new owner retained a different firm for a geotechnical study for the new project. When the new geotechnical firm identified problematic soils necessitating a deep foundation system, the new owner filed a $650,000 claim against the member firm alleging negligent misrepresentation. Adamant that the suit was unjustified, the member firm’s CEO finally acquiesced and accepted a $70,000 settlement offer from the new owner rather than risk the uncertainty of a jury trial.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Some Preliminary Studies Can Be Dangerous
  • Make a Study’s Limitations Clear
  • Use the Term “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations”
  • Project Risk Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size and Complexity
  • Construction-Cost Estimates
  • Claims Are a Business Issue

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+Pm_zswwf ]]> #41 - Case History - Don't Worry. We Don't Plan to Build There https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch41 c0585e2b-b7b8-45da-8691-a0dcd65e6992 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 16:49 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #41 - Don't Worry. We Don't Plan to Build There

Summary

The Member Firm performed a geotech study for a housing development and observed grading of the site during the construction of ten buildings. Six years after construction, the developer built two additional units but, because the Member Firm could not provide a representative to monitor the earthwork construction, they recommended another geotech firm. The second geotech firm monitored the placement of at least four feet of fill but without reviewing the Member Firm’s report. Four years after the second phase was completed, settlement problems arose and the developer sued the two geotechs, the civil engineer, and the earthwork constructor. After claims were dropped against the civil engineer and constructor, the geotechs settled with the developer for nearly $1,000,000.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Small Projects Can Create Big Risks
  • Geoprofessionals Who Act as Their Own Attorneys Have Fools as Their Clients
  • Operating without Professional Liability Insurance Is Foolhardy
  • Understand the Risks and Take Appropriate Preventive Measures:
  • If It Isn’t in Writing It Didn’t Happen
  • Use Caution When Serving Housing Developers
  • Assume Nothing
  • Provide Effective Guidance
  • Experience Pays
  • Don’t Trust What You Don’t Check

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #41 - Don't Worry. We Don't Plan to Build There

Summary

The Member Firm performed a geotech study for a housing development and observed grading of the site during the construction of ten buildings. Six years after construction, the developer built two additional units but, because the Member Firm could not provide a representative to monitor the earthwork construction, they recommended another geotech firm. The second geotech firm monitored the placement of at least four feet of fill but without reviewing the Member Firm’s report. Four years after the second phase was completed, settlement problems arose and the developer sued the two geotechs, the civil engineer, and the earthwork constructor. After claims were dropped against the civil engineer and constructor, the geotechs settled with the developer for nearly $1,000,000.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Small Projects Can Create Big Risks
  • Geoprofessionals Who Act as Their Own Attorneys Have Fools as Their Clients
  • Operating without Professional Liability Insurance Is Foolhardy
  • Understand the Risks and Take Appropriate Preventive Measures:
  • If It Isn’t in Writing It Didn’t Happen
  • Use Caution When Serving Housing Developers
  • Assume Nothing
  • Provide Effective Guidance
  • Experience Pays
  • Don’t Trust What You Don’t Check

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #41 - Don't Worry. We Don't Plan to Build There

Summary

The Member Firm performed a geotech study for a housing development and observed grading of the site during the construction of ten buildings. Six years after construction, the developer built two additional units but, because the Member Firm could not provide a representative to monitor the earthwork construction, they recommended another geotech firm. The second geotech firm monitored the placement of at least four feet of fill but without reviewing the Member Firm’s report. Four years after the second phase was completed, settlement problems arose and the developer sued the two geotechs, the civil engineer, and the earthwork constructor. After claims were dropped against the civil engineer and constructor, the geotechs settled with the developer for nearly $1,000,000.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Small Projects Can Create Big Risks
  • Geoprofessionals Who Act as Their Own Attorneys Have Fools as Their Clients
  • Operating without Professional Liability Insurance Is Foolhardy
  • Understand the Risks and Take Appropriate Preventive Measures:
  • If It Isn’t in Writing It Didn’t Happen
  • Use Caution When Serving Housing Developers
  • Assume Nothing
  • Provide Effective Guidance
  • Experience Pays
  • Don’t Trust What You Don’t Check

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+y10Kq-RT ]]> #91 - Case History - Is There Value in Value Engineering? Beware of Panic Mode! https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch91 40fce5bc-0b6c-4475-a709-8b1faf675b13 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 16:38 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #91 - Is There Value in Value Engineering? Beware of Panic Mode!

Summary

Member Firm conducts forensic evaluation of mold in a crawl space of a 180 unit nursing home and gives an “Engineering Opinion of Probable Cost” for the remediation of mold condition. When the owner investigated the construction records, it was found that the constructor- in- charge was at fault.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Follow-up Is a Professional Essential
  • Effective Communication Is Essential
  • Emphasize the Value of Construction-Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Services
  • Cheap Engineering Can Be Expensive
  • Residential Projects Create Elevated Risks
  • Use Important Information about This Geotechnical-Engineering Report
  • Risk and the Go/No-Go Analysis
  • Understand Why You Should Not Issue Cost Estimates
  • Be Cautious When Design-Team Members Lack Experience

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #91 - Is There Value in Value Engineering? Beware of Panic Mode!

Summary

Member Firm conducts forensic evaluation of mold in a crawl space of a 180 unit nursing home and gives an “Engineering Opinion of Probable Cost” for the remediation of mold condition. When the owner investigated the construction records, it was found that the constructor- in- charge was at fault.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Follow-up Is a Professional Essential
  • Effective Communication Is Essential
  • Emphasize the Value of Construction-Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Services
  • Cheap Engineering Can Be Expensive
  • Residential Projects Create Elevated Risks
  • Use Important Information about This Geotechnical-Engineering Report
  • Risk and the Go/No-Go Analysis
  • Understand Why You Should Not Issue Cost Estimates
  • Be Cautious When Design-Team Members Lack Experience

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #91 - Is There Value in Value Engineering? Beware of Panic Mode!

Summary

Member Firm conducts forensic evaluation of mold in a crawl space of a 180 unit nursing home and gives an “Engineering Opinion of Probable Cost” for the remediation of mold condition. When the owner investigated the construction records, it was found that the constructor- in- charge was at fault.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Follow-up Is a Professional Essential
  • Effective Communication Is Essential
  • Emphasize the Value of Construction-Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Services
  • Cheap Engineering Can Be Expensive
  • Residential Projects Create Elevated Risks
  • Use Important Information about This Geotechnical-Engineering Report
  • Risk and the Go/No-Go Analysis
  • Understand Why You Should Not Issue Cost Estimates
  • Be Cautious When Design-Team Members Lack Experience

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+zBGwyx_p ]]> Day 1 - Most Downloaded Document https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d01 33ec9a0d-424d-47d8-bcb0-5a54d4b8c388 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 7:57 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 1: Most Downloaded Document

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. The final episode of GBA's 12 Days of GBA series reveals 2025's most downloaded document: Crane Pad and Working Platform Design and Inspection. This isn't a technical design guide—it's comprehensive risk reduction guidance developed collaboratively by Geotech and CoMET committees. The document addresses preventing catastrophic crane and drilling rig failures by defining clear roles across all parties: geotechnical engineers, contractors, inspection firms, crane operators, and engineers of record. Key topics include thorough geotechnical evaluations, information sharing protocols, liability limitations, field observation templates, and reinspection requirements after weather events. Bottom line: reducing risks, clarifying responsibilities, and ensuring everyone goes home safe. Members-only download available.

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 1: Most Downloaded Document

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. The final episode of GBA's 12 Days of GBA series reveals 2025's most downloaded document: Crane Pad and Working Platform Design and Inspection. This isn't a technical design guide—it's comprehensive risk reduction guidance developed collaboratively by Geotech and CoMET committees. The document addresses preventing catastrophic crane and drilling rig failures by defining clear roles across all parties: geotechnical engineers, contractors, inspection firms, crane operators, and engineers of record. Key topics include thorough geotechnical evaluations, information sharing protocols, liability limitations, field observation templates, and reinspection requirements after weather events. Bottom line: reducing risks, clarifying responsibilities, and ensuring everyone goes home safe. Members-only download available.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 1: Most Downloaded Document

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. The final episode of GBA's 12 Days of GBA series reveals 2025's most downloaded document: Crane Pad and Working Platform Design and Inspection. This isn't a technical design guide—it's comprehensive risk reduction guidance developed collaboratively by Geotech and CoMET committees. The document addresses preventing catastrophic crane and drilling rig failures by defining clear roles across all parties: geotechnical engineers, contractors, inspection firms, crane operators, and engineers of record. Key topics include thorough geotechnical evaluations, information sharing protocols, liability limitations, field observation templates, and reinspection requirements after weather events. Bottom line: reducing risks, clarifying responsibilities, and ensuring everyone goes home safe. Members-only download available.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+KUUb_jRX ]]> Day 2 - GBA Conferences https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d02 afd22639-036b-4546-8efe-3074df89cbaf Wed, 31 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 11:24 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 2: GBA Conferences

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's conferences are where the magic happens—Ryan and Tiffany share why these events are annual highlights. Spring Conference features the Business Snapshot for industry pulse-checks, legendary keynote speakers (Jim Abbott, Rob Samuels, John Acuff), and the invaluable round tables where 6-10 peers tackle real challenges with practical solutions across experience levels. Amazing locations include Phoenix (2026) and Vancouver BC (2027). The Stay and Play tradition caps each conference with memorable adventures—from St. Augustine boat tours to exploring new cities. Fall Leadership Summit focuses on committee work and shaping industry future. Bottom line: connections, content, inspiration, and fun.

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 2: GBA Conferences

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's conferences are where the magic happens—Ryan and Tiffany share why these events are annual highlights. Spring Conference features the Business Snapshot for industry pulse-checks, legendary keynote speakers (Jim Abbott, Rob Samuels, John Acuff), and the invaluable round tables where 6-10 peers tackle real challenges with practical solutions across experience levels. Amazing locations include Phoenix (2026) and Vancouver BC (2027). The Stay and Play tradition caps each conference with memorable adventures—from St. Augustine boat tours to exploring new cities. Fall Leadership Summit focuses on committee work and shaping industry future. Bottom line: connections, content, inspiration, and fun.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 2: GBA Conferences

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's conferences are where the magic happens—Ryan and Tiffany share why these events are annual highlights. Spring Conference features the Business Snapshot for industry pulse-checks, legendary keynote speakers (Jim Abbott, Rob Samuels, John Acuff), and the invaluable round tables where 6-10 peers tackle real challenges with practical solutions across experience levels. Amazing locations include Phoenix (2026) and Vancouver BC (2027). The Stay and Play tradition caps each conference with memorable adventures—from St. Augustine boat tours to exploring new cities. Fall Leadership Summit focuses on committee work and shaping industry future. Bottom line: connections, content, inspiration, and fun.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+hWF1vYo- ]]> Day 3 - Business Briefs https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d03 3dd7fa58-b959-40f1-8f63-3a19bf75c7de Tue, 30 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 10:26 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 3: Business Briefs

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Business Briefs deliver short, focused reads on timely topics—free for members. Ryan and Tiffany highlight three standouts: Crystal Ball Workshop 2025 (co-authored by Tiffany and Matt Van Rensler) covering AI guardrails, innovation culture, data hygiene, and pricing strategies; Utilizing Artificial Intelligence examining five insurance policies (cyber, general liability, professional liability, D&O, EPLI) and their AI-related coverage gaps; and Beyond gINT, a practical comparison table of geotechnical data management software that Ryan used to evaluate gINT replacements. These briefs provide actionable insights—from talking with your insurance broker to selecting the right technology. Stay updated through GBA's NewsLog, where new Business Briefs are always highlighted.

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 3: Business Briefs

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Business Briefs deliver short, focused reads on timely topics—free for members. Ryan and Tiffany highlight three standouts: Crystal Ball Workshop 2025 (co-authored by Tiffany and Matt Van Rensler) covering AI guardrails, innovation culture, data hygiene, and pricing strategies; Utilizing Artificial Intelligence examining five insurance policies (cyber, general liability, professional liability, D&O, EPLI) and their AI-related coverage gaps; and Beyond gINT, a practical comparison table of geotechnical data management software that Ryan used to evaluate gINT replacements. These briefs provide actionable insights—from talking with your insurance broker to selecting the right technology. Stay updated through GBA's NewsLog, where new Business Briefs are always highlighted.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 3: Business Briefs

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Business Briefs deliver short, focused reads on timely topics—free for members. Ryan and Tiffany highlight three standouts: Crystal Ball Workshop 2025 (co-authored by Tiffany and Matt Van Rensler) covering AI guardrails, innovation culture, data hygiene, and pricing strategies; Utilizing Artificial Intelligence examining five insurance policies (cyber, general liability, professional liability, D&O, EPLI) and their AI-related coverage gaps; and Beyond gINT, a practical comparison table of geotechnical data management software that Ryan used to evaluate gINT replacements. These briefs provide actionable insights—from talking with your insurance broker to selecting the right technology. Stay updated through GBA's NewsLog, where new Business Briefs are always highlighted.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+bXXw2syd ]]> Day 4 - GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d04 c9cf9b52-5dfd-4cbf-959a-424c172e84b9 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 12:22 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 4: GBA Podcast

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Born from Emerging Leaders Class 4 during COVID, the GBA podcast has evolved into a powerful member benefit amplifier. While episodes are free to the public, GBA members unlock the real value—downloadable resources, best practices, contract clauses, and tools referenced in each episode. Ryan and Tiffany explore how the podcast supports different learning styles when paired with downloadable documents, making lunch-and-learns more effective. Featured series include Encore Performances with keynote speakers, GeoHeroes interviews, DEI discussions, and Case Histories. What's next for the podcast -- expanded video content and a geotechnical startup series.

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 4: GBA Podcast

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Born from Emerging Leaders Class 4 during COVID, the GBA podcast has evolved into a powerful member benefit amplifier. While episodes are free to the public, GBA members unlock the real value—downloadable resources, best practices, contract clauses, and tools referenced in each episode. Ryan and Tiffany explore how the podcast supports different learning styles when paired with downloadable documents, making lunch-and-learns more effective. Featured series include Encore Performances with keynote speakers, GeoHeroes interviews, DEI discussions, and Case Histories. What's next for the podcast -- expanded video content and a geotechnical startup series.

Links

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Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 4: GBA Podcast

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Born from Emerging Leaders Class 4 during COVID, the GBA podcast has evolved into a powerful member benefit amplifier. While episodes are free to the public, GBA members unlock the real value—downloadable resources, best practices, contract clauses, and tools referenced in each episode. Ryan and Tiffany explore how the podcast supports different learning styles when paired with downloadable documents, making lunch-and-learns more effective. Featured series include Encore Performances with keynote speakers, GeoHeroes interviews, DEI discussions, and Case Histories. What's next for the podcast -- expanded video content and a geotechnical startup series.

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+LYLDRSs5 ]]> Day 5 - Peer Review https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d05 bb6d7475-8fb6-4902-be98-31bdadbe8e28 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 13:52 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 5: Peer Review

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Peer Review—named by Engineering News Record as one of 125 most innovative developments in 125 years—provides structured, confidential assessment of firm management practices. Tiffany deep-dives into the process, explaining the nine core components: business management, facilities/technical resources, HR, professional development, project management, financial management, marketing/sales, electronic resources, and image/culture. Firms choose onsite or virtual reviews, supported by staff and client surveys. Many insurers offset costs. Recommended cadence: every 4-5 years. The process includes oral feedback plus written reports—actionable improvement tools without grades or certification. Special thanks to David Sauls and Bob Rabeler.

Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsaulspe/)

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 5: Peer Review

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Peer Review—named by Engineering News Record as one of 125 most innovative developments in 125 years—provides structured, confidential assessment of firm management practices. Tiffany deep-dives into the process, explaining the nine core components: business management, facilities/technical resources, HR, professional development, project management, financial management, marketing/sales, electronic resources, and image/culture. Firms choose onsite or virtual reviews, supported by staff and client surveys. Many insurers offset costs. Recommended cadence: every 4-5 years. The process includes oral feedback plus written reports—actionable improvement tools without grades or certification. Special thanks to David Sauls and Bob Rabeler.

Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsaulspe/)

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 5: Peer Review

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Peer Review—named by Engineering News Record as one of 125 most innovative developments in 125 years—provides structured, confidential assessment of firm management practices. Tiffany deep-dives into the process, explaining the nine core components: business management, facilities/technical resources, HR, professional development, project management, financial management, marketing/sales, electronic resources, and image/culture. Firms choose onsite or virtual reviews, supported by staff and client surveys. Many insurers offset costs. Recommended cadence: every 4-5 years. The process includes oral feedback plus written reports—actionable improvement tools without grades or certification. Special thanks to David Sauls and Bob Rabeler.

Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsaulspe/)

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]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+EuLemj7h ]]> Day 6 - Taboo Words https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d06 04a52fb9-5e2d-4fff-9fe9-20748562a69e Sat, 27 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 13:09 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 6: Taboo Words

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Taboo Words document gets its own spotlight because words in your report matter as much as the work itself. Tiffany shares how this resource shaped her writing since 2006. The eight risky words aren't "evil," but opposing counsel can broaden your intent in claims. Ryan and Tiffany deep-dive on "inspect" versus "observe," explaining how legal interpretation can imply authority you never accepted. The takeaway isn't to never use these words, but to choose deliberately and define scope clearly. Simple exercise: highlight these words in a report, rewrite two sentences, instantly level up your team's risk management.

Links

Taboo Words

  • Certify
  • Defend
  • Determine
  • Inspect
  • Monitor
  • Represent
  • Safety
  • Supervise

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 6: Taboo Words

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Taboo Words document gets its own spotlight because words in your report matter as much as the work itself. Tiffany shares how this resource shaped her writing since 2006. The eight risky words aren't "evil," but opposing counsel can broaden your intent in claims. Ryan and Tiffany deep-dive on "inspect" versus "observe," explaining how legal interpretation can imply authority you never accepted. The takeaway isn't to never use these words, but to choose deliberately and define scope clearly. Simple exercise: highlight these words in a report, rewrite two sentences, instantly level up your team's risk management.

Links

Taboo Words

  • Certify
  • Defend
  • Determine
  • Inspect
  • Monitor
  • Represent
  • Safety
  • Supervise

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Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 6: Taboo Words

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's Taboo Words document gets its own spotlight because words in your report matter as much as the work itself. Tiffany shares how this resource shaped her writing since 2006. The eight risky words aren't "evil," but opposing counsel can broaden your intent in claims. Ryan and Tiffany deep-dive on "inspect" versus "observe," explaining how legal interpretation can imply authority you never accepted. The takeaway isn't to never use these words, but to choose deliberately and define scope clearly. Simple exercise: highlight these words in a report, rewrite two sentences, instantly level up your team's risk management.

Links

Taboo Words

  • Certify
  • Defend
  • Determine
  • Inspect
  • Monitor
  • Represent
  • Safety
  • Supervise

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+MOml4R5Q ]]> Day 7 - Best Practices https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d07 6caf8ceb-5263-4949-80f7-b08d9859b010 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 12:00 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 7: Best Practices

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's best practices (or "monographs") are short, focused guides that save you from learning lessons the hard way. Tiffany highlights Change Order Management—emphasizing early communication to prevent client surprises—and Straight Talk About Profitability, which reveals that labor utilization matters more than just raising rates. Ryan counters with non-financial favorites: Avoiding Absolutes (one "always" can haunt you forever), Taboo Words, Mentoring Programs, Software Validation, and Documentation practices. Through a lightning round, they showcase resources covering Go/No-Go decisions, insurance basics, e-communication, depositions, and presentations. The takeaway: Pick one best practice your firm already pays for and actually use it this week. Small changes, big payoff.

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 7: Best Practices

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's best practices (or "monographs") are short, focused guides that save you from learning lessons the hard way. Tiffany highlights Change Order Management—emphasizing early communication to prevent client surprises—and Straight Talk About Profitability, which reveals that labor utilization matters more than just raising rates. Ryan counters with non-financial favorites: Avoiding Absolutes (one "always" can haunt you forever), Taboo Words, Mentoring Programs, Software Validation, and Documentation practices. Through a lightning round, they showcase resources covering Go/No-Go decisions, insurance basics, e-communication, depositions, and presentations. The takeaway: Pick one best practice your firm already pays for and actually use it this week. Small changes, big payoff.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 7: Best Practices

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. GBA's best practices (or "monographs") are short, focused guides that save you from learning lessons the hard way. Tiffany highlights Change Order Management—emphasizing early communication to prevent client surprises—and Straight Talk About Profitability, which reveals that labor utilization matters more than just raising rates. Ryan counters with non-financial favorites: Avoiding Absolutes (one "always" can haunt you forever), Taboo Words, Mentoring Programs, Software Validation, and Documentation practices. Through a lightning round, they showcase resources covering Go/No-Go decisions, insurance basics, e-communication, depositions, and presentations. The takeaway: Pick one best practice your firm already pays for and actually use it this week. Small changes, big payoff.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+O5l0Qa6E ]]> Day 8 - Risk Management Resources https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d08 620defce-1320-4bfe-b6e9-5bfb6919356c Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 13:19 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 8: Risk Management Resources

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Risk management is GBA's "love language"—woven into nearly everything they publish. Ryan and Tiffany break down their "greatest hits playlist" across three tracks: contracts and legal risk (featuring the Contract Reference Guide and Third Party Reliance resources), reports and client education (including important information insert sheets and confirmation-dependent recommendations), and training with peer learning (like the "Avoiding Absolutes" best practice). Each track includes Monday-morning actionable takeaways—from standardizing contract language to attaching client education documents to building repeatable communication habits. These resources aren't just defensive; they improve margins, reduce rework, and strengthen client relationships. Start small: pick one resource and make it standard practice.

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 8: Risk Management Resources

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Risk management is GBA's "love language"—woven into nearly everything they publish. Ryan and Tiffany break down their "greatest hits playlist" across three tracks: contracts and legal risk (featuring the Contract Reference Guide and Third Party Reliance resources), reports and client education (including important information insert sheets and confirmation-dependent recommendations), and training with peer learning (like the "Avoiding Absolutes" best practice). Each track includes Monday-morning actionable takeaways—from standardizing contract language to attaching client education documents to building repeatable communication habits. These resources aren't just defensive; they improve margins, reduce rework, and strengthen client relationships. Start small: pick one resource and make it standard practice.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 8: Risk Management Resources

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Risk management is GBA's "love language"—woven into nearly everything they publish. Ryan and Tiffany break down their "greatest hits playlist" across three tracks: contracts and legal risk (featuring the Contract Reference Guide and Third Party Reliance resources), reports and client education (including important information insert sheets and confirmation-dependent recommendations), and training with peer learning (like the "Avoiding Absolutes" best practice). Each track includes Monday-morning actionable takeaways—from standardizing contract language to attaching client education documents to building repeatable communication habits. These resources aren't just defensive; they improve margins, reduce rework, and strengthen client relationships. Start small: pick one resource and make it standard practice.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+PyJPEJ3O ]]> Day 9 - Leadership Training https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d09 52641e02-b139-4472-aad7-d7256b4caae6 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 16:48 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 9: Leadership Training

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover GBA's comprehensive leadership training opportunities that span your entire career journey. Ryan and Tiffany share their personal experiences, including how they met through the Emerging Leaders program—an 18-month cohort experience that launched the GBA podcast. Learn about the Early Professional Class featuring 10 interactive virtual sessions led by adult learning expert Brock Simmons, the Fall Leadership Summit bringing committees together with world-class keynote speakers, and specialized peer groups for CEOs, CFOs, practice leads, and more. From committee leadership roles to annual conference keynotes, GBA offers authentic, engaging programs that build lasting professional networks and practical leadership skills.

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 9: Leadership Training

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover GBA's comprehensive leadership training opportunities that span your entire career journey. Ryan and Tiffany share their personal experiences, including how they met through the Emerging Leaders program—an 18-month cohort experience that launched the GBA podcast. Learn about the Early Professional Class featuring 10 interactive virtual sessions led by adult learning expert Brock Simmons, the Fall Leadership Summit bringing committees together with world-class keynote speakers, and specialized peer groups for CEOs, CFOs, practice leads, and more. From committee leadership roles to annual conference keynotes, GBA offers authentic, engaging programs that build lasting professional networks and practical leadership skills.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 9: Leadership Training

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover GBA's comprehensive leadership training opportunities that span your entire career journey. Ryan and Tiffany share their personal experiences, including how they met through the Emerging Leaders program—an 18-month cohort experience that launched the GBA podcast. Learn about the Early Professional Class featuring 10 interactive virtual sessions led by adult learning expert Brock Simmons, the Fall Leadership Summit bringing committees together with world-class keynote speakers, and specialized peer groups for CEOs, CFOs, practice leads, and more. From committee leadership roles to annual conference keynotes, GBA offers authentic, engaging programs that build lasting professional networks and practical leadership skills.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+dgMFvYaM ]]> Day 10 - GBA NewsLog https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d10 7d36c6f9-07df-48e5-992a-a14b1b477b7f Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 10:12 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 10: GBA NewsLog

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover why GBA's NewsLog is your essential biweekly connection to the geoprofessional industry. Ryan and Tiffany break down what makes each edition valuable—from member news ("the tea") covering acquisitions and leadership changes, to handpicked industry headlines on AI adoption and infrastructure trends. You'll learn about featured multimedia content, including the GBA podcast's 24,000+ downloads, plus community features like photo contests and book clubs. Don't miss the special extras: new best practice documents, leadership program opportunities, and exclusive resources. If you're not reading NewsLog, you're missing the tools and insights keeping the profession moving forward.

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 10: GBA NewsLog

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover why GBA's NewsLog is your essential biweekly connection to the geoprofessional industry. Ryan and Tiffany break down what makes each edition valuable—from member news ("the tea") covering acquisitions and leadership changes, to handpicked industry headlines on AI adoption and infrastructure trends. You'll learn about featured multimedia content, including the GBA podcast's 24,000+ downloads, plus community features like photo contests and book clubs. Don't miss the special extras: new best practice documents, leadership program opportunities, and exclusive resources. If you're not reading NewsLog, you're missing the tools and insights keeping the profession moving forward.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 10: GBA NewsLog

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover why GBA's NewsLog is your essential biweekly connection to the geoprofessional industry. Ryan and Tiffany break down what makes each edition valuable—from member news ("the tea") covering acquisitions and leadership changes, to handpicked industry headlines on AI adoption and infrastructure trends. You'll learn about featured multimedia content, including the GBA podcast's 24,000+ downloads, plus community features like photo contests and book clubs. Don't miss the special extras: new best practice documents, leadership program opportunities, and exclusive resources. If you're not reading NewsLog, you're missing the tools and insights keeping the profession moving forward.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+Uk3h21Fn ]]> Day 11 - GBA Committees https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d11 cfd5cf00-4bcb-41f7-b3fc-2b9d91444685 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 02:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 22:40 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 11: GBA Committees

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover why GBA committees are the essential lifeblood of the association in this engaging episode featuring clips from committee leaders across the organization. Ryan and Tiffany explore how committees bring members together—from newcomers to 30-year veterans—to collaborate, solve shared challenges, and create valuable resources for the profession. Hear directly from most of the committee chairs from Multimedia Delivery, Business Practices, Legal Affairs, BizTech, Environmental, CoMET, Geotech, Inclusion Advancement, Peer Review, and Emerging Issues & Trends committees. Whether you're interested in technical content, business practices, or forward-thinking initiatives, there's a committee waiting to help you grow your network and give back meaningfully to geoprofessionals.

GBA Committees

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 11: GBA Committees

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover why GBA committees are the essential lifeblood of the association in this engaging episode featuring clips from committee leaders across the organization. Ryan and Tiffany explore how committees bring members together—from newcomers to 30-year veterans—to collaborate, solve shared challenges, and create valuable resources for the profession. Hear directly from most of the committee chairs from Multimedia Delivery, Business Practices, Legal Affairs, BizTech, Environmental, CoMET, Geotech, Inclusion Advancement, Peer Review, and Emerging Issues & Trends committees. Whether you're interested in technical content, business practices, or forward-thinking initiatives, there's a committee waiting to help you grow your network and give back meaningfully to geoprofessionals.

GBA Committees

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 11: GBA Committees

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. Discover why GBA committees are the essential lifeblood of the association in this engaging episode featuring clips from committee leaders across the organization. Ryan and Tiffany explore how committees bring members together—from newcomers to 30-year veterans—to collaborate, solve shared challenges, and create valuable resources for the profession. Hear directly from most of the committee chairs from Multimedia Delivery, Business Practices, Legal Affairs, BizTech, Environmental, CoMET, Geotech, Inclusion Advancement, Peer Review, and Emerging Issues & Trends committees. Whether you're interested in technical content, business practices, or forward-thinking initiatives, there's a committee waiting to help you grow your network and give back meaningfully to geoprofessionals.

GBA Committees

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+WYtn2rvh ]]> Day 12 - Case Histories https://www.gbapodcast.com/12d12 e2d759b6-bea2-4f6a-8b56-277402dfe6c2 Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. 29:01 false 12 Days of GBA – Day 12: Case Histories

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. This debut episode features case histories—one of GBA's most popular offerings. They randomly selected 13 case histories (bonus!), used AI to generate summaries, and shared highlights covering topics from environmental contamination to foundation failures and residential disputes. The case history receiving the most downloads by February 1, 2026 will become a full podcast episode. Each summary provides insights into real-world engineering challenges, risk management, and professional liability lessons valuable for lunch-and-learns or training.

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering 12 Days of GBA – Day 12: Case Histories

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. This debut episode features case histories—one of GBA's most popular offerings. They randomly selected 13 case histories (bonus!), used AI to generate summaries, and shared highlights covering topics from environmental contamination to foundation failures and residential disputes. The case history receiving the most downloads by February 1, 2026 will become a full podcast episode. Each summary provides insights into real-world engineering challenges, risk management, and professional liability lessons valuable for lunch-and-learns or training.

Links

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> 12 Days of GBA – Day 12: Case Histories

Summary

Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White present a year-end series highlighting their favorite GBA resources, counting down from Day 12 to Day 1. This debut episode features case histories—one of GBA's most popular offerings. They randomly selected 13 case histories (bonus!), used AI to generate summaries, and shared highlights covering topics from environmental contamination to foundation failures and residential disputes. The case history receiving the most downloads by February 1, 2026 will become a full podcast episode. Each summary provides insights into real-world engineering challenges, risk management, and professional liability lessons valuable for lunch-and-learns or training.

Links

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+raQV3Gwy ]]> #65 - Case History - Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch65 ca35af9e-7d9d-4b6c-a41e-fbae0ae51e54 Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 14:26 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #65 - Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal

Summary
The city retained the Member Firm only for periodic bay-water-sampling services for its “showcase” brownfields project. Different out-of-town firms performed the Geo and Env services. A construction-contract specification made the Member Firm the city’s environmental inspector radically altering what the Member Firm had proposed. Unaware of this change to the “boilerplate” language, the Member Firm signed the contract and forged ahead. Problems during construction led to a suit that was settled through mediation which included monetary payments by all three consultants. The city paid nothing.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Beware of Contractual “Boilerplate”
  • Never Assume
  • Be Professionally Proactive
  • Beware of Projects That Contractually Exclude Continuity of Service
  • Be Mindful of Joint-and-Several-Liability Risk
  • Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #65 - Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal

Summary
The city retained the Member Firm only for periodic bay-water-sampling services for its “showcase” brownfields project. Different out-of-town firms performed the Geo and Env services. A construction-contract specification made the Member Firm the city’s environmental inspector radically altering what the Member Firm had proposed. Unaware of this change to the “boilerplate” language, the Member Firm signed the contract and forged ahead. Problems during construction led to a suit that was settled through mediation which included monetary payments by all three consultants. The city paid nothing.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Beware of Contractual “Boilerplate”
  • Never Assume
  • Be Professionally Proactive
  • Beware of Projects That Contractually Exclude Continuity of Service
  • Be Mindful of Joint-and-Several-Liability Risk
  • Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #65 - Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal

Summary
The city retained the Member Firm only for periodic bay-water-sampling services for its “showcase” brownfields project. Different out-of-town firms performed the Geo and Env services. A construction-contract specification made the Member Firm the city’s environmental inspector radically altering what the Member Firm had proposed. Unaware of this change to the “boilerplate” language, the Member Firm signed the contract and forged ahead. Problems during construction led to a suit that was settled through mediation which included monetary payments by all three consultants. The city paid nothing.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Beware of Contractual “Boilerplate”
  • Never Assume
  • Be Professionally Proactive
  • Beware of Projects That Contractually Exclude Continuity of Service
  • Be Mindful of Joint-and-Several-Liability Risk
  • Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+bXjyWULs ]]> #75 - Case History - OSHA Violations—The Risk of Sharing Equipment https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch75 083ce2a6-f4a1-4256-8acc-5e3fca0bf23a Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 19:33 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #75 - OSHA Violations—The Risk of Sharing Equipment

Summary

Member Firm is responsible for observing the construction of drilled shafts for an extension of a shopping center project. The OSHA inspector cited several violations at the jobsite. The Member Firm arranged a hearing with their attorney and reduced the fines. A good attorney can really be your “12th Man”!

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Safety Inspectors Have Significant Authority over Site Activities
  • When in Doubt, Discuss the Appropriateness of Procedures with OSHA
  • Attorneys Experienced with the Matter in Dispute Are Great Assets
  • Train Your Field Personnel in Proper Response to Safety Violations
  • Be Proactive about Safety

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #75 - OSHA Violations—The Risk of Sharing Equipment

Summary

Member Firm is responsible for observing the construction of drilled shafts for an extension of a shopping center project. The OSHA inspector cited several violations at the jobsite. The Member Firm arranged a hearing with their attorney and reduced the fines. A good attorney can really be your “12th Man”!

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Safety Inspectors Have Significant Authority over Site Activities
  • When in Doubt, Discuss the Appropriateness of Procedures with OSHA
  • Attorneys Experienced with the Matter in Dispute Are Great Assets
  • Train Your Field Personnel in Proper Response to Safety Violations
  • Be Proactive about Safety

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #75 - OSHA Violations—The Risk of Sharing Equipment

Summary

Member Firm is responsible for observing the construction of drilled shafts for an extension of a shopping center project. The OSHA inspector cited several violations at the jobsite. The Member Firm arranged a hearing with their attorney and reduced the fines. A good attorney can really be your “12th Man”!

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Safety Inspectors Have Significant Authority over Site Activities
  • When in Doubt, Discuss the Appropriateness of Procedures with OSHA
  • Attorneys Experienced with the Matter in Dispute Are Great Assets
  • Train Your Field Personnel in Proper Response to Safety Violations
  • Be Proactive about Safety

Calls-to-action:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+_STWf-97 ]]> #116 - Case History - Went Fishing...Caught a Whale https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch116 88d4c9a7-3c40-474d-a1e1-f2cf46df60fa Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 11:49 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #116 - Went Fishing...Caught a Whale

Summary

A GBA-member firm was hired to evaluate and design the repair of a sheet pile dock at a food processing plant. The owner was pleased with the design but did not have the capital to construct the full repairs and tasked the engineer with devising a temporary solution.

In the early morning hours on the first day of mobilization for the project, the dock collapsed and the project immediately shifted from repair to replacement. Daily, it seemed, new problems or concerns arose, and the geotechnical engineer was on-site to make observations, answer questions, and present solutions.

Through the extraordinary efforts of the contractor and trust from the owner, the project was completed before the plant’s operating season began and the geotechnical engineer was made to look like a hero.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Communicate actively to resolve problems
  • Understand your own intuition
  • Develop strong relationships with client representatives
  • Understand project relationships

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #116 - Went Fishing...Caught a Whale

Summary

A GBA-member firm was hired to evaluate and design the repair of a sheet pile dock at a food processing plant. The owner was pleased with the design but did not have the capital to construct the full repairs and tasked the engineer with devising a temporary solution.

In the early morning hours on the first day of mobilization for the project, the dock collapsed and the project immediately shifted from repair to replacement. Daily, it seemed, new problems or concerns arose, and the geotechnical engineer was on-site to make observations, answer questions, and present solutions.

Through the extraordinary efforts of the contractor and trust from the owner, the project was completed before the plant’s operating season began and the geotechnical engineer was made to look like a hero.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Communicate actively to resolve problems
  • Understand your own intuition
  • Develop strong relationships with client representatives
  • Understand project relationships

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #116 - Went Fishing...Caught a Whale

Summary

A GBA-member firm was hired to evaluate and design the repair of a sheet pile dock at a food processing plant. The owner was pleased with the design but did not have the capital to construct the full repairs and tasked the engineer with devising a temporary solution.

In the early morning hours on the first day of mobilization for the project, the dock collapsed and the project immediately shifted from repair to replacement. Daily, it seemed, new problems or concerns arose, and the geotechnical engineer was on-site to make observations, answer questions, and present solutions.

Through the extraordinary efforts of the contractor and trust from the owner, the project was completed before the plant’s operating season began and the geotechnical engineer was made to look like a hero.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Communicate actively to resolve problems
  • Understand your own intuition
  • Develop strong relationships with client representatives
  • Understand project relationships

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+SoGwFDh2 ]]> #82 - Case History - Practice, In Small Claims Court, Makes Perfect? Think About It https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch82 a9211272-4695-4daa-a48d-2be7a664708a Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 14:09 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #82 - Practice, In Small Claims Court, Makes Perfect? Think About It

Summary

A GBA member firm conducted a Phase I and Phase II study for the developer AND later did work directly for a former tenant of the same site. After things got even more complicated, the member firm decided to try small claims court for a resolution (where they had already been for at least 60 different projects). This practice did NOT make perfect.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer of Geoprofessional Services at BSK Associates, an employee-owned engineering firm. With over 30 years in materials testing and inspection, he oversees six Northern California offices and chairs BSK's Board of Directors. Tim is Past-President of the California Council of Testing and Inspection Agencies.

Lessons Learned:

  • Perform a Go/No-Go Analysis
  • Project Risk Often Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size, Complexity, and Fee
  • Avoid Litigation When You Reasonably Can
  • Follow Policies That Work
  • Do Not Give up Leverage When Dollars Are at Issue
  • Understand the Cost of “Your Day in Court”
  • If You Cannot Quell Your Emotions, Rely on Someone Who Can
  • Learn the Lessons of History

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #82 - Practice, In Small Claims Court, Makes Perfect? Think About It

Summary

A GBA member firm conducted a Phase I and Phase II study for the developer AND later did work directly for a former tenant of the same site. After things got even more complicated, the member firm decided to try small claims court for a resolution (where they had already been for at least 60 different projects). This practice did NOT make perfect.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer of Geoprofessional Services at BSK Associates, an employee-owned engineering firm. With over 30 years in materials testing and inspection, he oversees six Northern California offices and chairs BSK's Board of Directors. Tim is Past-President of the California Council of Testing and Inspection Agencies.

Lessons Learned:

  • Perform a Go/No-Go Analysis
  • Project Risk Often Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size, Complexity, and Fee
  • Avoid Litigation When You Reasonably Can
  • Follow Policies That Work
  • Do Not Give up Leverage When Dollars Are at Issue
  • Understand the Cost of “Your Day in Court”
  • If You Cannot Quell Your Emotions, Rely on Someone Who Can
  • Learn the Lessons of History

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #82 - Practice, In Small Claims Court, Makes Perfect? Think About It

Summary

A GBA member firm conducted a Phase I and Phase II study for the developer AND later did work directly for a former tenant of the same site. After things got even more complicated, the member firm decided to try small claims court for a resolution (where they had already been for at least 60 different projects). This practice did NOT make perfect.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer of Geoprofessional Services at BSK Associates, an employee-owned engineering firm. With over 30 years in materials testing and inspection, he oversees six Northern California offices and chairs BSK's Board of Directors. Tim is Past-President of the California Council of Testing and Inspection Agencies.

Lessons Learned:

  • Perform a Go/No-Go Analysis
  • Project Risk Often Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size, Complexity, and Fee
  • Avoid Litigation When You Reasonably Can
  • Follow Policies That Work
  • Do Not Give up Leverage When Dollars Are at Issue
  • Understand the Cost of “Your Day in Court”
  • If You Cannot Quell Your Emotions, Rely on Someone Who Can
  • Learn the Lessons of History

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+q1O-bYlk ]]> GeoHeroes - Ryan White https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh26 4fe238f9-eaf3-42f9-a971-c9d1d49fbde6 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 42:56 false GeoHeroes - Ryan White

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, principal geotechnical engineer at Apex, chair of the GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee, and GeoHeroes podcast producer, from accidentally discovering geotechnical engineering through misunderstandings about what different engineers actually do, to losing his job in the 2008 crisis, Ryan's unconventional path reveals how setbacks often become catalysts for growth. Now leading a thriving team, he shares hard-won insights on transitioning from technical expert to strategic leader, why doing what others won't do creates opportunity, and how the profession is evolving into a technology-driven future. Plus: his surprisingly competitive approach to giant pumpkin racing.

About Our Guest
Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Apex in Portland, Oregon. With 28 years of experience in the geoprofessional industry Ryan leads Apex's geotechnical practice in the Pacific Northwest, growing the team to eleven professionals while focusing on strategic client service and integrating technology into traditional engineering practices. Ryan is an active member of GBA and chair of the multimedia delivery committee. In partnership with Guy Marcozzi, Ryan has produced the GeoHeroes podcast series, showcasing the diverse stories and wisdom of geoprofessionals across the country.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Ryan White, Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Apex (PBS Engineering) in Portland, Oregon
  • Producer of the GeoHeroes podcast

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Seaside, Oregon (population 5,000) on the Oregon coast
  • Parents were both science teachers, fostered academic mindset
  • Early exposure to technology through mother's work as librarian/media specialist
  • Played multiple sports: football, basketball, baseball, track
  • Performed better academically when busier with sports—learned time management early
  • Side hustles: mowing lawns, backup for paper routes
  • Built balsa wood bridges while recovering from mono—sparked engineering interest
  • Mistakenly thought bridges were mechanical engineering, then switched to structural, but didn't resonate
  • Discovered geotechnical engineering, intuitively clicked
  • Earned bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering/geotechnical engineering at Oregon State University

Career Path

First break: Collapsed lung from sneezing (!) prevented travel, led professor to connect him with startup GeoDesign

  • Memorable interview: arrived in suit/tie, found engineers in shorts and Birkenstocks throwing things at each other
  • Worked at GeoDesign 5 years, gained early autonomy managing projects with 3-4 years experience

First risk: Left secure job with 2-month-old son to join mentor's 3-person startup company

2008 crisis: Lost job when economy tanked, devastating to ego

  • Unemployed 2 months—reframed as rare opportunity to read, nap, time with kids
  • Persistence paid off to get job with Kleinfelder
  • Worked 3 years at Kleinfelder, then recruited by Arlan Rippe to PBS/Apex
  • Took over geotechnical group management

Leadership

Key realization: "Never thought about our business as being a people business. It was a math and science business to me"

  • Day-to-day now: email management, people management, strategic thinking
  • "What got you here won't get you there"—had to develop new skills beyond technical expertise
  • Pride comes from team success, not personal achievements What excites him now: Strategizing to win projects, not executing them; seeing younger staff and friends succeed Biggest frustration: Email—"I'm at the mercy of other people's priorities"
  • Wishes administrative tasks (AR, invoices) could be streamlined
  • Focus shifted to long-term strategy and "putting the right chess pieces in the right place"

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Early exposure removed fear of technology, sees it as "another form of play"
  • Not threatened by AI: "Our jobs aren't going to disappear because of AI"
  • Sees companies morphing into "technology companies that do engineering" vs "engineering companies with Microsoft subscriptions"
  • Fundamentals won't change: "Soil mechanics are what they are"
  • Technology will handle routine work, freeing engineers for client management and strategy

Life Advice

  • Do what others won't: "It's a lot less crowded for you when you do those things"
  • Growth through discomfort: "We don't learn much when things are going well"
  • Join committees and leadership positions—"that's where you get the biggest benefit"
  • Pursue people skills and emotional intelligence, not just technical expertise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book:
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5 (optimist, but "hard for me to give anything a perfect score")
  • Proudest accomplishments: Helping build the geotech group at PBS/Apex; GBA contributions
  • What he'd change: "I wouldn't change anything because the bad things are what got us here"; Consider a career in technology
  • Advice for young professionals: Get involved, don't just attend. Take risks. Just doing the job isn't enough. Do what others won't to gain valuable experience. Volunteer/participate outside your career field.

Final Thoughts

  • Encourages following interests and experimenting without fear
  • GBA fanboy: Getting actively involved (not just attending) is key to growth
  • Engineers naturally avoid uncomfortable situations, but "that's when you grow"

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Ryan White

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, principal geotechnical engineer at Apex, chair of the GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee, and GeoHeroes podcast producer, from accidentally discovering geotechnical engineering through misunderstandings about what different engineers actually do, to losing his job in the 2008 crisis, Ryan's unconventional path reveals how setbacks often become catalysts for growth. Now leading a thriving team, he shares hard-won insights on transitioning from technical expert to strategic leader, why doing what others won't do creates opportunity, and how the profession is evolving into a technology-driven future. Plus: his surprisingly competitive approach to giant pumpkin racing.

About Our Guest
Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Apex in Portland, Oregon. With 28 years of experience in the geoprofessional industry Ryan leads Apex's geotechnical practice in the Pacific Northwest, growing the team to eleven professionals while focusing on strategic client service and integrating technology into traditional engineering practices. Ryan is an active member of GBA and chair of the multimedia delivery committee. In partnership with Guy Marcozzi, Ryan has produced the GeoHeroes podcast series, showcasing the diverse stories and wisdom of geoprofessionals across the country.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Ryan White, Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Apex (PBS Engineering) in Portland, Oregon
  • Producer of the GeoHeroes podcast

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Seaside, Oregon (population 5,000) on the Oregon coast
  • Parents were both science teachers, fostered academic mindset
  • Early exposure to technology through mother's work as librarian/media specialist
  • Played multiple sports: football, basketball, baseball, track
  • Performed better academically when busier with sports—learned time management early
  • Side hustles: mowing lawns, backup for paper routes
  • Built balsa wood bridges while recovering from mono—sparked engineering interest
  • Mistakenly thought bridges were mechanical engineering, then switched to structural, but didn't resonate
  • Discovered geotechnical engineering, intuitively clicked
  • Earned bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering/geotechnical engineering at Oregon State University

Career Path

First break: Collapsed lung from sneezing (!) prevented travel, led professor to connect him with startup GeoDesign

  • Memorable interview: arrived in suit/tie, found engineers in shorts and Birkenstocks throwing things at each other
  • Worked at GeoDesign 5 years, gained early autonomy managing projects with 3-4 years experience

First risk: Left secure job with 2-month-old son to join mentor's 3-person startup company

2008 crisis: Lost job when economy tanked, devastating to ego

  • Unemployed 2 months—reframed as rare opportunity to read, nap, time with kids
  • Persistence paid off to get job with Kleinfelder
  • Worked 3 years at Kleinfelder, then recruited by Arlan Rippe to PBS/Apex
  • Took over geotechnical group management

Leadership

Key realization: "Never thought about our business as being a people business. It was a math and science business to me"

  • Day-to-day now: email management, people management, strategic thinking
  • "What got you here won't get you there"—had to develop new skills beyond technical expertise
  • Pride comes from team success, not personal achievements What excites him now: Strategizing to win projects, not executing them; seeing younger staff and friends succeed Biggest frustration: Email—"I'm at the mercy of other people's priorities"
  • Wishes administrative tasks (AR, invoices) could be streamlined
  • Focus shifted to long-term strategy and "putting the right chess pieces in the right place"

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Early exposure removed fear of technology, sees it as "another form of play"
  • Not threatened by AI: "Our jobs aren't going to disappear because of AI"
  • Sees companies morphing into "technology companies that do engineering" vs "engineering companies with Microsoft subscriptions"
  • Fundamentals won't change: "Soil mechanics are what they are"
  • Technology will handle routine work, freeing engineers for client management and strategy

Life Advice

  • Do what others won't: "It's a lot less crowded for you when you do those things"
  • Growth through discomfort: "We don't learn much when things are going well"
  • Join committees and leadership positions—"that's where you get the biggest benefit"
  • Pursue people skills and emotional intelligence, not just technical expertise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book:
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5 (optimist, but "hard for me to give anything a perfect score")
  • Proudest accomplishments: Helping build the geotech group at PBS/Apex; GBA contributions
  • What he'd change: "I wouldn't change anything because the bad things are what got us here"; Consider a career in technology
  • Advice for young professionals: Get involved, don't just attend. Take risks. Just doing the job isn't enough. Do what others won't to gain valuable experience. Volunteer/participate outside your career field.

Final Thoughts

  • Encourages following interests and experimenting without fear
  • GBA fanboy: Getting actively involved (not just attending) is key to growth
  • Engineers naturally avoid uncomfortable situations, but "that's when you grow"

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Ryan White

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, principal geotechnical engineer at Apex, chair of the GBA Multimedia Delivery Committee, and GeoHeroes podcast producer, from accidentally discovering geotechnical engineering through misunderstandings about what different engineers actually do, to losing his job in the 2008 crisis, Ryan's unconventional path reveals how setbacks often become catalysts for growth. Now leading a thriving team, he shares hard-won insights on transitioning from technical expert to strategic leader, why doing what others won't do creates opportunity, and how the profession is evolving into a technology-driven future. Plus: his surprisingly competitive approach to giant pumpkin racing.

About Our Guest
Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Apex in Portland, Oregon. With 28 years of experience in the geoprofessional industry Ryan leads Apex's geotechnical practice in the Pacific Northwest, growing the team to eleven professionals while focusing on strategic client service and integrating technology into traditional engineering practices. Ryan is an active member of GBA and chair of the multimedia delivery committee. In partnership with Guy Marcozzi, Ryan has produced the GeoHeroes podcast series, showcasing the diverse stories and wisdom of geoprofessionals across the country.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Ryan White, Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Apex (PBS Engineering) in Portland, Oregon
  • Producer of the GeoHeroes podcast

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Seaside, Oregon (population 5,000) on the Oregon coast
  • Parents were both science teachers, fostered academic mindset
  • Early exposure to technology through mother's work as librarian/media specialist
  • Played multiple sports: football, basketball, baseball, track
  • Performed better academically when busier with sports—learned time management early
  • Side hustles: mowing lawns, backup for paper routes
  • Built balsa wood bridges while recovering from mono—sparked engineering interest
  • Mistakenly thought bridges were mechanical engineering, then switched to structural, but didn't resonate
  • Discovered geotechnical engineering, intuitively clicked
  • Earned bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering/geotechnical engineering at Oregon State University

Career Path

First break: Collapsed lung from sneezing (!) prevented travel, led professor to connect him with startup GeoDesign

  • Memorable interview: arrived in suit/tie, found engineers in shorts and Birkenstocks throwing things at each other
  • Worked at GeoDesign 5 years, gained early autonomy managing projects with 3-4 years experience

First risk: Left secure job with 2-month-old son to join mentor's 3-person startup company

2008 crisis: Lost job when economy tanked, devastating to ego

  • Unemployed 2 months—reframed as rare opportunity to read, nap, time with kids
  • Persistence paid off to get job with Kleinfelder
  • Worked 3 years at Kleinfelder, then recruited by Arlan Rippe to PBS/Apex
  • Took over geotechnical group management

Leadership

Key realization: "Never thought about our business as being a people business. It was a math and science business to me"

  • Day-to-day now: email management, people management, strategic thinking
  • "What got you here won't get you there"—had to develop new skills beyond technical expertise
  • Pride comes from team success, not personal achievements What excites him now: Strategizing to win projects, not executing them; seeing younger staff and friends succeed Biggest frustration: Email—"I'm at the mercy of other people's priorities"
  • Wishes administrative tasks (AR, invoices) could be streamlined
  • Focus shifted to long-term strategy and "putting the right chess pieces in the right place"

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Early exposure removed fear of technology, sees it as "another form of play"
  • Not threatened by AI: "Our jobs aren't going to disappear because of AI"
  • Sees companies morphing into "technology companies that do engineering" vs "engineering companies with Microsoft subscriptions"
  • Fundamentals won't change: "Soil mechanics are what they are"
  • Technology will handle routine work, freeing engineers for client management and strategy

Life Advice

  • Do what others won't: "It's a lot less crowded for you when you do those things"
  • Growth through discomfort: "We don't learn much when things are going well"
  • Join committees and leadership positions—"that's where you get the biggest benefit"
  • Pursue people skills and emotional intelligence, not just technical expertise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book:
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5 (optimist, but "hard for me to give anything a perfect score")
  • Proudest accomplishments: Helping build the geotech group at PBS/Apex; GBA contributions
  • What he'd change: "I wouldn't change anything because the bad things are what got us here"; Consider a career in technology
  • Advice for young professionals: Get involved, don't just attend. Take risks. Just doing the job isn't enough. Do what others won't to gain valuable experience. Volunteer/participate outside your career field.

Final Thoughts

  • Encourages following interests and experimenting without fear
  • GBA fanboy: Getting actively involved (not just attending) is key to growth
  • Engineers naturally avoid uncomfortable situations, but "that's when you grow"

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+3Q7NMac1 ]]> GeoHeroes - Guy Marcozzi https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh25 eb5b55ab-4ff0-48ce-bd72-0786701d6bba Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry 57:17 false GeoHeroes - Guy Marcozzi

About This Episode
In this episode Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, turns the tables in this interview of GeoHeroes host Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, former GBA president, who shares his journey from suburban Delaware kid to geotechnical engineering CEO. Guy reveals the surprising truth behind most successful careers: there was no grand plan. From collecting payments on his childhood paper route to leading Duffield Associates, Inc. as CEO, Guy's path was shaped by persistence, listening, and seizing opportunities as they arose. He reflects on launching the GeoHeroes podcast, what he's learned from interviewing industry legends, and why not having everything figured out might be the best career advice of all.

About Our Guest
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Our Host
Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, is a principal geotechnical engineer at Apex in Portland and the geotechnical engineering group manager. Ryan has over 28 years of geotechnical engineering experience leading groups, teams and managing projects. He has managed projects throughout Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. He has experience with commercial and municipal development, design for low- to mid-rise buildings, bridge foundations, roads, landslide evaluation and stabilization, retaining wall design and construction, solar energy and land development. Ryan is the current chair of GBA's multimedia delivery committee and one of the committee's founding members. Ryan helped develop the GBA Podcast as part of class 4 of the Emerging Leaders.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Special "tables turned" episode with Guy Marcozzi being interviewed by podcast producer Ryan White
  • Guy: Retired consulting engineer living in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
  • Career spanned structural and geotechnical engineering
  • Married to wife Tina for 37 years
  • Three children, all engineers but none in geoprofessions

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in post-war suburban Delaware, 10 miles outside Wilmington
  • Childhood characterized by unstructured outdoor play with kids of all ages
  • One of four children in working-class family
  • Father was contractor, mother stay-at-home mom
  • Could only participate in organized sports within biking distance
  • Paper route at age 12 taught lessons about persistence and collecting payment
  • Started working construction with father's crew at age 14
  • Good but not great student - performed well in math and science without trying hard
  • First-generation college student
  • Attended University of Delaware (less than 10 miles from home)
  • Never moved far - now lives 82 miles south in Rehoboth Beach

Career Path

  • Started career as structural engineer
  • Transitioned to geotechnical engineering
  • Former CEO of Duffield Associates, Inc.
  • Former president of Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)
  • Admits: "I never really had a plan"
  • Always focused on whatever opportunity was in front of him

Leadership

  • Core trait: Reliability - "I've always been the person that wants to do what I say I'm gonna do"
  • Innate driver to complete project assignments and commitments
  • Early career: Very task-driven and outcome-focused
  • Key transition: Understanding "what got you here won't get you there"
  • Realized scaling comes from other people and how you interface with them
  • Development of empathy as leadership superpower:
    • Looking at situations from other people's perspectives
    • Understanding clients have bosses too - they're judged on their hiring decisions
    • If you deliver well, they look good; if you're late or over budget, it's a demerit against them
    • "It was like a social contract - you've honored me by picking us to do this and now it's my obligation to help you be successful"
  • Success formula with clients: No surprises, stay on budget, stay on time
  • Leading teams through empathy:
    • Recognizing people at different life stages (new parents, getting married, going through divorce, relocating)
    • Noticed people getting married were distracted for 6 months leading up - "that was cool, you're getting married, it's a big deal"
    • Early mindset: "I don't care if you get married, you have to get this job done" - admits this wasn't the right approach
    • Better approach: See who you're interacting with and understand where they're coming from
    • Working better as a team leads to scaling and leverage
  • Actively developed these capabilities in last half of career
  • Philosophy: Make your client look good to their boss, and it bodes well for you

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Current state: Many fundamentals remain unchanged (still driving SPT samplers despite technology advances)
  • Change happens slowly but profession is starting to rapidly change
  • Future vision - Two key areas:
    • Data as a service
    • High-level client consulting:
      • Being the "client psychologist" - understanding real deeper needs beyond immediate requests
      • Providing higher value consultation at strategic level
  • Data sharing challenges
  • Why geoprofessionals are well-suited for this evolution
  • Skills developed in geoprofession translate well

Life Advice

  • "Don't get too upset if you don't have the grand plan"
  • Stay focused on what's in front of you
  • Do well at what you're doing
  • Keep your eyes open for other opportunities
  • Take advantage of opportunities as they arise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5; GBA helps push necessary changes. Caveat: "We need to recognize that change and make it happen"
  • Proudest accomplishments:
    • Structures he designed (as structural engineer) that he can still point to today
    • Success at Duffield Associates/McKim & Creed and bonds with leadership team
  • What he'd change:
    • Would have emphasized people/relationships earlier in career
    • Less outcome-focused, more people-focused from the start
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Get involved in organizations outside your company throughout your career
    • Learn leadership in volunteer/non-hierarchical settings
    • Build diverse networks for learning (not selling)
    • Don't worry about having a grand plan - focus on what's in front of you and stay open to opportunities

Final Thoughts

  • Expresses gratitude to all podcast guests for taking the risk
  • Appreciates that people shared their stories despite uncertainty about how it would be received
  • Selection of season one interviewees "wasn't random" but based on who was available
  • Final message to listeners: Thanks core audience for sticking with the podcast

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Guy Marcozzi

About This Episode
In this episode Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, turns the tables in this interview of GeoHeroes host Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, former GBA president, who shares his journey from suburban Delaware kid to geotechnical engineering CEO. Guy reveals the surprising truth behind most successful careers: there was no grand plan. From collecting payments on his childhood paper route to leading Duffield Associates, Inc. as CEO, Guy's path was shaped by persistence, listening, and seizing opportunities as they arose. He reflects on launching the GeoHeroes podcast, what he's learned from interviewing industry legends, and why not having everything figured out might be the best career advice of all.

About Our Guest
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Our Host
Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, is a principal geotechnical engineer at Apex in Portland and the geotechnical engineering group manager. Ryan has over 28 years of geotechnical engineering experience leading groups, teams and managing projects. He has managed projects throughout Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. He has experience with commercial and municipal development, design for low- to mid-rise buildings, bridge foundations, roads, landslide evaluation and stabilization, retaining wall design and construction, solar energy and land development. Ryan is the current chair of GBA's multimedia delivery committee and one of the committee's founding members. Ryan helped develop the GBA Podcast as part of class 4 of the Emerging Leaders.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Special "tables turned" episode with Guy Marcozzi being interviewed by podcast producer Ryan White
  • Guy: Retired consulting engineer living in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
  • Career spanned structural and geotechnical engineering
  • Married to wife Tina for 37 years
  • Three children, all engineers but none in geoprofessions

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in post-war suburban Delaware, 10 miles outside Wilmington
  • Childhood characterized by unstructured outdoor play with kids of all ages
  • One of four children in working-class family
  • Father was contractor, mother stay-at-home mom
  • Could only participate in organized sports within biking distance
  • Paper route at age 12 taught lessons about persistence and collecting payment
  • Started working construction with father's crew at age 14
  • Good but not great student - performed well in math and science without trying hard
  • First-generation college student
  • Attended University of Delaware (less than 10 miles from home)
  • Never moved far - now lives 82 miles south in Rehoboth Beach

Career Path

  • Started career as structural engineer
  • Transitioned to geotechnical engineering
  • Former CEO of Duffield Associates, Inc.
  • Former president of Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)
  • Admits: "I never really had a plan"
  • Always focused on whatever opportunity was in front of him

Leadership

  • Core trait: Reliability - "I've always been the person that wants to do what I say I'm gonna do"
  • Innate driver to complete project assignments and commitments
  • Early career: Very task-driven and outcome-focused
  • Key transition: Understanding "what got you here won't get you there"
  • Realized scaling comes from other people and how you interface with them
  • Development of empathy as leadership superpower:
    • Looking at situations from other people's perspectives
    • Understanding clients have bosses too - they're judged on their hiring decisions
    • If you deliver well, they look good; if you're late or over budget, it's a demerit against them
    • "It was like a social contract - you've honored me by picking us to do this and now it's my obligation to help you be successful"
  • Success formula with clients: No surprises, stay on budget, stay on time
  • Leading teams through empathy:
    • Recognizing people at different life stages (new parents, getting married, going through divorce, relocating)
    • Noticed people getting married were distracted for 6 months leading up - "that was cool, you're getting married, it's a big deal"
    • Early mindset: "I don't care if you get married, you have to get this job done" - admits this wasn't the right approach
    • Better approach: See who you're interacting with and understand where they're coming from
    • Working better as a team leads to scaling and leverage
  • Actively developed these capabilities in last half of career
  • Philosophy: Make your client look good to their boss, and it bodes well for you

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Current state: Many fundamentals remain unchanged (still driving SPT samplers despite technology advances)
  • Change happens slowly but profession is starting to rapidly change
  • Future vision - Two key areas:
    • Data as a service
    • High-level client consulting:
      • Being the "client psychologist" - understanding real deeper needs beyond immediate requests
      • Providing higher value consultation at strategic level
  • Data sharing challenges
  • Why geoprofessionals are well-suited for this evolution
  • Skills developed in geoprofession translate well

Life Advice

  • "Don't get too upset if you don't have the grand plan"
  • Stay focused on what's in front of you
  • Do well at what you're doing
  • Keep your eyes open for other opportunities
  • Take advantage of opportunities as they arise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5; GBA helps push necessary changes. Caveat: "We need to recognize that change and make it happen"
  • Proudest accomplishments:
    • Structures he designed (as structural engineer) that he can still point to today
    • Success at Duffield Associates/McKim & Creed and bonds with leadership team
  • What he'd change:
    • Would have emphasized people/relationships earlier in career
    • Less outcome-focused, more people-focused from the start
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Get involved in organizations outside your company throughout your career
    • Learn leadership in volunteer/non-hierarchical settings
    • Build diverse networks for learning (not selling)
    • Don't worry about having a grand plan - focus on what's in front of you and stay open to opportunities

Final Thoughts

  • Expresses gratitude to all podcast guests for taking the risk
  • Appreciates that people shared their stories despite uncertainty about how it would be received
  • Selection of season one interviewees "wasn't random" but based on who was available
  • Final message to listeners: Thanks core audience for sticking with the podcast

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Guy Marcozzi

About This Episode
In this episode Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, turns the tables in this interview of GeoHeroes host Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, former GBA president, who shares his journey from suburban Delaware kid to geotechnical engineering CEO. Guy reveals the surprising truth behind most successful careers: there was no grand plan. From collecting payments on his childhood paper route to leading Duffield Associates, Inc. as CEO, Guy's path was shaped by persistence, listening, and seizing opportunities as they arose. He reflects on launching the GeoHeroes podcast, what he's learned from interviewing industry legends, and why not having everything figured out might be the best career advice of all.

About Our Guest
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Our Host
Ryan White, PE, GE, F.ASCE, is a principal geotechnical engineer at Apex in Portland and the geotechnical engineering group manager. Ryan has over 28 years of geotechnical engineering experience leading groups, teams and managing projects. He has managed projects throughout Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. He has experience with commercial and municipal development, design for low- to mid-rise buildings, bridge foundations, roads, landslide evaluation and stabilization, retaining wall design and construction, solar energy and land development. Ryan is the current chair of GBA's multimedia delivery committee and one of the committee's founding members. Ryan helped develop the GBA Podcast as part of class 4 of the Emerging Leaders.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Special "tables turned" episode with Guy Marcozzi being interviewed by podcast producer Ryan White
  • Guy: Retired consulting engineer living in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
  • Career spanned structural and geotechnical engineering
  • Married to wife Tina for 37 years
  • Three children, all engineers but none in geoprofessions

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in post-war suburban Delaware, 10 miles outside Wilmington
  • Childhood characterized by unstructured outdoor play with kids of all ages
  • One of four children in working-class family
  • Father was contractor, mother stay-at-home mom
  • Could only participate in organized sports within biking distance
  • Paper route at age 12 taught lessons about persistence and collecting payment
  • Started working construction with father's crew at age 14
  • Good but not great student - performed well in math and science without trying hard
  • First-generation college student
  • Attended University of Delaware (less than 10 miles from home)
  • Never moved far - now lives 82 miles south in Rehoboth Beach

Career Path

  • Started career as structural engineer
  • Transitioned to geotechnical engineering
  • Former CEO of Duffield Associates, Inc.
  • Former president of Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)
  • Admits: "I never really had a plan"
  • Always focused on whatever opportunity was in front of him

Leadership

  • Core trait: Reliability - "I've always been the person that wants to do what I say I'm gonna do"
  • Innate driver to complete project assignments and commitments
  • Early career: Very task-driven and outcome-focused
  • Key transition: Understanding "what got you here won't get you there"
  • Realized scaling comes from other people and how you interface with them
  • Development of empathy as leadership superpower:
    • Looking at situations from other people's perspectives
    • Understanding clients have bosses too - they're judged on their hiring decisions
    • If you deliver well, they look good; if you're late or over budget, it's a demerit against them
    • "It was like a social contract - you've honored me by picking us to do this and now it's my obligation to help you be successful"
  • Success formula with clients: No surprises, stay on budget, stay on time
  • Leading teams through empathy:
    • Recognizing people at different life stages (new parents, getting married, going through divorce, relocating)
    • Noticed people getting married were distracted for 6 months leading up - "that was cool, you're getting married, it's a big deal"
    • Early mindset: "I don't care if you get married, you have to get this job done" - admits this wasn't the right approach
    • Better approach: See who you're interacting with and understand where they're coming from
    • Working better as a team leads to scaling and leverage
  • Actively developed these capabilities in last half of career
  • Philosophy: Make your client look good to their boss, and it bodes well for you

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Current state: Many fundamentals remain unchanged (still driving SPT samplers despite technology advances)
  • Change happens slowly but profession is starting to rapidly change
  • Future vision - Two key areas:
    • Data as a service
    • High-level client consulting:
      • Being the "client psychologist" - understanding real deeper needs beyond immediate requests
      • Providing higher value consultation at strategic level
  • Data sharing challenges
  • Why geoprofessionals are well-suited for this evolution
  • Skills developed in geoprofession translate well

Life Advice

  • "Don't get too upset if you don't have the grand plan"
  • Stay focused on what's in front of you
  • Do well at what you're doing
  • Keep your eyes open for other opportunities
  • Take advantage of opportunities as they arise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5; GBA helps push necessary changes. Caveat: "We need to recognize that change and make it happen"
  • Proudest accomplishments:
    • Structures he designed (as structural engineer) that he can still point to today
    • Success at Duffield Associates/McKim & Creed and bonds with leadership team
  • What he'd change:
    • Would have emphasized people/relationships earlier in career
    • Less outcome-focused, more people-focused from the start
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Get involved in organizations outside your company throughout your career
    • Learn leadership in volunteer/non-hierarchical settings
    • Build diverse networks for learning (not selling)
    • Don't worry about having a grand plan - focus on what's in front of you and stay open to opportunities

Final Thoughts

  • Expresses gratitude to all podcast guests for taking the risk
  • Appreciates that people shared their stories despite uncertainty about how it would be received
  • Selection of season one interviewees "wasn't random" but based on who was available
  • Final message to listeners: Thanks core audience for sticking with the podcast

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+hUf8qW37 ]]> GeoHeroes - Joel Carson https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh24 6fae22a2-2712-4a66-83f3-45127b4e5f65 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry 43:53 false GeoHeroes - Joel Carson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) about his inspiring journey from driller's helper to industry leader. Joel shares how childhood relocations with his Bechtel engineer father—including walking through BART tunnels under construction—shaped his resilience and adaptability. Discover his unconventional path through 25+ years of consulting, the spontaneous "maybe" that changed his career trajectory, and why he believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day. Packed with leadership insights, honest reflections on the roads not taken, and a passionate vision for the profession's future, this conversation reveals what it truly means to lead with purpose.

About Our Guest
Joel Carson is the Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), where he has championed business success for geoprofessionals for over a decade. With 25+ years of consulting experience, his career spans from driller's helper to division manager overseeing 20 offices across 10 states at Kleinfelder. Born into an engineering family, Joel developed early appreciation for infrastructure. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch new practice areas and manage national accounts. A passionate industry advocate, Joel believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day through their commitment to human health and safety.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)
  • Has led GBA for 10+ years
  • Previously a geoprofessional consultant for 25+ years

Early Life and Education

  • Born in San Francisco, California (mother was fourth-generation San Franciscan)
  • Father worked for Bechtel Corporation on major infrastructure projects
  • Early memory: walking through BART tunnel construction with his father
  • Grew up with five siblings (Wayne, Brad, Jill, Carol, and Mary)
  • Family relocated every 3-4 years to small towns across the U.S. (Rock Springs WY, Crystal City MO, Delta UT)
  • Moving frequently taught him to adapt to new situations and overcome challenges
  • Attended University of Utah, chose civil engineering (initially focused on transportation)
  • Originally wanted to be a city engineer in a small town

Career Path

  • First job: found via index card on corkboard at University of Utah engineering department
  • Started as driller's helper on the back of a drill rig (late 1980s, during Underground Storage Tank Act)
  • Progressed through: field work → lab work → project management → national account management
  • Discovered entrepreneurial side: wrote business plan to start environmental practice in Boise office
  • Moved family to Boise, Idaho to launch new department
  • Managed national account for Albertsons across Western U.S.
  • 22+ years with Kleinfelder, progressing through leadership roles:
    • Washington state operations manager (Seattle area)
    • Regional manager (Omaha, Nebraska - 4 states)
    • Division manager (20 offices across 10 states)
  • Needed change every 3-4 years to stay engaged throughout career
  • Told CEO "I want your job" - led to strategic career guidance
  • Spontaneously said "maybe" during board meeting discussion - changed career trajectory
  • Applied for GBA Executive Director role alongside 69 other candidates

Leadership

  • Greatest satisfaction came from leading people, not completing projects
  • Views helping others reach their full potential as "the biggest gift"
  • Communication is the most critical competency for geoprofessionals (written and verbal)
  • Used "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage" for year-long leadership study with team
  • Key mentor: the person who wrote that first job posting index card
    • Worked together at multiple companies
    • Provided opportunities and support throughout early career

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Time:

  • Technology dramatically improved efficiency (hand-drawn plans → digital tools)
  • Manual data collection → remote sensing and automation
  • AI emerging as potential next disruptor
  • Industry consolidation from small firms to mega firms

Core Competencies (Then and Now):

  • Communication skills remain most important
  • Communication doesn't come naturally to many engineers - requires intentional development

Future Opportunities:

  • Climate change (multiple aspects)
  • Urbanization and population consolidation
  • Eroding infrastructure (U.S. receives poor grades)
  • Increasing energy demands

Optimism Level:

  • Highly bullish on the profession
  • "There will always be a need for the geoprofessions"
  • Wherever there's soil, rock, water, and air - geoprofessionals are needed

Life Advice

  • Core message: Recognize the value and honor of the geoprofessional profession
  • "Every day you go home from work, the world is a little better place because a geoprofessional was working that day"
  • Work directly impacts human health and safety for current and future generations
  • Focus on developing communication skills continuously
  • Embrace discomfort and new challenges
  • Pursue operational experience beyond technical expertise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins; Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5 (extremely optimistic); Geoprofessionals are critical to society and always will be
  • Proudest accomplishments: Leading and developing people to reach their full potential
  • What he'd change: Wondered about starting a consulting firm focused on green building, chose family stability instead
  • Advice for young professionals: Recognize the impacts you have, this is an honorable profession critical to human health and safety; Your daily work makes the world better for current and future generations

Final Thoughts

  • Joel expressed gratitude for being part of the GeoHeroes podcast series
  • Called for Season 2 to continue elevating geoprofessionals' stories
  • Emphasized importance of celebrating the people doing geoprofessional work every day

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Joel Carson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) about his inspiring journey from driller's helper to industry leader. Joel shares how childhood relocations with his Bechtel engineer father—including walking through BART tunnels under construction—shaped his resilience and adaptability. Discover his unconventional path through 25+ years of consulting, the spontaneous "maybe" that changed his career trajectory, and why he believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day. Packed with leadership insights, honest reflections on the roads not taken, and a passionate vision for the profession's future, this conversation reveals what it truly means to lead with purpose.

About Our Guest
Joel Carson is the Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), where he has championed business success for geoprofessionals for over a decade. With 25+ years of consulting experience, his career spans from driller's helper to division manager overseeing 20 offices across 10 states at Kleinfelder. Born into an engineering family, Joel developed early appreciation for infrastructure. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch new practice areas and manage national accounts. A passionate industry advocate, Joel believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day through their commitment to human health and safety.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)
  • Has led GBA for 10+ years
  • Previously a geoprofessional consultant for 25+ years

Early Life and Education

  • Born in San Francisco, California (mother was fourth-generation San Franciscan)
  • Father worked for Bechtel Corporation on major infrastructure projects
  • Early memory: walking through BART tunnel construction with his father
  • Grew up with five siblings (Wayne, Brad, Jill, Carol, and Mary)
  • Family relocated every 3-4 years to small towns across the U.S. (Rock Springs WY, Crystal City MO, Delta UT)
  • Moving frequently taught him to adapt to new situations and overcome challenges
  • Attended University of Utah, chose civil engineering (initially focused on transportation)
  • Originally wanted to be a city engineer in a small town

Career Path

  • First job: found via index card on corkboard at University of Utah engineering department
  • Started as driller's helper on the back of a drill rig (late 1980s, during Underground Storage Tank Act)
  • Progressed through: field work → lab work → project management → national account management
  • Discovered entrepreneurial side: wrote business plan to start environmental practice in Boise office
  • Moved family to Boise, Idaho to launch new department
  • Managed national account for Albertsons across Western U.S.
  • 22+ years with Kleinfelder, progressing through leadership roles:
    • Washington state operations manager (Seattle area)
    • Regional manager (Omaha, Nebraska - 4 states)
    • Division manager (20 offices across 10 states)
  • Needed change every 3-4 years to stay engaged throughout career
  • Told CEO "I want your job" - led to strategic career guidance
  • Spontaneously said "maybe" during board meeting discussion - changed career trajectory
  • Applied for GBA Executive Director role alongside 69 other candidates

Leadership

  • Greatest satisfaction came from leading people, not completing projects
  • Views helping others reach their full potential as "the biggest gift"
  • Communication is the most critical competency for geoprofessionals (written and verbal)
  • Used "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage" for year-long leadership study with team
  • Key mentor: the person who wrote that first job posting index card
    • Worked together at multiple companies
    • Provided opportunities and support throughout early career

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Time:

  • Technology dramatically improved efficiency (hand-drawn plans → digital tools)
  • Manual data collection → remote sensing and automation
  • AI emerging as potential next disruptor
  • Industry consolidation from small firms to mega firms

Core Competencies (Then and Now):

  • Communication skills remain most important
  • Communication doesn't come naturally to many engineers - requires intentional development

Future Opportunities:

  • Climate change (multiple aspects)
  • Urbanization and population consolidation
  • Eroding infrastructure (U.S. receives poor grades)
  • Increasing energy demands

Optimism Level:

  • Highly bullish on the profession
  • "There will always be a need for the geoprofessions"
  • Wherever there's soil, rock, water, and air - geoprofessionals are needed

Life Advice

  • Core message: Recognize the value and honor of the geoprofessional profession
  • "Every day you go home from work, the world is a little better place because a geoprofessional was working that day"
  • Work directly impacts human health and safety for current and future generations
  • Focus on developing communication skills continuously
  • Embrace discomfort and new challenges
  • Pursue operational experience beyond technical expertise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins; Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5 (extremely optimistic); Geoprofessionals are critical to society and always will be
  • Proudest accomplishments: Leading and developing people to reach their full potential
  • What he'd change: Wondered about starting a consulting firm focused on green building, chose family stability instead
  • Advice for young professionals: Recognize the impacts you have, this is an honorable profession critical to human health and safety; Your daily work makes the world better for current and future generations

Final Thoughts

  • Joel expressed gratitude for being part of the GeoHeroes podcast series
  • Called for Season 2 to continue elevating geoprofessionals' stories
  • Emphasized importance of celebrating the people doing geoprofessional work every day

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Joel Carson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) about his inspiring journey from driller's helper to industry leader. Joel shares how childhood relocations with his Bechtel engineer father—including walking through BART tunnels under construction—shaped his resilience and adaptability. Discover his unconventional path through 25+ years of consulting, the spontaneous "maybe" that changed his career trajectory, and why he believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day. Packed with leadership insights, honest reflections on the roads not taken, and a passionate vision for the profession's future, this conversation reveals what it truly means to lead with purpose.

About Our Guest
Joel Carson is the Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), where he has championed business success for geoprofessionals for over a decade. With 25+ years of consulting experience, his career spans from driller's helper to division manager overseeing 20 offices across 10 states at Kleinfelder. Born into an engineering family, Joel developed early appreciation for infrastructure. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch new practice areas and manage national accounts. A passionate industry advocate, Joel believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day through their commitment to human health and safety.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)
  • Has led GBA for 10+ years
  • Previously a geoprofessional consultant for 25+ years

Early Life and Education

  • Born in San Francisco, California (mother was fourth-generation San Franciscan)
  • Father worked for Bechtel Corporation on major infrastructure projects
  • Early memory: walking through BART tunnel construction with his father
  • Grew up with five siblings (Wayne, Brad, Jill, Carol, and Mary)
  • Family relocated every 3-4 years to small towns across the U.S. (Rock Springs WY, Crystal City MO, Delta UT)
  • Moving frequently taught him to adapt to new situations and overcome challenges
  • Attended University of Utah, chose civil engineering (initially focused on transportation)
  • Originally wanted to be a city engineer in a small town

Career Path

  • First job: found via index card on corkboard at University of Utah engineering department
  • Started as driller's helper on the back of a drill rig (late 1980s, during Underground Storage Tank Act)
  • Progressed through: field work → lab work → project management → national account management
  • Discovered entrepreneurial side: wrote business plan to start environmental practice in Boise office
  • Moved family to Boise, Idaho to launch new department
  • Managed national account for Albertsons across Western U.S.
  • 22+ years with Kleinfelder, progressing through leadership roles:
    • Washington state operations manager (Seattle area)
    • Regional manager (Omaha, Nebraska - 4 states)
    • Division manager (20 offices across 10 states)
  • Needed change every 3-4 years to stay engaged throughout career
  • Told CEO "I want your job" - led to strategic career guidance
  • Spontaneously said "maybe" during board meeting discussion - changed career trajectory
  • Applied for GBA Executive Director role alongside 69 other candidates

Leadership

  • Greatest satisfaction came from leading people, not completing projects
  • Views helping others reach their full potential as "the biggest gift"
  • Communication is the most critical competency for geoprofessionals (written and verbal)
  • Used "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage" for year-long leadership study with team
  • Key mentor: the person who wrote that first job posting index card
    • Worked together at multiple companies
    • Provided opportunities and support throughout early career

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Time:

  • Technology dramatically improved efficiency (hand-drawn plans → digital tools)
  • Manual data collection → remote sensing and automation
  • AI emerging as potential next disruptor
  • Industry consolidation from small firms to mega firms

Core Competencies (Then and Now):

  • Communication skills remain most important
  • Communication doesn't come naturally to many engineers - requires intentional development

Future Opportunities:

  • Climate change (multiple aspects)
  • Urbanization and population consolidation
  • Eroding infrastructure (U.S. receives poor grades)
  • Increasing energy demands

Optimism Level:

  • Highly bullish on the profession
  • "There will always be a need for the geoprofessions"
  • Wherever there's soil, rock, water, and air - geoprofessionals are needed

Life Advice

  • Core message: Recognize the value and honor of the geoprofessional profession
  • "Every day you go home from work, the world is a little better place because a geoprofessional was working that day"
  • Work directly impacts human health and safety for current and future generations
  • Focus on developing communication skills continuously
  • Embrace discomfort and new challenges
  • Pursue operational experience beyond technical expertise

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins; Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5 (extremely optimistic); Geoprofessionals are critical to society and always will be
  • Proudest accomplishments: Leading and developing people to reach their full potential
  • What he'd change: Wondered about starting a consulting firm focused on green building, chose family stability instead
  • Advice for young professionals: Recognize the impacts you have, this is an honorable profession critical to human health and safety; Your daily work makes the world better for current and future generations

Final Thoughts

  • Joel expressed gratitude for being part of the GeoHeroes podcast series
  • Called for Season 2 to continue elevating geoprofessionals' stories
  • Emphasized importance of celebrating the people doing geoprofessional work every day

Calls-to-action:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+_-16HAAD ]]> GeoHeroes - Steve Wendland https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh23 2368180a-1260-4ea6-a46f-e21488d7ff4e Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry 47:55 false GeoHeroes - Steve Wendland

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Steve Wendland, PE, PG, BC.GE of Bedrock GeoConsult about his journey from dirt-eating toddler to geotechnical expert perfectly embodies the phrase "you are what you eat." Raised in a blue-collar Kansas City family, Steve transformed childhood fascination with soil into a 40-year engineering career spanning international power projects across the world. After navigating corporate management roles at Black & Veatch and Kleinfelder—and discovering they weren't his calling—Steve found success as a self-employed consultant specializing in legal claims and contractor services. He shares candid insights about industry commoditization, the critical importance of communication skills, and why the technical career path offers a rewarding alternative to traditional management tracks for geoprofessionals.

About Our Guest
Steve Wendland, PE, PG, BC.GE, started Bedrock GeoConsult in 2022 to provide expert geotechnical engineering and engineering geology consulting services in the central USA. He helps contractors, owners, legal counsel, and design teams overcome concerns with geotechnical aspects of their projects by providing third-party peer reviews, independent guidance, construction engineering support services, and expert evaluations. He also conducts geotechnical forensic analyses of structures that have been impacted by expansive clay, soft foundation bearing materials, groundwater, or poor construction. These forensic analyses include a variety of failed retaining walls, cut slopes, embankments, foundations, and floor slabs. Previously, he was the national Director of Geotechnical Engineering for Kleinfelder.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Steve Wendland, geotechnical engineer and owner of Bedrock GeoConsult
  • Self-employed for 3 years, providing geotechnical services to general contractors
  • Expert geotechnical work for legal claims
  • Lives in Kansas City with wife Molly (married 35 years), two daughters, grandchildren

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in blue-collar Kansas City suburb, youngest of four children
  • Parents were Depression-era children who emphasized hard work and self-reliance
  • Father: factory worker whose education ended at age 10 due to Depression
  • Mother: school lunch lady at public schools Steve attended
  • Early interests: Lego building, creating cities in backyard "dirt pile" (later learned it was loess soil)
  • First job: Age 14 in school cafeteria, working before school started daily
  • High school: Worked 3 years at Dairy Queen, played baseball and basketball
  • College guidance: Math teacher told him "you're going to be an engineer" and attend University of Missouri at Rolla
  • Bachelor's degree: Geological engineering, University of Missouri at Rolla (1986)
  • Master's degree: Civil/geotechnical engineering, University of Texas at Austin
  • Key college decision: Joined Sigma Chi fraternity (calls it "one of the best decisions I ever made")

Career Path

  • Black & Veatch (11 years): Power division, geotechnical work for power plants and transmission lines
    • Extensive international travel (Thailand, Guatemala, Argentina, Turkey, Pakistan, Taiwan)
    • Promoted to management in 1996 (found it stressful and unsuitable)
  • Geosystems Engineering (1999-2002): Engineering manager, became partner
    • First exposure to ASFE/GBA
    • Sold firm to Kleinfelder in 2002
  • Kleinfelder (2002-2006): Area manager for Kansas City operations (60 employees)
    • Left due to management stress and dislike of operational responsibilities
  • Small local firm (2006-2011): Opened Kansas City office, worked through Great Recession
  • Kleinfelder return (2011-2021): Technical roles only
    • Retaining wall practice leader (nationwide position)
    • National geotechnical director (overseeing 220 engineers)
  • Self-employed (2021-present): Bedrock GeoConsult

Leadership

  • Management philosophy: Discovered management roles didn't suit his temperament
  • Key insight: Technical career path is viable alternative to management track
  • Relationship building: Defended general contractor at meeting, leading to 20-year client relationship with JE Dunn Construction
  • Golden rule approach: Treat everyone well regardless of hierarchy position
  • Expertise development: Made himself indispensable by becoming technical expert in areas firms needed

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Career:

  • Computerized drafting and word processing eliminated many drafters and typists
  • Internet, email, and global telecommunications revolutionized field communication
  • Firm consolidation - many great geotechnical firms from 30 years ago no longer exist

Constants That Remain:

  • Shear strength and effective stress fundamentals
  • Importance of treating people well (Golden Rule)
  • Critical need for strong communication skills

Future Opportunities:

  • Ground improvement technologies to reduce expensive deep foundation needs
  • General contractors hiring more engineers in-house
  • Transition from paper drawings to augmented/virtual reality for project visualization

Industry Concerns:

  • Continued commoditization and poor quality work damaging profession
  • Contractors don't trust geotechnical information (especially groundwater predictions)
  • Geotechnical engineers often not considered part of design team after report completion

Life Advice

Communication Skills (Highest priority):

  • Take formal training (Dale Carnegie courses)
  • Practice through presentations to professional societies
  • Both oral and written communication require deliberate development

Career Development:

  • Make yourself a technical expert in areas your firm needs
  • Don't assume management is the only path to success
  • Consider self-employment earlier if you have technical expertise

Professional Growth:

  • Learn from mistakes rather than avoiding them
  • Seek mentoring opportunities and provide mentoring to others
  • Stay engaged with design teams throughout project lifecycle

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Hyperion by Dan Simmons; Bible
  • Optimism index: 3 out of 5
  • Proudest accomplishments:
    • Mentoring younger engineers who still use lessons years later
    • Technical guidance that continues to benefit former colleagues
  • What he'd change:
    • Become self-employed sooner (considered it in 2010, should have done it by 2016)
    • Lesson learned: Good technical work creates opportunities even without aggressive business development
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Focus on communication skills development
    • Build technical expertise proactively
    • Trust that opportunities will emerge for prepared professionals

Final Thoughts

  • Learning from mistakes: Essential in risky geotechnical work
  • Importance of quality: Poor work continues to damage entire industry reputation
  • Value of persistence: Bosses who chose to teach rather than fire after mistakes
  • GBA connection: Became involved through Joel Carson when Kleinfelder needed representation after Carson became GBA executive director

Key Takeaway:

Technical excellence combined with strong communication skills provides foundation for successful geotechnical career, whether in management or technical track.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Steve Wendland

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Steve Wendland, PE, PG, BC.GE of Bedrock GeoConsult about his journey from dirt-eating toddler to geotechnical expert perfectly embodies the phrase "you are what you eat." Raised in a blue-collar Kansas City family, Steve transformed childhood fascination with soil into a 40-year engineering career spanning international power projects across the world. After navigating corporate management roles at Black & Veatch and Kleinfelder—and discovering they weren't his calling—Steve found success as a self-employed consultant specializing in legal claims and contractor services. He shares candid insights about industry commoditization, the critical importance of communication skills, and why the technical career path offers a rewarding alternative to traditional management tracks for geoprofessionals.

About Our Guest
Steve Wendland, PE, PG, BC.GE, started Bedrock GeoConsult in 2022 to provide expert geotechnical engineering and engineering geology consulting services in the central USA. He helps contractors, owners, legal counsel, and design teams overcome concerns with geotechnical aspects of their projects by providing third-party peer reviews, independent guidance, construction engineering support services, and expert evaluations. He also conducts geotechnical forensic analyses of structures that have been impacted by expansive clay, soft foundation bearing materials, groundwater, or poor construction. These forensic analyses include a variety of failed retaining walls, cut slopes, embankments, foundations, and floor slabs. Previously, he was the national Director of Geotechnical Engineering for Kleinfelder.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Steve Wendland, geotechnical engineer and owner of Bedrock GeoConsult
  • Self-employed for 3 years, providing geotechnical services to general contractors
  • Expert geotechnical work for legal claims
  • Lives in Kansas City with wife Molly (married 35 years), two daughters, grandchildren

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in blue-collar Kansas City suburb, youngest of four children
  • Parents were Depression-era children who emphasized hard work and self-reliance
  • Father: factory worker whose education ended at age 10 due to Depression
  • Mother: school lunch lady at public schools Steve attended
  • Early interests: Lego building, creating cities in backyard "dirt pile" (later learned it was loess soil)
  • First job: Age 14 in school cafeteria, working before school started daily
  • High school: Worked 3 years at Dairy Queen, played baseball and basketball
  • College guidance: Math teacher told him "you're going to be an engineer" and attend University of Missouri at Rolla
  • Bachelor's degree: Geological engineering, University of Missouri at Rolla (1986)
  • Master's degree: Civil/geotechnical engineering, University of Texas at Austin
  • Key college decision: Joined Sigma Chi fraternity (calls it "one of the best decisions I ever made")

Career Path

  • Black & Veatch (11 years): Power division, geotechnical work for power plants and transmission lines
    • Extensive international travel (Thailand, Guatemala, Argentina, Turkey, Pakistan, Taiwan)
    • Promoted to management in 1996 (found it stressful and unsuitable)
  • Geosystems Engineering (1999-2002): Engineering manager, became partner
    • First exposure to ASFE/GBA
    • Sold firm to Kleinfelder in 2002
  • Kleinfelder (2002-2006): Area manager for Kansas City operations (60 employees)
    • Left due to management stress and dislike of operational responsibilities
  • Small local firm (2006-2011): Opened Kansas City office, worked through Great Recession
  • Kleinfelder return (2011-2021): Technical roles only
    • Retaining wall practice leader (nationwide position)
    • National geotechnical director (overseeing 220 engineers)
  • Self-employed (2021-present): Bedrock GeoConsult

Leadership

  • Management philosophy: Discovered management roles didn't suit his temperament
  • Key insight: Technical career path is viable alternative to management track
  • Relationship building: Defended general contractor at meeting, leading to 20-year client relationship with JE Dunn Construction
  • Golden rule approach: Treat everyone well regardless of hierarchy position
  • Expertise development: Made himself indispensable by becoming technical expert in areas firms needed

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Career:

  • Computerized drafting and word processing eliminated many drafters and typists
  • Internet, email, and global telecommunications revolutionized field communication
  • Firm consolidation - many great geotechnical firms from 30 years ago no longer exist

Constants That Remain:

  • Shear strength and effective stress fundamentals
  • Importance of treating people well (Golden Rule)
  • Critical need for strong communication skills

Future Opportunities:

  • Ground improvement technologies to reduce expensive deep foundation needs
  • General contractors hiring more engineers in-house
  • Transition from paper drawings to augmented/virtual reality for project visualization

Industry Concerns:

  • Continued commoditization and poor quality work damaging profession
  • Contractors don't trust geotechnical information (especially groundwater predictions)
  • Geotechnical engineers often not considered part of design team after report completion

Life Advice

Communication Skills (Highest priority):

  • Take formal training (Dale Carnegie courses)
  • Practice through presentations to professional societies
  • Both oral and written communication require deliberate development

Career Development:

  • Make yourself a technical expert in areas your firm needs
  • Don't assume management is the only path to success
  • Consider self-employment earlier if you have technical expertise

Professional Growth:

  • Learn from mistakes rather than avoiding them
  • Seek mentoring opportunities and provide mentoring to others
  • Stay engaged with design teams throughout project lifecycle

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Hyperion by Dan Simmons; Bible
  • Optimism index: 3 out of 5
  • Proudest accomplishments:
    • Mentoring younger engineers who still use lessons years later
    • Technical guidance that continues to benefit former colleagues
  • What he'd change:
    • Become self-employed sooner (considered it in 2010, should have done it by 2016)
    • Lesson learned: Good technical work creates opportunities even without aggressive business development
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Focus on communication skills development
    • Build technical expertise proactively
    • Trust that opportunities will emerge for prepared professionals

Final Thoughts

  • Learning from mistakes: Essential in risky geotechnical work
  • Importance of quality: Poor work continues to damage entire industry reputation
  • Value of persistence: Bosses who chose to teach rather than fire after mistakes
  • GBA connection: Became involved through Joel Carson when Kleinfelder needed representation after Carson became GBA executive director

Key Takeaway:

Technical excellence combined with strong communication skills provides foundation for successful geotechnical career, whether in management or technical track.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Steve Wendland

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Steve Wendland, PE, PG, BC.GE of Bedrock GeoConsult about his journey from dirt-eating toddler to geotechnical expert perfectly embodies the phrase "you are what you eat." Raised in a blue-collar Kansas City family, Steve transformed childhood fascination with soil into a 40-year engineering career spanning international power projects across the world. After navigating corporate management roles at Black & Veatch and Kleinfelder—and discovering they weren't his calling—Steve found success as a self-employed consultant specializing in legal claims and contractor services. He shares candid insights about industry commoditization, the critical importance of communication skills, and why the technical career path offers a rewarding alternative to traditional management tracks for geoprofessionals.

About Our Guest
Steve Wendland, PE, PG, BC.GE, started Bedrock GeoConsult in 2022 to provide expert geotechnical engineering and engineering geology consulting services in the central USA. He helps contractors, owners, legal counsel, and design teams overcome concerns with geotechnical aspects of their projects by providing third-party peer reviews, independent guidance, construction engineering support services, and expert evaluations. He also conducts geotechnical forensic analyses of structures that have been impacted by expansive clay, soft foundation bearing materials, groundwater, or poor construction. These forensic analyses include a variety of failed retaining walls, cut slopes, embankments, foundations, and floor slabs. Previously, he was the national Director of Geotechnical Engineering for Kleinfelder.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Steve Wendland, geotechnical engineer and owner of Bedrock GeoConsult
  • Self-employed for 3 years, providing geotechnical services to general contractors
  • Expert geotechnical work for legal claims
  • Lives in Kansas City with wife Molly (married 35 years), two daughters, grandchildren

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in blue-collar Kansas City suburb, youngest of four children
  • Parents were Depression-era children who emphasized hard work and self-reliance
  • Father: factory worker whose education ended at age 10 due to Depression
  • Mother: school lunch lady at public schools Steve attended
  • Early interests: Lego building, creating cities in backyard "dirt pile" (later learned it was loess soil)
  • First job: Age 14 in school cafeteria, working before school started daily
  • High school: Worked 3 years at Dairy Queen, played baseball and basketball
  • College guidance: Math teacher told him "you're going to be an engineer" and attend University of Missouri at Rolla
  • Bachelor's degree: Geological engineering, University of Missouri at Rolla (1986)
  • Master's degree: Civil/geotechnical engineering, University of Texas at Austin
  • Key college decision: Joined Sigma Chi fraternity (calls it "one of the best decisions I ever made")

Career Path

  • Black & Veatch (11 years): Power division, geotechnical work for power plants and transmission lines
    • Extensive international travel (Thailand, Guatemala, Argentina, Turkey, Pakistan, Taiwan)
    • Promoted to management in 1996 (found it stressful and unsuitable)
  • Geosystems Engineering (1999-2002): Engineering manager, became partner
    • First exposure to ASFE/GBA
    • Sold firm to Kleinfelder in 2002
  • Kleinfelder (2002-2006): Area manager for Kansas City operations (60 employees)
    • Left due to management stress and dislike of operational responsibilities
  • Small local firm (2006-2011): Opened Kansas City office, worked through Great Recession
  • Kleinfelder return (2011-2021): Technical roles only
    • Retaining wall practice leader (nationwide position)
    • National geotechnical director (overseeing 220 engineers)
  • Self-employed (2021-present): Bedrock GeoConsult

Leadership

  • Management philosophy: Discovered management roles didn't suit his temperament
  • Key insight: Technical career path is viable alternative to management track
  • Relationship building: Defended general contractor at meeting, leading to 20-year client relationship with JE Dunn Construction
  • Golden rule approach: Treat everyone well regardless of hierarchy position
  • Expertise development: Made himself indispensable by becoming technical expert in areas firms needed

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Career:

  • Computerized drafting and word processing eliminated many drafters and typists
  • Internet, email, and global telecommunications revolutionized field communication
  • Firm consolidation - many great geotechnical firms from 30 years ago no longer exist

Constants That Remain:

  • Shear strength and effective stress fundamentals
  • Importance of treating people well (Golden Rule)
  • Critical need for strong communication skills

Future Opportunities:

  • Ground improvement technologies to reduce expensive deep foundation needs
  • General contractors hiring more engineers in-house
  • Transition from paper drawings to augmented/virtual reality for project visualization

Industry Concerns:

  • Continued commoditization and poor quality work damaging profession
  • Contractors don't trust geotechnical information (especially groundwater predictions)
  • Geotechnical engineers often not considered part of design team after report completion

Life Advice

Communication Skills (Highest priority):

  • Take formal training (Dale Carnegie courses)
  • Practice through presentations to professional societies
  • Both oral and written communication require deliberate development

Career Development:

  • Make yourself a technical expert in areas your firm needs
  • Don't assume management is the only path to success
  • Consider self-employment earlier if you have technical expertise

Professional Growth:

  • Learn from mistakes rather than avoiding them
  • Seek mentoring opportunities and provide mentoring to others
  • Stay engaged with design teams throughout project lifecycle

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Hyperion by Dan Simmons; Bible
  • Optimism index: 3 out of 5
  • Proudest accomplishments:
    • Mentoring younger engineers who still use lessons years later
    • Technical guidance that continues to benefit former colleagues
  • What he'd change:
    • Become self-employed sooner (considered it in 2010, should have done it by 2016)
    • Lesson learned: Good technical work creates opportunities even without aggressive business development
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Focus on communication skills development
    • Build technical expertise proactively
    • Trust that opportunities will emerge for prepared professionals

Final Thoughts

  • Learning from mistakes: Essential in risky geotechnical work
  • Importance of quality: Poor work continues to damage entire industry reputation
  • Value of persistence: Bosses who chose to teach rather than fire after mistakes
  • GBA connection: Became involved through Joel Carson when Kleinfelder needed representation after Carson became GBA executive director

Key Takeaway:

Technical excellence combined with strong communication skills provides foundation for successful geotechnical career, whether in management or technical track.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+kBphb-wV ]]> GeoHeroes - Dan Schaefer https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh22 53ca9fd5-2341-4f1c-940e-362825d7801c Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry 39:30 false GeoHeroes - Dan Schaefer

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Dan Schaefer, PE, Vice President of Operations at Froehling & Robertson, Inc. who shares his remarkable 35-year journey that started as a construction-obsessed kid reading "Mike Mulligan and The Steam Shovel." Schaefer discusses how early mentorship shaped his career, his evolution from a demanding manager to an empathetic leader, and his optimistic vision for tackling the geoprofession's workforce crisis. He advocates for embracing technology while expanding beyond traditional hiring practices, emphasizing that not every role requires an engineering degree. This episode is packed with practical advice on finding mentors, managing complexity, and maintaining perspective throughout a demanding but rewarding career.

About Our Guest
Dan Schaefer, PE, has more than 30 years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction inspection and materials testing, and environmental consulting. In addition to his branch management duties, he continues to serve as a senior engineer on a wide variety of site development, building, and transportation projects with particular emphasis in foundation, retaining wall, pavement and slope design. Dan is actively involved with the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) and has been a member of the GBA CoMET Business Committee for more than 15 years, and is currently serving as GBA's President-elect.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Dan Schaefer, VP of Operations at Froehling & Robertson
  • Based in Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill area, North Carolina
  • 35 years with F&R

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Rochester, New York
  • Loved outdoor activities: biking, camping, boating, canoeing, sailing, fishing
  • Childhood fascination with construction books: "Who Built The Highway?", "Mike Mulligan and The Steam Shovel"
  • High school jobs: dishwasher/server at Italian restaurant, wilderness camp counselor
  • Camp counselor at canoe tripping camp in Algonquin Park, Canada
  • Originally planned to be math teacher
  • Dad's client suggested civil engineering - combined math, outdoors, and building interests

Career Path

  • Summer job as engineering technician at Empire Soils in Rochester during junior year
  • Hired full-time at Empire Soils headquarters in Groton, NY after graduation
  • Spent 5 formative years learning under mentors Bent Thomsen and Charlie Gaynor
  • Moved to North Carolina in 1990 following girlfriend (economic reasons too)
  • Interviewed with 3 firms, received 3 offers, chose Froehling & Robertson
  • 35 years at F&R progressing from field work to VP of Operations
  • Early exposure to ASFE/GBA through Empire Soils membership

Leadership

  • Initially modeled tough, direct management style after mentor Charlie Gaynor
  • Turning point: employee feedback "You'll get more out of me if you don't push me so hard"
  • Learned to adapt management style to individual motivations
  • Focus on mentorship, leading by example, and "client building through office operation building"
  • High employee retention as validation of leadership approach
  • Philosophy: Help people focus on one task at a time to manage overwhelming workloads

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Biggest industry challenge: workforce development and staffing shortages
  • Technology has revolutionized data transfer from field to office/clients
  • Core competencies remain critical: problem-solving, engineering judgment, human communication
  • Future requires embracing technology AND non-traditional staffing approaches
  • Questions whether all project roles require engineering degrees
  • Industry has consistently shown resilience and adaptability through disruptions
  • 10-year outlook: similar fundamental work with advanced AI and more diverse workforce

Life Advice

  • Proactively find mentors if organization doesn't provide them
  • Attach yourself to people you respect and can learn from
  • Stay humble and seek continuous learning
  • Get out of comfort zone but "explore the margins" rather than jumping recklessly
  • Focus on immediate priorities - "can't do two things well at the same time"
  • Put aside noise and concentrate on current task

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5 (very optimistic about industry future)
  • Biggest Professional Impact: Client building through training and mentoring people
  • What he'd change: Get more formal training in people management earlier in career
  • Advice for young professionals: Find someone you respect and can learn from, attach yourself to them

Final Thoughts

  • GBA involvement has been a career highlight
  • Importance of having fun along the way in your career
  • Balance working hard with enjoying the challenging times

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Dan Schaefer

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Dan Schaefer, PE, Vice President of Operations at Froehling & Robertson, Inc. who shares his remarkable 35-year journey that started as a construction-obsessed kid reading "Mike Mulligan and The Steam Shovel." Schaefer discusses how early mentorship shaped his career, his evolution from a demanding manager to an empathetic leader, and his optimistic vision for tackling the geoprofession's workforce crisis. He advocates for embracing technology while expanding beyond traditional hiring practices, emphasizing that not every role requires an engineering degree. This episode is packed with practical advice on finding mentors, managing complexity, and maintaining perspective throughout a demanding but rewarding career.

About Our Guest
Dan Schaefer, PE, has more than 30 years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction inspection and materials testing, and environmental consulting. In addition to his branch management duties, he continues to serve as a senior engineer on a wide variety of site development, building, and transportation projects with particular emphasis in foundation, retaining wall, pavement and slope design. Dan is actively involved with the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) and has been a member of the GBA CoMET Business Committee for more than 15 years, and is currently serving as GBA's President-elect.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Dan Schaefer, VP of Operations at Froehling & Robertson
  • Based in Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill area, North Carolina
  • 35 years with F&R

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Rochester, New York
  • Loved outdoor activities: biking, camping, boating, canoeing, sailing, fishing
  • Childhood fascination with construction books: "Who Built The Highway?", "Mike Mulligan and The Steam Shovel"
  • High school jobs: dishwasher/server at Italian restaurant, wilderness camp counselor
  • Camp counselor at canoe tripping camp in Algonquin Park, Canada
  • Originally planned to be math teacher
  • Dad's client suggested civil engineering - combined math, outdoors, and building interests

Career Path

  • Summer job as engineering technician at Empire Soils in Rochester during junior year
  • Hired full-time at Empire Soils headquarters in Groton, NY after graduation
  • Spent 5 formative years learning under mentors Bent Thomsen and Charlie Gaynor
  • Moved to North Carolina in 1990 following girlfriend (economic reasons too)
  • Interviewed with 3 firms, received 3 offers, chose Froehling & Robertson
  • 35 years at F&R progressing from field work to VP of Operations
  • Early exposure to ASFE/GBA through Empire Soils membership

Leadership

  • Initially modeled tough, direct management style after mentor Charlie Gaynor
  • Turning point: employee feedback "You'll get more out of me if you don't push me so hard"
  • Learned to adapt management style to individual motivations
  • Focus on mentorship, leading by example, and "client building through office operation building"
  • High employee retention as validation of leadership approach
  • Philosophy: Help people focus on one task at a time to manage overwhelming workloads

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Biggest industry challenge: workforce development and staffing shortages
  • Technology has revolutionized data transfer from field to office/clients
  • Core competencies remain critical: problem-solving, engineering judgment, human communication
  • Future requires embracing technology AND non-traditional staffing approaches
  • Questions whether all project roles require engineering degrees
  • Industry has consistently shown resilience and adaptability through disruptions
  • 10-year outlook: similar fundamental work with advanced AI and more diverse workforce

Life Advice

  • Proactively find mentors if organization doesn't provide them
  • Attach yourself to people you respect and can learn from
  • Stay humble and seek continuous learning
  • Get out of comfort zone but "explore the margins" rather than jumping recklessly
  • Focus on immediate priorities - "can't do two things well at the same time"
  • Put aside noise and concentrate on current task

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5 (very optimistic about industry future)
  • Biggest Professional Impact: Client building through training and mentoring people
  • What he'd change: Get more formal training in people management earlier in career
  • Advice for young professionals: Find someone you respect and can learn from, attach yourself to them

Final Thoughts

  • GBA involvement has been a career highlight
  • Importance of having fun along the way in your career
  • Balance working hard with enjoying the challenging times

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Dan Schaefer

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Dan Schaefer, PE, Vice President of Operations at Froehling & Robertson, Inc. who shares his remarkable 35-year journey that started as a construction-obsessed kid reading "Mike Mulligan and The Steam Shovel." Schaefer discusses how early mentorship shaped his career, his evolution from a demanding manager to an empathetic leader, and his optimistic vision for tackling the geoprofession's workforce crisis. He advocates for embracing technology while expanding beyond traditional hiring practices, emphasizing that not every role requires an engineering degree. This episode is packed with practical advice on finding mentors, managing complexity, and maintaining perspective throughout a demanding but rewarding career.

About Our Guest
Dan Schaefer, PE, has more than 30 years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction inspection and materials testing, and environmental consulting. In addition to his branch management duties, he continues to serve as a senior engineer on a wide variety of site development, building, and transportation projects with particular emphasis in foundation, retaining wall, pavement and slope design. Dan is actively involved with the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) and has been a member of the GBA CoMET Business Committee for more than 15 years, and is currently serving as GBA's President-elect.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Dan Schaefer, VP of Operations at Froehling & Robertson
  • Based in Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill area, North Carolina
  • 35 years with F&R

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Rochester, New York
  • Loved outdoor activities: biking, camping, boating, canoeing, sailing, fishing
  • Childhood fascination with construction books: "Who Built The Highway?", "Mike Mulligan and The Steam Shovel"
  • High school jobs: dishwasher/server at Italian restaurant, wilderness camp counselor
  • Camp counselor at canoe tripping camp in Algonquin Park, Canada
  • Originally planned to be math teacher
  • Dad's client suggested civil engineering - combined math, outdoors, and building interests

Career Path

  • Summer job as engineering technician at Empire Soils in Rochester during junior year
  • Hired full-time at Empire Soils headquarters in Groton, NY after graduation
  • Spent 5 formative years learning under mentors Bent Thomsen and Charlie Gaynor
  • Moved to North Carolina in 1990 following girlfriend (economic reasons too)
  • Interviewed with 3 firms, received 3 offers, chose Froehling & Robertson
  • 35 years at F&R progressing from field work to VP of Operations
  • Early exposure to ASFE/GBA through Empire Soils membership

Leadership

  • Initially modeled tough, direct management style after mentor Charlie Gaynor
  • Turning point: employee feedback "You'll get more out of me if you don't push me so hard"
  • Learned to adapt management style to individual motivations
  • Focus on mentorship, leading by example, and "client building through office operation building"
  • High employee retention as validation of leadership approach
  • Philosophy: Help people focus on one task at a time to manage overwhelming workloads

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • Biggest industry challenge: workforce development and staffing shortages
  • Technology has revolutionized data transfer from field to office/clients
  • Core competencies remain critical: problem-solving, engineering judgment, human communication
  • Future requires embracing technology AND non-traditional staffing approaches
  • Questions whether all project roles require engineering degrees
  • Industry has consistently shown resilience and adaptability through disruptions
  • 10-year outlook: similar fundamental work with advanced AI and more diverse workforce

Life Advice

  • Proactively find mentors if organization doesn't provide them
  • Attach yourself to people you respect and can learn from
  • Stay humble and seek continuous learning
  • Get out of comfort zone but "explore the margins" rather than jumping recklessly
  • Focus on immediate priorities - "can't do two things well at the same time"
  • Put aside noise and concentrate on current task

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5 (very optimistic about industry future)
  • Biggest Professional Impact: Client building through training and mentoring people
  • What he'd change: Get more formal training in people management earlier in career
  • Advice for young professionals: Find someone you respect and can learn from, attach yourself to them

Final Thoughts

  • GBA involvement has been a career highlight
  • Importance of having fun along the way in your career
  • Balance working hard with enjoying the challenging times

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+3Ohch6n6 ]]> #110 - Case History - Suspiciously Variable Test Results? Take a Closer Look... https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch110 db610547-8117-4b74-bf70-24c1fa228368 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 33:14 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #110 - Suspiciously variable test results? Take a closer look... the sooner the better

Summary

The public-school district (the “District”) retained the Member Firm to perform geotechnical-engineering studies for several buildings at two sites. The Member Firm’s geotechnical reports both contained identical recommendations for “select” fill to be used in constructing the building pads for the schools.

The District retained different design teams for the two schools and the Project Specifications for the two schools, not surprisingly, differed significantly. Neither were completely consistent with the recommendations that the Member Firm provided in their geotechnical-engineering report.

A field representative testing compaction of the building pad fill identified inconsistencies and discovered onsite mixing of native soil with import material, a clear violation of the geotechnical recommendations. The earthwork sub-contractor was forced to remove and replace the structural fill for nearly all of completed pads which triggered a legal dispute. The Member Firm avoided losses emphasizing the importance of field representatives that knew project specifications, observed daily field activities closely, and communicated with project management to identify construction defects and potential risks.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Project Risk Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size and Complexity, and Budget
  • Trust Your Gut
  • If You See Something, Say Something
  • Half a Loaf Isn’t Always Better than None
  • Protect Yourself. Don’t Rely on Others
  • Words Matter
  • Opposing Legal Counsel Is an Advocate.
  • Claims Are a Business Issue

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #110 - Suspiciously variable test results? Take a closer look... the sooner the better

Summary

The public-school district (the “District”) retained the Member Firm to perform geotechnical-engineering studies for several buildings at two sites. The Member Firm’s geotechnical reports both contained identical recommendations for “select” fill to be used in constructing the building pads for the schools.

The District retained different design teams for the two schools and the Project Specifications for the two schools, not surprisingly, differed significantly. Neither were completely consistent with the recommendations that the Member Firm provided in their geotechnical-engineering report.

A field representative testing compaction of the building pad fill identified inconsistencies and discovered onsite mixing of native soil with import material, a clear violation of the geotechnical recommendations. The earthwork sub-contractor was forced to remove and replace the structural fill for nearly all of completed pads which triggered a legal dispute. The Member Firm avoided losses emphasizing the importance of field representatives that knew project specifications, observed daily field activities closely, and communicated with project management to identify construction defects and potential risks.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Project Risk Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size and Complexity, and Budget
  • Trust Your Gut
  • If You See Something, Say Something
  • Half a Loaf Isn’t Always Better than None
  • Protect Yourself. Don’t Rely on Others
  • Words Matter
  • Opposing Legal Counsel Is an Advocate.
  • Claims Are a Business Issue

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #110 - Suspiciously variable test results? Take a closer look... the sooner the better

Summary

The public-school district (the “District”) retained the Member Firm to perform geotechnical-engineering studies for several buildings at two sites. The Member Firm’s geotechnical reports both contained identical recommendations for “select” fill to be used in constructing the building pads for the schools.

The District retained different design teams for the two schools and the Project Specifications for the two schools, not surprisingly, differed significantly. Neither were completely consistent with the recommendations that the Member Firm provided in their geotechnical-engineering report.

A field representative testing compaction of the building pad fill identified inconsistencies and discovered onsite mixing of native soil with import material, a clear violation of the geotechnical recommendations. The earthwork sub-contractor was forced to remove and replace the structural fill for nearly all of completed pads which triggered a legal dispute. The Member Firm avoided losses emphasizing the importance of field representatives that knew project specifications, observed daily field activities closely, and communicated with project management to identify construction defects and potential risks.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Project Risk Is Inversely Proportional to Project Size and Complexity, and Budget
  • Trust Your Gut
  • If You See Something, Say Something
  • Half a Loaf Isn’t Always Better than None
  • Protect Yourself. Don’t Rely on Others
  • Words Matter
  • Opposing Legal Counsel Is an Advocate.
  • Claims Are a Business Issue

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+Nf239oZ2 ]]> GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh21 1ab56c0b-a68e-4111-af6a-bddf11375ac4 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry 36:54 false GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Rich Johnson, PG, CEG, CHG, former CEO of BSK Associates about his unconventional journey from competitive swimmer to geoprofessional leader. Johnson discusses his accidental discovery of geology, rise through the ranks by embracing every challenge, and transformation of a founder-driven firm into a systematized business. He offers candid insights on leadership, the changing work ethic of younger professionals, and concerns about over-reliance on technology. Johnson emphasizes the critical importance of investing personal time in career development, building professional relationships, and maintaining foundational knowledge. His practical advice centers on going beyond expectations and leveraging organizations like GBA for career advancement.

About Our Guest
Rich Johnson, PG, CEG, CHG, served as CEO of BSK Associates for 16 years (2006-2022), transforming the California-based consulting engineering firm into a premier employee-owned company with nearly 200 staff members. Under his leadership, BSK achieved "Great Place to Work" certification and became a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan company.

Johnson's path began when he discovered geology at Chico State University. He started his professional career as a laboratory technician and progressed through project management and leadership roles, distinguished by his advocacy for business systems and employee development.

Now serving as Principal Geologist, Johnson focuses on mentorship and risk management. A licensed Professional Geologist with over four decades of experience, he advocates for foundational learning and professional organization involvement.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Former CEO of BSK Associates (California-based geotech firm)
  • Now retired and "living the life"
  • Does part-time board work

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Walnut Creek, California (East Bay)
  • Childhood spent in walnut orchards with lots of outdoor exploration
  • Competitive swimmer age 6-18 at community pool
  • Worked as lifeguard and swim instructor
  • Eventually grew to dislike swimming from overexposure
  • Attended parochial school through 6th grade (reading at 8th grade level)
  • Transitioned to public school for junior high
  • Started college as PE (physical education) major at Chico State
  • Discovered geology through required general studies class
  • Two uncles were geologists - influenced his interest
  • Changed major to geology, graduated with bachelor's degree

Career Path

  • Entered job market during oil industry bust
  • Got first job as lab technician through pool connection (Forest Service contact)
  • Started at small geotech firm doing engineering geology
  • Learned from mentors who explained context and importance of work
  • Progressed from lab tech to field work to project management
  • Left first firm when owner became problematic expert witness
  • Brief stint at Dames and Moore (13 months in Fresno)
  • Joined BSK Associates doing environmental and engineering geology
  • Became Sacramento branch manager when previous manager left
  • Pushed for better project management software and tools
  • Rose through ranks: branch manager → environmental services director → board member → CEO (2006)
  • Became licensed professional geologist

Leadership

  • Key CEO skills: listening, big picture thinking, empathy, interest in people
  • Don't overreact to daily setbacks
  • Transformed BSK from founder-driven to systematized business
  • Implemented tools, processes, employee development programs
  • Achieved "best places to work" recognition
  • Company became 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
  • Made tough decisions removing underperforming leadership
  • Learned importance of relationships in winning work

The Geoprofessional Landscape

What's Changed:

  • Less willingness to put in extra time for career development
  • Employees expect to be "spoon-fed" rather than self-directed learning
  • People want promotions too fast without doing foundational work
  • 40-hour work week mentality vs. professional development mindset

What's Stayed the Same:

  • Love for technical aspects and problem-solving
  • Basic exploration tools remain rudimentary but necessary
  • Risk management focus continues
  • Engineers still love engineering

Future Outlook:

  • Mega-firms getting bigger but may spawn specialized smaller firms
  • Technology will be a tool, not a replacement
  • Concern about over-reliance on computer outputs without understanding fundamentals
  • AI may create "black box" approach - warns against this
  • Profession remains necessary due to climate change and infrastructure needs

Life Advice

  • Invest your own time in career development
  • Put in extra hour every day working on yourself and profession
  • "You're a professional. You learn in your time. You come and do in our time"
  • Don't skip foundational experiences like soils lab work
  • Form relationships and build your network
  • Get involved with professional organizations like GBA
  • Take on challenges and volunteer for assignments

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Bible
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5
  • Biggest Impact: Transforming BSK into professional business with systems and employee development while maintaining company culture
  • What he'd change:
    • Wouldn't hold onto problem employees so long
    • Wouldn't react so quickly to complaints without investigation
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Put in extra time beyond 40 hours
    • Easy to be extraordinary - just work one extra hour per day on yourself
    • Get involved with GBA if possible

Final Thoughts

  • Work on yourself continuously
  • GBA involvement pays dividends
  • Get involved and invest in professional organizations
  • Success comes from going above and beyond standard expectations

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Rich Johnson, PG, CEG, CHG, former CEO of BSK Associates about his unconventional journey from competitive swimmer to geoprofessional leader. Johnson discusses his accidental discovery of geology, rise through the ranks by embracing every challenge, and transformation of a founder-driven firm into a systematized business. He offers candid insights on leadership, the changing work ethic of younger professionals, and concerns about over-reliance on technology. Johnson emphasizes the critical importance of investing personal time in career development, building professional relationships, and maintaining foundational knowledge. His practical advice centers on going beyond expectations and leveraging organizations like GBA for career advancement.

About Our Guest
Rich Johnson, PG, CEG, CHG, served as CEO of BSK Associates for 16 years (2006-2022), transforming the California-based consulting engineering firm into a premier employee-owned company with nearly 200 staff members. Under his leadership, BSK achieved "Great Place to Work" certification and became a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan company.

Johnson's path began when he discovered geology at Chico State University. He started his professional career as a laboratory technician and progressed through project management and leadership roles, distinguished by his advocacy for business systems and employee development.

Now serving as Principal Geologist, Johnson focuses on mentorship and risk management. A licensed Professional Geologist with over four decades of experience, he advocates for foundational learning and professional organization involvement.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Former CEO of BSK Associates (California-based geotech firm)
  • Now retired and "living the life"
  • Does part-time board work

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Walnut Creek, California (East Bay)
  • Childhood spent in walnut orchards with lots of outdoor exploration
  • Competitive swimmer age 6-18 at community pool
  • Worked as lifeguard and swim instructor
  • Eventually grew to dislike swimming from overexposure
  • Attended parochial school through 6th grade (reading at 8th grade level)
  • Transitioned to public school for junior high
  • Started college as PE (physical education) major at Chico State
  • Discovered geology through required general studies class
  • Two uncles were geologists - influenced his interest
  • Changed major to geology, graduated with bachelor's degree

Career Path

  • Entered job market during oil industry bust
  • Got first job as lab technician through pool connection (Forest Service contact)
  • Started at small geotech firm doing engineering geology
  • Learned from mentors who explained context and importance of work
  • Progressed from lab tech to field work to project management
  • Left first firm when owner became problematic expert witness
  • Brief stint at Dames and Moore (13 months in Fresno)
  • Joined BSK Associates doing environmental and engineering geology
  • Became Sacramento branch manager when previous manager left
  • Pushed for better project management software and tools
  • Rose through ranks: branch manager → environmental services director → board member → CEO (2006)
  • Became licensed professional geologist

Leadership

  • Key CEO skills: listening, big picture thinking, empathy, interest in people
  • Don't overreact to daily setbacks
  • Transformed BSK from founder-driven to systematized business
  • Implemented tools, processes, employee development programs
  • Achieved "best places to work" recognition
  • Company became 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
  • Made tough decisions removing underperforming leadership
  • Learned importance of relationships in winning work

The Geoprofessional Landscape

What's Changed:

  • Less willingness to put in extra time for career development
  • Employees expect to be "spoon-fed" rather than self-directed learning
  • People want promotions too fast without doing foundational work
  • 40-hour work week mentality vs. professional development mindset

What's Stayed the Same:

  • Love for technical aspects and problem-solving
  • Basic exploration tools remain rudimentary but necessary
  • Risk management focus continues
  • Engineers still love engineering

Future Outlook:

  • Mega-firms getting bigger but may spawn specialized smaller firms
  • Technology will be a tool, not a replacement
  • Concern about over-reliance on computer outputs without understanding fundamentals
  • AI may create "black box" approach - warns against this
  • Profession remains necessary due to climate change and infrastructure needs

Life Advice

  • Invest your own time in career development
  • Put in extra hour every day working on yourself and profession
  • "You're a professional. You learn in your time. You come and do in our time"
  • Don't skip foundational experiences like soils lab work
  • Form relationships and build your network
  • Get involved with professional organizations like GBA
  • Take on challenges and volunteer for assignments

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Bible
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5
  • Biggest Impact: Transforming BSK into professional business with systems and employee development while maintaining company culture
  • What he'd change:
    • Wouldn't hold onto problem employees so long
    • Wouldn't react so quickly to complaints without investigation
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Put in extra time beyond 40 hours
    • Easy to be extraordinary - just work one extra hour per day on yourself
    • Get involved with GBA if possible

Final Thoughts

  • Work on yourself continuously
  • GBA involvement pays dividends
  • Get involved and invest in professional organizations
  • Success comes from going above and beyond standard expectations

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Rich Johnson, PG, CEG, CHG, former CEO of BSK Associates about his unconventional journey from competitive swimmer to geoprofessional leader. Johnson discusses his accidental discovery of geology, rise through the ranks by embracing every challenge, and transformation of a founder-driven firm into a systematized business. He offers candid insights on leadership, the changing work ethic of younger professionals, and concerns about over-reliance on technology. Johnson emphasizes the critical importance of investing personal time in career development, building professional relationships, and maintaining foundational knowledge. His practical advice centers on going beyond expectations and leveraging organizations like GBA for career advancement.

About Our Guest
Rich Johnson, PG, CEG, CHG, served as CEO of BSK Associates for 16 years (2006-2022), transforming the California-based consulting engineering firm into a premier employee-owned company with nearly 200 staff members. Under his leadership, BSK achieved "Great Place to Work" certification and became a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan company.

Johnson's path began when he discovered geology at Chico State University. He started his professional career as a laboratory technician and progressed through project management and leadership roles, distinguished by his advocacy for business systems and employee development.

Now serving as Principal Geologist, Johnson focuses on mentorship and risk management. A licensed Professional Geologist with over four decades of experience, he advocates for foundational learning and professional organization involvement.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Former CEO of BSK Associates (California-based geotech firm)
  • Now retired and "living the life"
  • Does part-time board work

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Walnut Creek, California (East Bay)
  • Childhood spent in walnut orchards with lots of outdoor exploration
  • Competitive swimmer age 6-18 at community pool
  • Worked as lifeguard and swim instructor
  • Eventually grew to dislike swimming from overexposure
  • Attended parochial school through 6th grade (reading at 8th grade level)
  • Transitioned to public school for junior high
  • Started college as PE (physical education) major at Chico State
  • Discovered geology through required general studies class
  • Two uncles were geologists - influenced his interest
  • Changed major to geology, graduated with bachelor's degree

Career Path

  • Entered job market during oil industry bust
  • Got first job as lab technician through pool connection (Forest Service contact)
  • Started at small geotech firm doing engineering geology
  • Learned from mentors who explained context and importance of work
  • Progressed from lab tech to field work to project management
  • Left first firm when owner became problematic expert witness
  • Brief stint at Dames and Moore (13 months in Fresno)
  • Joined BSK Associates doing environmental and engineering geology
  • Became Sacramento branch manager when previous manager left
  • Pushed for better project management software and tools
  • Rose through ranks: branch manager → environmental services director → board member → CEO (2006)
  • Became licensed professional geologist

Leadership

  • Key CEO skills: listening, big picture thinking, empathy, interest in people
  • Don't overreact to daily setbacks
  • Transformed BSK from founder-driven to systematized business
  • Implemented tools, processes, employee development programs
  • Achieved "best places to work" recognition
  • Company became 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
  • Made tough decisions removing underperforming leadership
  • Learned importance of relationships in winning work

The Geoprofessional Landscape

What's Changed:

  • Less willingness to put in extra time for career development
  • Employees expect to be "spoon-fed" rather than self-directed learning
  • People want promotions too fast without doing foundational work
  • 40-hour work week mentality vs. professional development mindset

What's Stayed the Same:

  • Love for technical aspects and problem-solving
  • Basic exploration tools remain rudimentary but necessary
  • Risk management focus continues
  • Engineers still love engineering

Future Outlook:

  • Mega-firms getting bigger but may spawn specialized smaller firms
  • Technology will be a tool, not a replacement
  • Concern about over-reliance on computer outputs without understanding fundamentals
  • AI may create "black box" approach - warns against this
  • Profession remains necessary due to climate change and infrastructure needs

Life Advice

  • Invest your own time in career development
  • Put in extra hour every day working on yourself and profession
  • "You're a professional. You learn in your time. You come and do in our time"
  • Don't skip foundational experiences like soils lab work
  • Form relationships and build your network
  • Get involved with professional organizations like GBA
  • Take on challenges and volunteer for assignments

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Bible
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5
  • Biggest Impact: Transforming BSK into professional business with systems and employee development while maintaining company culture
  • What he'd change:
    • Wouldn't hold onto problem employees so long
    • Wouldn't react so quickly to complaints without investigation
  • Advice for young professionals:
    • Put in extra time beyond 40 hours
    • Easy to be extraordinary - just work one extra hour per day on yourself
    • Get involved with GBA if possible

Final Thoughts

  • Work on yourself continuously
  • GBA involvement pays dividends
  • Get involved and invest in professional organizations
  • Success comes from going above and beyond standard expectations

Calls-to-action:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+dqh1mWWt ]]> #107 - Case History - Engage Human Resources Professionals Early On! https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch107 3d245c34-1722-4342-9aef-6bc2307e60f1 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 22:47 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #107 - Engage Human Resources Professionals Early On!

Summary

An employee who suffers from anxiety and panic disorder performs poorly and misses several days of work. Despite receiving compassion and getting several counseling sessions from the supervisor, the firm terminates her employment. In return, she sues them with alleged violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Managers Must Be Trained in Human- Resources (HR) Issues
  • Implied References to “Qualified Conditions” under FMLA and ADA Must Be Taken Seriously
  • Documentation Must Be Accurate, Complete, and Consistent
  • Engage the Subject-Matter Expert
  • Explore Accommodations, If Reasonable
  • Employment-Practices-Liability (EPL) Insurance Can Be an Important Safety Net
  • Trust but Verify
  • Supervisors Need Training
  • Tolerance Is a Virtue, But…

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #107 - Engage Human Resources Professionals Early On!

Summary

An employee who suffers from anxiety and panic disorder performs poorly and misses several days of work. Despite receiving compassion and getting several counseling sessions from the supervisor, the firm terminates her employment. In return, she sues them with alleged violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Managers Must Be Trained in Human- Resources (HR) Issues
  • Implied References to “Qualified Conditions” under FMLA and ADA Must Be Taken Seriously
  • Documentation Must Be Accurate, Complete, and Consistent
  • Engage the Subject-Matter Expert
  • Explore Accommodations, If Reasonable
  • Employment-Practices-Liability (EPL) Insurance Can Be an Important Safety Net
  • Trust but Verify
  • Supervisors Need Training
  • Tolerance Is a Virtue, But…

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #107 - Engage Human Resources Professionals Early On!

Summary

An employee who suffers from anxiety and panic disorder performs poorly and misses several days of work. Despite receiving compassion and getting several counseling sessions from the supervisor, the firm terminates her employment. In return, she sues them with alleged violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Managers Must Be Trained in Human- Resources (HR) Issues
  • Implied References to “Qualified Conditions” under FMLA and ADA Must Be Taken Seriously
  • Documentation Must Be Accurate, Complete, and Consistent
  • Engage the Subject-Matter Expert
  • Explore Accommodations, If Reasonable
  • Employment-Practices-Liability (EPL) Insurance Can Be an Important Safety Net
  • Trust but Verify
  • Supervisors Need Training
  • Tolerance Is a Virtue, But…

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+F7ow_Cgl ]]> GeoHeroes - Matt Moler https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh20 33db1bf0-4f59-4f95-91e6-1b3054568400 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 42:44 false GeoHeroes - Matt Moler

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Matt Moler, PE, Vice President and a Region Director for S&ME and former GBA president. Matt shares his unexpected journey from golf course superintendent aspirations to geotechnical leadership, revealing how early construction work with his father shaped his approach to efficiency and strategic thinking. Discover his philosophy on team dynamics, the irreplaceable value of client relationships, and why he hand-delivered reports to build trust. Matt offers candid insights on industry evolution, the role of technology, and his optimistic vision for geoprofessionals. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking authentic leadership wisdom and career guidance rooted in genuine passion and human connection.

About Our Guest
Matt Moler, PE, is a husband, father of three, a Professional Engineer, and a Regional Director for S&ME. He currently lives in Greensboro, NC. With engineering licenses in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, it has allowed Matt to work on projects all over the place, and he loves the variety. Specifically, Matt's experience has been in geotechnical site investigations, construction materials testing services, Special Inspections, and forensic engineering. When he has time, he loves to mountain bike and other outdoor activities with family and friends (fishing, hiking, and camping).

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Matt Moler, Regional Director of Operations at S&ME
  • Covers offices in North Carolina and Florida
  • Former GBA President (just completed past-president term)
  • Based in Greensboro, North Carolina

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Charlestown, West Virginia (Jefferson County) Moved there at age 2
  • Above-average student; math and science came easier
  • High school class of ~350-400 students
  • Worked various jobs: father's construction business, CVS, golf course maintenance
  • Father was residential contractor - taught efficiency and thinking ahead
  • Originally planned to study agronomy/horticulture to become golf course superintendent
  • Changed to engineering after realizing golf course work meant weekends with little time off

College Experience

  • Attended West Virginia University for undergraduate civil engineering
  • Went to Virginia Tech for master's in geotechnical engineering
  • Worked with industry legends: Mike Duncan, Dr. Brandon, Dr. Phils, Jim Mitchell
  • Thesis on water-filled tubes for flood mitigation with large-scale testing
  • Completed oral defense (described as "one of the more stressful events")

Career Path

  • Met wife Jamie in grad school, married within a year
  • Started at S&ME same day Jamie started her master's program in Greensboro
  • Been with S&ME for 23 years
  • Early "positive derailment": placed on construction materials testing project for 3 years
  • Learned from coworkers, design teams, and contractors
  • Gained insight into consulting relationships and field implementation challenges
  • Progressed incrementally: individual contributor → small group manager → regional roles → service line leader → current position

Key Early Lesson

  • Initially excited about delivering reports as the main value
  • Started hand-delivering reports and explaining findings to clients
  • Realized relationships and personal connections were the real value

Leadership

  • Philosophy: Don't give quick answers - encourage inquisitiveness
  • Ask team members to bring problems AND potential solutions
  • Believes in breaking out of "status quo" thinking
  • Emphasizes clearly articulating vision and goals for teams
  • Focus on finding the right people ("the who's") rather than trying to solve everything alone
  • Values face-to-face client interactions and relationship building

Team Philosophy

  • "The power of a team is so much stronger than anything I can bring to the table"
  • Teams function best when aligned with clear understanding of roles
  • Synergy creates efficiency that surpasses individual capabilities

The Geoprofessional Landscape

What Hasn't Changed (23 years in industry)

  • Core interpersonal skills remain essential
  • Human-to-human client interaction irreplaceable
  • Trust and relationship building still fundamental

What Has Changed

  • Better use of technology (CPT, geophysical tools)
  • Improved data handling and management
  • Evolution from paper reports → scanned PDFs → digital data systems
  • Better subsurface condition understanding through data

Future Vision

  • Data sharing between firms (like other countries)
  • Leveraging AI and big data to make professionals better, not replace them
  • Enhanced role in data interpretation vs. just collection
  • Maintaining human connections while using better tools
  • Focus on providing value: time savings, cost reduction, resilience

Life Advice

For New Professionals

  • Align passion with career - don't just chase money
  • Find work that energizes you and makes you excited to start each day
  • Get involved in professional associations (especially GBA)
  • Look for committee work and leadership opportunities

Professional Development

  • Association involvement provides broader industry perspective
  • Prevents "myopic" view from working at single firm
  • Relationships and learning often outweigh what you contribute
  • GBA experience: "get two, three, sometimes tenfold back"

Mentorship Approach

  • Encourage fresh thinking over providing quick answers
  • Be open to adapting yourself, not just expecting others to adapt
  • Listen and be receptive to new ideas
  • Help break people out of "this is how we've always done it" mindset

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Unbroken by Laura Hildebrand
  • Optimism index: 5/5, Natural optimist in life and work
  • Biggest Impact: Recognizing team power over individual capability
  • What he'd change: Be more present in the moment instead of always thinking ahead
  • Advice for young professionals: Find your passion and align it with career, fulfillment comes from genuine interest, not just financial rewards

Final Thoughts

  • Encourages association involvement for anyone not currently engaged
  • Look for engagement outside normal day-to-day work

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Matt Moler

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Matt Moler, PE, Vice President and a Region Director for S&ME and former GBA president. Matt shares his unexpected journey from golf course superintendent aspirations to geotechnical leadership, revealing how early construction work with his father shaped his approach to efficiency and strategic thinking. Discover his philosophy on team dynamics, the irreplaceable value of client relationships, and why he hand-delivered reports to build trust. Matt offers candid insights on industry evolution, the role of technology, and his optimistic vision for geoprofessionals. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking authentic leadership wisdom and career guidance rooted in genuine passion and human connection.

About Our Guest
Matt Moler, PE, is a husband, father of three, a Professional Engineer, and a Regional Director for S&ME. He currently lives in Greensboro, NC. With engineering licenses in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, it has allowed Matt to work on projects all over the place, and he loves the variety. Specifically, Matt's experience has been in geotechnical site investigations, construction materials testing services, Special Inspections, and forensic engineering. When he has time, he loves to mountain bike and other outdoor activities with family and friends (fishing, hiking, and camping).

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Matt Moler, Regional Director of Operations at S&ME
  • Covers offices in North Carolina and Florida
  • Former GBA President (just completed past-president term)
  • Based in Greensboro, North Carolina

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Charlestown, West Virginia (Jefferson County) Moved there at age 2
  • Above-average student; math and science came easier
  • High school class of ~350-400 students
  • Worked various jobs: father's construction business, CVS, golf course maintenance
  • Father was residential contractor - taught efficiency and thinking ahead
  • Originally planned to study agronomy/horticulture to become golf course superintendent
  • Changed to engineering after realizing golf course work meant weekends with little time off

College Experience

  • Attended West Virginia University for undergraduate civil engineering
  • Went to Virginia Tech for master's in geotechnical engineering
  • Worked with industry legends: Mike Duncan, Dr. Brandon, Dr. Phils, Jim Mitchell
  • Thesis on water-filled tubes for flood mitigation with large-scale testing
  • Completed oral defense (described as "one of the more stressful events")

Career Path

  • Met wife Jamie in grad school, married within a year
  • Started at S&ME same day Jamie started her master's program in Greensboro
  • Been with S&ME for 23 years
  • Early "positive derailment": placed on construction materials testing project for 3 years
  • Learned from coworkers, design teams, and contractors
  • Gained insight into consulting relationships and field implementation challenges
  • Progressed incrementally: individual contributor → small group manager → regional roles → service line leader → current position

Key Early Lesson

  • Initially excited about delivering reports as the main value
  • Started hand-delivering reports and explaining findings to clients
  • Realized relationships and personal connections were the real value

Leadership

  • Philosophy: Don't give quick answers - encourage inquisitiveness
  • Ask team members to bring problems AND potential solutions
  • Believes in breaking out of "status quo" thinking
  • Emphasizes clearly articulating vision and goals for teams
  • Focus on finding the right people ("the who's") rather than trying to solve everything alone
  • Values face-to-face client interactions and relationship building

Team Philosophy

  • "The power of a team is so much stronger than anything I can bring to the table"
  • Teams function best when aligned with clear understanding of roles
  • Synergy creates efficiency that surpasses individual capabilities

The Geoprofessional Landscape

What Hasn't Changed (23 years in industry)

  • Core interpersonal skills remain essential
  • Human-to-human client interaction irreplaceable
  • Trust and relationship building still fundamental

What Has Changed

  • Better use of technology (CPT, geophysical tools)
  • Improved data handling and management
  • Evolution from paper reports → scanned PDFs → digital data systems
  • Better subsurface condition understanding through data

Future Vision

  • Data sharing between firms (like other countries)
  • Leveraging AI and big data to make professionals better, not replace them
  • Enhanced role in data interpretation vs. just collection
  • Maintaining human connections while using better tools
  • Focus on providing value: time savings, cost reduction, resilience

Life Advice

For New Professionals

  • Align passion with career - don't just chase money
  • Find work that energizes you and makes you excited to start each day
  • Get involved in professional associations (especially GBA)
  • Look for committee work and leadership opportunities

Professional Development

  • Association involvement provides broader industry perspective
  • Prevents "myopic" view from working at single firm
  • Relationships and learning often outweigh what you contribute
  • GBA experience: "get two, three, sometimes tenfold back"

Mentorship Approach

  • Encourage fresh thinking over providing quick answers
  • Be open to adapting yourself, not just expecting others to adapt
  • Listen and be receptive to new ideas
  • Help break people out of "this is how we've always done it" mindset

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Unbroken by Laura Hildebrand
  • Optimism index: 5/5, Natural optimist in life and work
  • Biggest Impact: Recognizing team power over individual capability
  • What he'd change: Be more present in the moment instead of always thinking ahead
  • Advice for young professionals: Find your passion and align it with career, fulfillment comes from genuine interest, not just financial rewards

Final Thoughts

  • Encourages association involvement for anyone not currently engaged
  • Look for engagement outside normal day-to-day work

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Matt Moler

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Matt Moler, PE, Vice President and a Region Director for S&ME and former GBA president. Matt shares his unexpected journey from golf course superintendent aspirations to geotechnical leadership, revealing how early construction work with his father shaped his approach to efficiency and strategic thinking. Discover his philosophy on team dynamics, the irreplaceable value of client relationships, and why he hand-delivered reports to build trust. Matt offers candid insights on industry evolution, the role of technology, and his optimistic vision for geoprofessionals. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking authentic leadership wisdom and career guidance rooted in genuine passion and human connection.

About Our Guest
Matt Moler, PE, is a husband, father of three, a Professional Engineer, and a Regional Director for S&ME. He currently lives in Greensboro, NC. With engineering licenses in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, it has allowed Matt to work on projects all over the place, and he loves the variety. Specifically, Matt's experience has been in geotechnical site investigations, construction materials testing services, Special Inspections, and forensic engineering. When he has time, he loves to mountain bike and other outdoor activities with family and friends (fishing, hiking, and camping).

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Matt Moler, Regional Director of Operations at S&ME
  • Covers offices in North Carolina and Florida
  • Former GBA President (just completed past-president term)
  • Based in Greensboro, North Carolina

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Charlestown, West Virginia (Jefferson County) Moved there at age 2
  • Above-average student; math and science came easier
  • High school class of ~350-400 students
  • Worked various jobs: father's construction business, CVS, golf course maintenance
  • Father was residential contractor - taught efficiency and thinking ahead
  • Originally planned to study agronomy/horticulture to become golf course superintendent
  • Changed to engineering after realizing golf course work meant weekends with little time off

College Experience

  • Attended West Virginia University for undergraduate civil engineering
  • Went to Virginia Tech for master's in geotechnical engineering
  • Worked with industry legends: Mike Duncan, Dr. Brandon, Dr. Phils, Jim Mitchell
  • Thesis on water-filled tubes for flood mitigation with large-scale testing
  • Completed oral defense (described as "one of the more stressful events")

Career Path

  • Met wife Jamie in grad school, married within a year
  • Started at S&ME same day Jamie started her master's program in Greensboro
  • Been with S&ME for 23 years
  • Early "positive derailment": placed on construction materials testing project for 3 years
  • Learned from coworkers, design teams, and contractors
  • Gained insight into consulting relationships and field implementation challenges
  • Progressed incrementally: individual contributor → small group manager → regional roles → service line leader → current position

Key Early Lesson

  • Initially excited about delivering reports as the main value
  • Started hand-delivering reports and explaining findings to clients
  • Realized relationships and personal connections were the real value

Leadership

  • Philosophy: Don't give quick answers - encourage inquisitiveness
  • Ask team members to bring problems AND potential solutions
  • Believes in breaking out of "status quo" thinking
  • Emphasizes clearly articulating vision and goals for teams
  • Focus on finding the right people ("the who's") rather than trying to solve everything alone
  • Values face-to-face client interactions and relationship building

Team Philosophy

  • "The power of a team is so much stronger than anything I can bring to the table"
  • Teams function best when aligned with clear understanding of roles
  • Synergy creates efficiency that surpasses individual capabilities

The Geoprofessional Landscape

What Hasn't Changed (23 years in industry)

  • Core interpersonal skills remain essential
  • Human-to-human client interaction irreplaceable
  • Trust and relationship building still fundamental

What Has Changed

  • Better use of technology (CPT, geophysical tools)
  • Improved data handling and management
  • Evolution from paper reports → scanned PDFs → digital data systems
  • Better subsurface condition understanding through data

Future Vision

  • Data sharing between firms (like other countries)
  • Leveraging AI and big data to make professionals better, not replace them
  • Enhanced role in data interpretation vs. just collection
  • Maintaining human connections while using better tools
  • Focus on providing value: time savings, cost reduction, resilience

Life Advice

For New Professionals

  • Align passion with career - don't just chase money
  • Find work that energizes you and makes you excited to start each day
  • Get involved in professional associations (especially GBA)
  • Look for committee work and leadership opportunities

Professional Development

  • Association involvement provides broader industry perspective
  • Prevents "myopic" view from working at single firm
  • Relationships and learning often outweigh what you contribute
  • GBA experience: "get two, three, sometimes tenfold back"

Mentorship Approach

  • Encourage fresh thinking over providing quick answers
  • Be open to adapting yourself, not just expecting others to adapt
  • Listen and be receptive to new ideas
  • Help break people out of "this is how we've always done it" mindset

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, Unbroken by Laura Hildebrand
  • Optimism index: 5/5, Natural optimist in life and work
  • Biggest Impact: Recognizing team power over individual capability
  • What he'd change: Be more present in the moment instead of always thinking ahead
  • Advice for young professionals: Find your passion and align it with career, fulfillment comes from genuine interest, not just financial rewards

Final Thoughts

  • Encourages association involvement for anyone not currently engaged
  • Look for engagement outside normal day-to-day work

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+22_FBXWi ]]> GeoHeroes - Ken Johnston https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh19 c6b80014-f66e-414e-8257-84255bf67866 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 38:03 false GeoHeroes - Ken Johnston

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ken Johnston, F.GBA, retired CAO of GZA and former GBA president, who shares his remarkable journey from shoeshine boy to industry leader. Despite his success, Ken humbly calls himself "just a lucky guy who had the opportunity." In this candid conversation, he reveals how outworking the competition, building lasting relationships, and finding passion over paychecks shaped his 42-year career. Ken discusses the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, the unique culture of trust within GBA, and his battle with cancer that influenced his retirement. His advice to young professionals: find your passion first, work hard, and the money will follow.

About Our Guest
Ken Johnston, F.GBA, is the retired Chief Administrative Officer of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and former president of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA, 2020-21). A native of Quincy, Massachusetts, Johnston graduated from Norwich University with a business degree and from New Hampshire College with an MBA. He had a distinguished 42-year career that uniquely blended unusually strong entrepreneurial skills with geoprofessional leadership.

In Johnston's 25-year plus relationship with GZA, he also served as Director of Risk Management, Director of Real Estate, and District Office Manager. His diverse experience includes working under every CEO in GZA's history and witnessing the firm's evolution from a small environmental and geotechnical company to the 700+ person multi-disciplinary firm it is today. Since retiring in 2024, he has served as a consultant to the firm, handling GZA’s real estate and accounts receivable issues. Between his GZA roles, he successfully built and operated businesses in mini-storage consulting and packaging distribution.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Ken Johnston, retired CEO of GZA GeoEnvironmental
  • Prefers "just a lucky guy who had the opportunity" over "GeoHero"
  • Past president of Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts (home of Dunkin' Donuts, Howard Johnson's, two presidents)
  • Average student, more interested in sports than academics
  • Father was Navy fighter pilot
  • Attended Norwich University - nation's oldest private military school, birthplace of ROTC
  • Business major with computer science minor
  • Key influence: Professor Frank Vanecek pushed him to take math with engineering students

Career Path

  • First jobs: Shoeshine boy, mail boy at General Mills
  • Met Bruce Lambrecht at General Mills - key entrepreneurial mentor
  • Financial management training program at Sanders Associates (first Norwich student accepted)
  • Philosophy: "I wasn't gonna outsmart 'em, I had to outwork 'em"
  • Three separate stints at GZA (earned nickname "Hatrick")
  • Entrepreneurial ventures between GZA stints:
    • Mini storage consulting business with Bruce Lambrecht
    • Packaging distribution nationwide
  • Final return to GZA in 2007, worked way up to CEO
  • 25+ total years at GZA

Leadership

  • Worked under every CEO in GZA's history
  • Leadership philosophy: Find passionate, knowledgeable people to lead different areas
  • Witnessed GZA's evolution from geotechnical firm to multi-disciplinary (environmental, ecology, water, construction management)
  • GBA involvement starting 2008, became president (2020-21)
    • Calls GBA "single best thing" he got involved in during 42-year career

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Time:

  • Less "ungodly hours" and weekend work
  • Smarter work practices, remote capabilities, better work-life balance
  • Technology evolution from IBM punch cards to modern systems

Constants:

  • Quality of people - "salt of the earth" with passion for their work
  • Remarkable loyalty - colleagues with 35-50 years of service
  • Industry professionals see work as "way of life" like doctors, not just a job
  • Humility - "no one's trying to be in hall of fame," just doing good work

Technology Impact:

  • Both blessing and curse
  • Can't get away from cell phones/email

Life Advice

  • Career: Find passion first, don't chase money initially - "money will follow if you work hard"
  • Relationships: Stay connected with people - "I meet people and remain friendly with them forever"
  • Work approach: Outwork the competition when you can't outsmart them
  • Balance: Don't take work too seriously - cost some friendships by being too rigid

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • Honored to be invited on podcast
  • Praised Guy's presidency and Joel's leadership at GBA
  • Playful rivalry with Leo Titus
  • Grateful for career opportunities and relationships formed

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Ken Johnston

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ken Johnston, F.GBA, retired CAO of GZA and former GBA president, who shares his remarkable journey from shoeshine boy to industry leader. Despite his success, Ken humbly calls himself "just a lucky guy who had the opportunity." In this candid conversation, he reveals how outworking the competition, building lasting relationships, and finding passion over paychecks shaped his 42-year career. Ken discusses the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, the unique culture of trust within GBA, and his battle with cancer that influenced his retirement. His advice to young professionals: find your passion first, work hard, and the money will follow.

About Our Guest
Ken Johnston, F.GBA, is the retired Chief Administrative Officer of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and former president of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA, 2020-21). A native of Quincy, Massachusetts, Johnston graduated from Norwich University with a business degree and from New Hampshire College with an MBA. He had a distinguished 42-year career that uniquely blended unusually strong entrepreneurial skills with geoprofessional leadership.

In Johnston's 25-year plus relationship with GZA, he also served as Director of Risk Management, Director of Real Estate, and District Office Manager. His diverse experience includes working under every CEO in GZA's history and witnessing the firm's evolution from a small environmental and geotechnical company to the 700+ person multi-disciplinary firm it is today. Since retiring in 2024, he has served as a consultant to the firm, handling GZA’s real estate and accounts receivable issues. Between his GZA roles, he successfully built and operated businesses in mini-storage consulting and packaging distribution.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Ken Johnston, retired CEO of GZA GeoEnvironmental
  • Prefers "just a lucky guy who had the opportunity" over "GeoHero"
  • Past president of Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts (home of Dunkin' Donuts, Howard Johnson's, two presidents)
  • Average student, more interested in sports than academics
  • Father was Navy fighter pilot
  • Attended Norwich University - nation's oldest private military school, birthplace of ROTC
  • Business major with computer science minor
  • Key influence: Professor Frank Vanecek pushed him to take math with engineering students

Career Path

  • First jobs: Shoeshine boy, mail boy at General Mills
  • Met Bruce Lambrecht at General Mills - key entrepreneurial mentor
  • Financial management training program at Sanders Associates (first Norwich student accepted)
  • Philosophy: "I wasn't gonna outsmart 'em, I had to outwork 'em"
  • Three separate stints at GZA (earned nickname "Hatrick")
  • Entrepreneurial ventures between GZA stints:
    • Mini storage consulting business with Bruce Lambrecht
    • Packaging distribution nationwide
  • Final return to GZA in 2007, worked way up to CEO
  • 25+ total years at GZA

Leadership

  • Worked under every CEO in GZA's history
  • Leadership philosophy: Find passionate, knowledgeable people to lead different areas
  • Witnessed GZA's evolution from geotechnical firm to multi-disciplinary (environmental, ecology, water, construction management)
  • GBA involvement starting 2008, became president (2020-21)
    • Calls GBA "single best thing" he got involved in during 42-year career

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Time:

  • Less "ungodly hours" and weekend work
  • Smarter work practices, remote capabilities, better work-life balance
  • Technology evolution from IBM punch cards to modern systems

Constants:

  • Quality of people - "salt of the earth" with passion for their work
  • Remarkable loyalty - colleagues with 35-50 years of service
  • Industry professionals see work as "way of life" like doctors, not just a job
  • Humility - "no one's trying to be in hall of fame," just doing good work

Technology Impact:

  • Both blessing and curse
  • Can't get away from cell phones/email

Life Advice

  • Career: Find passion first, don't chase money initially - "money will follow if you work hard"
  • Relationships: Stay connected with people - "I meet people and remain friendly with them forever"
  • Work approach: Outwork the competition when you can't outsmart them
  • Balance: Don't take work too seriously - cost some friendships by being too rigid

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • Honored to be invited on podcast
  • Praised Guy's presidency and Joel's leadership at GBA
  • Playful rivalry with Leo Titus
  • Grateful for career opportunities and relationships formed

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Ken Johnston

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ken Johnston, F.GBA, retired CAO of GZA and former GBA president, who shares his remarkable journey from shoeshine boy to industry leader. Despite his success, Ken humbly calls himself "just a lucky guy who had the opportunity." In this candid conversation, he reveals how outworking the competition, building lasting relationships, and finding passion over paychecks shaped his 42-year career. Ken discusses the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, the unique culture of trust within GBA, and his battle with cancer that influenced his retirement. His advice to young professionals: find your passion first, work hard, and the money will follow.

About Our Guest
Ken Johnston, F.GBA, is the retired Chief Administrative Officer of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and former president of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA, 2020-21). A native of Quincy, Massachusetts, Johnston graduated from Norwich University with a business degree and from New Hampshire College with an MBA. He had a distinguished 42-year career that uniquely blended unusually strong entrepreneurial skills with geoprofessional leadership.

In Johnston's 25-year plus relationship with GZA, he also served as Director of Risk Management, Director of Real Estate, and District Office Manager. His diverse experience includes working under every CEO in GZA's history and witnessing the firm's evolution from a small environmental and geotechnical company to the 700+ person multi-disciplinary firm it is today. Since retiring in 2024, he has served as a consultant to the firm, handling GZA’s real estate and accounts receivable issues. Between his GZA roles, he successfully built and operated businesses in mini-storage consulting and packaging distribution.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Ken Johnston, retired CEO of GZA GeoEnvironmental
  • Prefers "just a lucky guy who had the opportunity" over "GeoHero"
  • Past president of Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA)

Early Life and Education

  • Grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts (home of Dunkin' Donuts, Howard Johnson's, two presidents)
  • Average student, more interested in sports than academics
  • Father was Navy fighter pilot
  • Attended Norwich University - nation's oldest private military school, birthplace of ROTC
  • Business major with computer science minor
  • Key influence: Professor Frank Vanecek pushed him to take math with engineering students

Career Path

  • First jobs: Shoeshine boy, mail boy at General Mills
  • Met Bruce Lambrecht at General Mills - key entrepreneurial mentor
  • Financial management training program at Sanders Associates (first Norwich student accepted)
  • Philosophy: "I wasn't gonna outsmart 'em, I had to outwork 'em"
  • Three separate stints at GZA (earned nickname "Hatrick")
  • Entrepreneurial ventures between GZA stints:
    • Mini storage consulting business with Bruce Lambrecht
    • Packaging distribution nationwide
  • Final return to GZA in 2007, worked way up to CEO
  • 25+ total years at GZA

Leadership

  • Worked under every CEO in GZA's history
  • Leadership philosophy: Find passionate, knowledgeable people to lead different areas
  • Witnessed GZA's evolution from geotechnical firm to multi-disciplinary (environmental, ecology, water, construction management)
  • GBA involvement starting 2008, became president (2020-21)
    • Calls GBA "single best thing" he got involved in during 42-year career

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Over Time:

  • Less "ungodly hours" and weekend work
  • Smarter work practices, remote capabilities, better work-life balance
  • Technology evolution from IBM punch cards to modern systems

Constants:

  • Quality of people - "salt of the earth" with passion for their work
  • Remarkable loyalty - colleagues with 35-50 years of service
  • Industry professionals see work as "way of life" like doctors, not just a job
  • Humility - "no one's trying to be in hall of fame," just doing good work

Technology Impact:

  • Both blessing and curse
  • Can't get away from cell phones/email

Life Advice

  • Career: Find passion first, don't chase money initially - "money will follow if you work hard"
  • Relationships: Stay connected with people - "I meet people and remain friendly with them forever"
  • Work approach: Outwork the competition when you can't outsmart them
  • Balance: Don't take work too seriously - cost some friendships by being too rigid

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • Honored to be invited on podcast
  • Praised Guy's presidency and Joel's leadership at GBA
  • Playful rivalry with Leo Titus
  • Grateful for career opportunities and relationships formed

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+-rlUAmLI ]]> GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh18 89c43b77-53d1-4578-a3ea-58b54ac60952 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 44:46 false GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC and Grace Blackburn founders of Blackburn Consulting). Their remarkable journey began when they met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas, leading to a 26-year partnership in both marriage and business. After Tom was unexpectedly terminated from his previous firm, they launched Blackburn Consulting with three young children, focusing on public works and community impact. The Blackburns share insights on industry changes, the importance of people skills in an AI-driven future, and their philosophy of "good work for good people." Their story exemplifies how shared values and complementary skills can create lasting success in the geotechnical profession.

About Our Guest
Grace Blackburn, co-founded Blackburn Consulting in 1998. She serves on Blackburn’s Board of Directors and oversees the company’s administrative functions. She strives for excellence both personally and professionally. Grace actively volunteers in professional and community organizations. As a founding member and past state chair of ACEC’s Prevailing Wage Law Committee, Grace has worked with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and Department of Labor Standards and Research (DLSR) to clarify laws, regulations, and letters of determination regarding prevailing wage laws. She serves through a local ministry by cooking and feeding the less fortunate. In the last few years, Grace semi-retired to spend more time with her grandbaby and volunteer in her community.

Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC, Blackburn Consulting’s founder and President, provides strong leadership not only for the company, but also for professional and local communities. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tom was made a Fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). Tom served in Local, State, and National leadership roles in each organization. He exemplifies a solid work ethic and integrity. Tom specializes in forensics and complex engineering projects. Licensed in California and Nevada, his 30 plus year track record and close relationships with clients and employees tell the story. He has served as a consultant and expert on hundreds of public works, residential, and commercial projects.

Tom’s technical expertise includes: deep foundations, landslides, expansive clay, earth pressures, settling soils, surface and subsurface drainage, ground vibrations, seismicity, liquefaction, codes, and construction practices.

He has worked on: dams, canals, penstocks, levees, bridges, pavements, concrete slabs, deep and shallow foundations, ground improvement, retaining walls, anchors, and structures.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • First GeoHeroes episode featuring a couple
  • Tom & Grace Blackburn, founders of Blackburn Consulting (26 years)
  • Based in California
  • Both active in GBA (Tom - former president, Grace - active in committees)

Early Life and Education

Tom Blackburn:

  • Grew up in St. Louis, Missouri on 12 acres
  • Father was iron worker who started own steel erection firm
  • First in family to attend college (along with sister)
  • University of Missouri at Rolla (now Missouri S&T)
  • Discovered passion for geotechnical engineering junior year
  • Mentored by Professor Norbert Schmidt

Grace Blackburn:

  • Grew up in Stockton, California
  • Father died when she was 8, raised by Japanese mother
  • Mother's motto: "Remember you're of the samurai. Don't bring shame on your family"
  • CalPoly San Luis Obispo - Industrial Engineering degree
  • High school counselor encouraged engineering career
  • Won scholarship from Arco

Career Path

Early Careers:

  • Tom: Alpha Testing in Dallas-Fort Worth (materials & geotechnical engineering)
  • Grace: Arco Oil & Gas management training program (7-8 positions in 7 years)
  • Met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas

Formation of Blackburn Consulting (1998):

  • Tom was terminated from Anderson Geotechnical after 10 years as president/part owner
  • Grace encouraged him to start their own firm
  • Launched with 3 young children at home
  • Focused exclusively on public works (not private development)
  • Started as 2-person operation

Leadership

Business Philosophy:

  • Quality over quantity - "willing to turn work down"
  • Community engagement (worked on school bond issues)
  • "Good work for good people"
  • Employee and community impact focused

Management Approach:

  • Grace handled administrative, financial, legal, marketing functions
  • Tom focused on technical work and business development
  • Family-centered approach (brought kids to GBA conferences)
  • Emphasis on treating people with dignity and respect

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Observed:

  • Private equity and larger firms entering the market
  • Shift from medium-sized firms to profit-focused operations
  • Advanced tools for exploration and analysis
  • Decline in writing skills among new graduates

Future Disruptions:

  • AI and machine learning as major disruptors
  • Comparison to Industrial Revolution impact on manufacturing
  • Machines will handle white collar tasks (soil recognition, foundation recommendations)
  • Data management becoming crucial differentiator

What Stays the Same:

  • People skills remain essential
  • Need for creative, out-of-the-box thinking
  • Fundamental soil mechanics understanding still required
  • Importance of relationships and treating people well

Life Advice

Key Principles:

  • Perseverance through hardships - "we don't learn from the easy things"
  • No ceiling on personal potential - "it's up to you"
  • Develop strong people skills in digital world
  • Think creatively and look for better solutions
  • Treat people with dignity and respect
  • Build genuine relationships, not just phone interactions

For New Professionals:

  • Focus on soft skills and people interaction
  • Don't rely solely on computers - understand the output
  • Improve writing skills
  • Embrace challenges as learning opportunities

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Grace - Bible Tom - Stephen Covey
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5 - natural optimists
  • Biggest impact:
  • Both: Their firm and its positive impact on employees/community
  • Tom: Montecito debris flow project for Caltrans
  • Grace: First $6M Caltrans contract management
  • What Would You Change: Both: Would change nothing - hardships were necessary for growth
  • Advice for New Professionals:
  • Persevere through difficulties
  • Develop people skills
  • Think out of the box
  • Treat others with dignity and respect

Final Thoughts

On Being GeoHeroes:

  • Tom: "Hard work and perseverance" - wants to be a role model
  • Grace: Focus on making things better and helping people
  • Both emphasize impact on others' lives over personal recognition

On GBA Community:

  • Incredible support when starting their firm
  • "Some of the best people on earth"
  • Offered financial and administrative assistance
  • Encouraged them to start their own business

On Teamwork:

  • Success depends on employees, clients, and professional relationships
  • Family approach to business and life
  • Importance of working with others and building lasting relationships

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC and Grace Blackburn founders of Blackburn Consulting). Their remarkable journey began when they met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas, leading to a 26-year partnership in both marriage and business. After Tom was unexpectedly terminated from his previous firm, they launched Blackburn Consulting with three young children, focusing on public works and community impact. The Blackburns share insights on industry changes, the importance of people skills in an AI-driven future, and their philosophy of "good work for good people." Their story exemplifies how shared values and complementary skills can create lasting success in the geotechnical profession.

About Our Guest
Grace Blackburn, co-founded Blackburn Consulting in 1998. She serves on Blackburn’s Board of Directors and oversees the company’s administrative functions. She strives for excellence both personally and professionally. Grace actively volunteers in professional and community organizations. As a founding member and past state chair of ACEC’s Prevailing Wage Law Committee, Grace has worked with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and Department of Labor Standards and Research (DLSR) to clarify laws, regulations, and letters of determination regarding prevailing wage laws. She serves through a local ministry by cooking and feeding the less fortunate. In the last few years, Grace semi-retired to spend more time with her grandbaby and volunteer in her community.

Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC, Blackburn Consulting’s founder and President, provides strong leadership not only for the company, but also for professional and local communities. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tom was made a Fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). Tom served in Local, State, and National leadership roles in each organization. He exemplifies a solid work ethic and integrity. Tom specializes in forensics and complex engineering projects. Licensed in California and Nevada, his 30 plus year track record and close relationships with clients and employees tell the story. He has served as a consultant and expert on hundreds of public works, residential, and commercial projects.

Tom’s technical expertise includes: deep foundations, landslides, expansive clay, earth pressures, settling soils, surface and subsurface drainage, ground vibrations, seismicity, liquefaction, codes, and construction practices.

He has worked on: dams, canals, penstocks, levees, bridges, pavements, concrete slabs, deep and shallow foundations, ground improvement, retaining walls, anchors, and structures.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • First GeoHeroes episode featuring a couple
  • Tom & Grace Blackburn, founders of Blackburn Consulting (26 years)
  • Based in California
  • Both active in GBA (Tom - former president, Grace - active in committees)

Early Life and Education

Tom Blackburn:

  • Grew up in St. Louis, Missouri on 12 acres
  • Father was iron worker who started own steel erection firm
  • First in family to attend college (along with sister)
  • University of Missouri at Rolla (now Missouri S&T)
  • Discovered passion for geotechnical engineering junior year
  • Mentored by Professor Norbert Schmidt

Grace Blackburn:

  • Grew up in Stockton, California
  • Father died when she was 8, raised by Japanese mother
  • Mother's motto: "Remember you're of the samurai. Don't bring shame on your family"
  • CalPoly San Luis Obispo - Industrial Engineering degree
  • High school counselor encouraged engineering career
  • Won scholarship from Arco

Career Path

Early Careers:

  • Tom: Alpha Testing in Dallas-Fort Worth (materials & geotechnical engineering)
  • Grace: Arco Oil & Gas management training program (7-8 positions in 7 years)
  • Met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas

Formation of Blackburn Consulting (1998):

  • Tom was terminated from Anderson Geotechnical after 10 years as president/part owner
  • Grace encouraged him to start their own firm
  • Launched with 3 young children at home
  • Focused exclusively on public works (not private development)
  • Started as 2-person operation

Leadership

Business Philosophy:

  • Quality over quantity - "willing to turn work down"
  • Community engagement (worked on school bond issues)
  • "Good work for good people"
  • Employee and community impact focused

Management Approach:

  • Grace handled administrative, financial, legal, marketing functions
  • Tom focused on technical work and business development
  • Family-centered approach (brought kids to GBA conferences)
  • Emphasis on treating people with dignity and respect

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Observed:

  • Private equity and larger firms entering the market
  • Shift from medium-sized firms to profit-focused operations
  • Advanced tools for exploration and analysis
  • Decline in writing skills among new graduates

Future Disruptions:

  • AI and machine learning as major disruptors
  • Comparison to Industrial Revolution impact on manufacturing
  • Machines will handle white collar tasks (soil recognition, foundation recommendations)
  • Data management becoming crucial differentiator

What Stays the Same:

  • People skills remain essential
  • Need for creative, out-of-the-box thinking
  • Fundamental soil mechanics understanding still required
  • Importance of relationships and treating people well

Life Advice

Key Principles:

  • Perseverance through hardships - "we don't learn from the easy things"
  • No ceiling on personal potential - "it's up to you"
  • Develop strong people skills in digital world
  • Think creatively and look for better solutions
  • Treat people with dignity and respect
  • Build genuine relationships, not just phone interactions

For New Professionals:

  • Focus on soft skills and people interaction
  • Don't rely solely on computers - understand the output
  • Improve writing skills
  • Embrace challenges as learning opportunities

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Grace - Bible Tom - Stephen Covey
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5 - natural optimists
  • Biggest impact:
  • Both: Their firm and its positive impact on employees/community
  • Tom: Montecito debris flow project for Caltrans
  • Grace: First $6M Caltrans contract management
  • What Would You Change: Both: Would change nothing - hardships were necessary for growth
  • Advice for New Professionals:
  • Persevere through difficulties
  • Develop people skills
  • Think out of the box
  • Treat others with dignity and respect

Final Thoughts

On Being GeoHeroes:

  • Tom: "Hard work and perseverance" - wants to be a role model
  • Grace: Focus on making things better and helping people
  • Both emphasize impact on others' lives over personal recognition

On GBA Community:

  • Incredible support when starting their firm
  • "Some of the best people on earth"
  • Offered financial and administrative assistance
  • Encouraged them to start their own business

On Teamwork:

  • Success depends on employees, clients, and professional relationships
  • Family approach to business and life
  • Importance of working with others and building lasting relationships

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC and Grace Blackburn founders of Blackburn Consulting). Their remarkable journey began when they met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas, leading to a 26-year partnership in both marriage and business. After Tom was unexpectedly terminated from his previous firm, they launched Blackburn Consulting with three young children, focusing on public works and community impact. The Blackburns share insights on industry changes, the importance of people skills in an AI-driven future, and their philosophy of "good work for good people." Their story exemplifies how shared values and complementary skills can create lasting success in the geotechnical profession.

About Our Guest
Grace Blackburn, co-founded Blackburn Consulting in 1998. She serves on Blackburn’s Board of Directors and oversees the company’s administrative functions. She strives for excellence both personally and professionally. Grace actively volunteers in professional and community organizations. As a founding member and past state chair of ACEC’s Prevailing Wage Law Committee, Grace has worked with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and Department of Labor Standards and Research (DLSR) to clarify laws, regulations, and letters of determination regarding prevailing wage laws. She serves through a local ministry by cooking and feeding the less fortunate. In the last few years, Grace semi-retired to spend more time with her grandbaby and volunteer in her community.

Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC, Blackburn Consulting’s founder and President, provides strong leadership not only for the company, but also for professional and local communities. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tom was made a Fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). Tom served in Local, State, and National leadership roles in each organization. He exemplifies a solid work ethic and integrity. Tom specializes in forensics and complex engineering projects. Licensed in California and Nevada, his 30 plus year track record and close relationships with clients and employees tell the story. He has served as a consultant and expert on hundreds of public works, residential, and commercial projects.

Tom’s technical expertise includes: deep foundations, landslides, expansive clay, earth pressures, settling soils, surface and subsurface drainage, ground vibrations, seismicity, liquefaction, codes, and construction practices.

He has worked on: dams, canals, penstocks, levees, bridges, pavements, concrete slabs, deep and shallow foundations, ground improvement, retaining walls, anchors, and structures.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • First GeoHeroes episode featuring a couple
  • Tom & Grace Blackburn, founders of Blackburn Consulting (26 years)
  • Based in California
  • Both active in GBA (Tom - former president, Grace - active in committees)

Early Life and Education

Tom Blackburn:

  • Grew up in St. Louis, Missouri on 12 acres
  • Father was iron worker who started own steel erection firm
  • First in family to attend college (along with sister)
  • University of Missouri at Rolla (now Missouri S&T)
  • Discovered passion for geotechnical engineering junior year
  • Mentored by Professor Norbert Schmidt

Grace Blackburn:

  • Grew up in Stockton, California
  • Father died when she was 8, raised by Japanese mother
  • Mother's motto: "Remember you're of the samurai. Don't bring shame on your family"
  • CalPoly San Luis Obispo - Industrial Engineering degree
  • High school counselor encouraged engineering career
  • Won scholarship from Arco

Career Path

Early Careers:

  • Tom: Alpha Testing in Dallas-Fort Worth (materials & geotechnical engineering)
  • Grace: Arco Oil & Gas management training program (7-8 positions in 7 years)
  • Met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas

Formation of Blackburn Consulting (1998):

  • Tom was terminated from Anderson Geotechnical after 10 years as president/part owner
  • Grace encouraged him to start their own firm
  • Launched with 3 young children at home
  • Focused exclusively on public works (not private development)
  • Started as 2-person operation

Leadership

Business Philosophy:

  • Quality over quantity - "willing to turn work down"
  • Community engagement (worked on school bond issues)
  • "Good work for good people"
  • Employee and community impact focused

Management Approach:

  • Grace handled administrative, financial, legal, marketing functions
  • Tom focused on technical work and business development
  • Family-centered approach (brought kids to GBA conferences)
  • Emphasis on treating people with dignity and respect

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Observed:

  • Private equity and larger firms entering the market
  • Shift from medium-sized firms to profit-focused operations
  • Advanced tools for exploration and analysis
  • Decline in writing skills among new graduates

Future Disruptions:

  • AI and machine learning as major disruptors
  • Comparison to Industrial Revolution impact on manufacturing
  • Machines will handle white collar tasks (soil recognition, foundation recommendations)
  • Data management becoming crucial differentiator

What Stays the Same:

  • People skills remain essential
  • Need for creative, out-of-the-box thinking
  • Fundamental soil mechanics understanding still required
  • Importance of relationships and treating people well

Life Advice

Key Principles:

  • Perseverance through hardships - "we don't learn from the easy things"
  • No ceiling on personal potential - "it's up to you"
  • Develop strong people skills in digital world
  • Think creatively and look for better solutions
  • Treat people with dignity and respect
  • Build genuine relationships, not just phone interactions

For New Professionals:

  • Focus on soft skills and people interaction
  • Don't rely solely on computers - understand the output
  • Improve writing skills
  • Embrace challenges as learning opportunities

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: Grace - Bible Tom - Stephen Covey
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5 - natural optimists
  • Biggest impact:
  • Both: Their firm and its positive impact on employees/community
  • Tom: Montecito debris flow project for Caltrans
  • Grace: First $6M Caltrans contract management
  • What Would You Change: Both: Would change nothing - hardships were necessary for growth
  • Advice for New Professionals:
  • Persevere through difficulties
  • Develop people skills
  • Think out of the box
  • Treat others with dignity and respect

Final Thoughts

On Being GeoHeroes:

  • Tom: "Hard work and perseverance" - wants to be a role model
  • Grace: Focus on making things better and helping people
  • Both emphasize impact on others' lives over personal recognition

On GBA Community:

  • Incredible support when starting their firm
  • "Some of the best people on earth"
  • Offered financial and administrative assistance
  • Encouraged them to start their own business

On Teamwork:

  • Success depends on employees, clients, and professional relationships
  • Family approach to business and life
  • Importance of working with others and building lasting relationships

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+znHI8hBN ]]> GeoHeroes - Leo Titus https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh17 64447cb9-9bb6-48c6-a555-cc238877f814 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 42:14 false GeoHeroes - Leo Titus

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Leo J. Titus, Jr., PE, F.GBA, COO of Engineering Consulting Services (ECS), about resilience, leadership, and giving back to the geotechnical community. Leo shares his remarkable journey from a teenager working at a racetrack to leading a 2,800-person engineering firm, while navigating profound personal challenges including his deployment to the Pentagon on 9/11 as part of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team and the tragic loss of his wife to cancer. Leo reveals how these experiences shaped his people-first leadership philosophy and passion for mentoring the next generation. Packed with career wisdom, this episode offers invaluable insights on professional growth, the importance of industry involvement, and finding perspective through life's toughest moments.

About Our Guest
Leo J. Titus, Jr., PE, F.GBA is Chief Operating Officer of ECS, Ltd. a national geotechnical, environmental, materials testing and facilities engineering firm. A graduate of Clarkson University, he has been an active leader in industry organizations including serving as president of GBA in 2022-2023, chairman of ASTM E36 committee from 2016 to 2021, and two terms as president of WACEL. Mr. Titus has been an active member of the community and was a member of Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue team for eleven years, being deployed to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; as well as being a top fundraiser, along with his family, for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, raising over $350,000 since the passing of his first wife in 2003.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Leo Titus, Chief Operating Officer of Engineering Consulting Services (ECS)
  • Lives and works in Northern Virginia
  • ECS: 2,800 employees, 100 locations nationwide

Early Life and Education

  • Born in Western New York, grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York
  • Worked summers at horse racing track as teenager in concessions/bar support
  • Learned valuable life lessons about how people treat each other
  • Witnessed gambling addiction, which taught him moderation
  • B/B+ student through high school and early college
  • Initially pursued mechanical engineering, inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey
  • Switched to civil engineering after struggling with dynamics class
  • Graduated from Clarkson University in 1991 during recession

Career Path

  • Started at PSI doing geotechnical materials testing services
  • Became branch manager in Worcester, Massachusetts at age 23 with minimal experience
  • Moved to ECS as project engineer to focus on learning engineering
  • Progressed through roles: project engineer → department manager → office manager → Mid-Atlantic president (2007-2021) → COO
  • Company grew from 12-13 people in 1988 to current size

Leadership

  • Early management success based on listening to both upper management and field workers
  • Served as mediator/buffer between different organizational levels
  • Life-changing experiences shaped leadership philosophy
  • These experiences provided perspective on what's truly important
  • Believes in learning from both positive and negative management examples

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • Fundamentals of geotechnical engineering remain unchanged
  • Technology and communication tools have evolved significantly
  • Sees AI as helpful tool, not disruptive force
  • Believes relationships with clients and employees are fundamental to success
  • Basic client expectations: timely delivery, good communication
  • Optimistic about profession's future despite challenges like technical talent shortage

Life Advice

  • Get actively involved in professional organizations like GBA
  • Don't just attend meetings - serve on committees and be engaged
  • Ask more questions to better understand clients and employees
  • Focus on building relationships and communication skills
  • Bring outside involvement back to benefit your company

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: David McCullough's historical works (Johnstown Flood, Great Bridge, Panama Canal, Wright Brothers)
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5
  • Advice for newcomers: Get involved in professional organizations
  • Biggest impact: Teaching and mentoring, especially inspiring students to enter geotechnical engineering
  • Regrets: None, but would ask more questions to learn about employees and clients

Final Thoughts

  • Actively participate in professional associations
  • Your involvement will help improve the entire industry

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Leo Titus

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Leo J. Titus, Jr., PE, F.GBA, COO of Engineering Consulting Services (ECS), about resilience, leadership, and giving back to the geotechnical community. Leo shares his remarkable journey from a teenager working at a racetrack to leading a 2,800-person engineering firm, while navigating profound personal challenges including his deployment to the Pentagon on 9/11 as part of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team and the tragic loss of his wife to cancer. Leo reveals how these experiences shaped his people-first leadership philosophy and passion for mentoring the next generation. Packed with career wisdom, this episode offers invaluable insights on professional growth, the importance of industry involvement, and finding perspective through life's toughest moments.

About Our Guest
Leo J. Titus, Jr., PE, F.GBA is Chief Operating Officer of ECS, Ltd. a national geotechnical, environmental, materials testing and facilities engineering firm. A graduate of Clarkson University, he has been an active leader in industry organizations including serving as president of GBA in 2022-2023, chairman of ASTM E36 committee from 2016 to 2021, and two terms as president of WACEL. Mr. Titus has been an active member of the community and was a member of Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue team for eleven years, being deployed to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; as well as being a top fundraiser, along with his family, for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, raising over $350,000 since the passing of his first wife in 2003.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Leo Titus, Chief Operating Officer of Engineering Consulting Services (ECS)
  • Lives and works in Northern Virginia
  • ECS: 2,800 employees, 100 locations nationwide

Early Life and Education

  • Born in Western New York, grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York
  • Worked summers at horse racing track as teenager in concessions/bar support
  • Learned valuable life lessons about how people treat each other
  • Witnessed gambling addiction, which taught him moderation
  • B/B+ student through high school and early college
  • Initially pursued mechanical engineering, inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey
  • Switched to civil engineering after struggling with dynamics class
  • Graduated from Clarkson University in 1991 during recession

Career Path

  • Started at PSI doing geotechnical materials testing services
  • Became branch manager in Worcester, Massachusetts at age 23 with minimal experience
  • Moved to ECS as project engineer to focus on learning engineering
  • Progressed through roles: project engineer → department manager → office manager → Mid-Atlantic president (2007-2021) → COO
  • Company grew from 12-13 people in 1988 to current size

Leadership

  • Early management success based on listening to both upper management and field workers
  • Served as mediator/buffer between different organizational levels
  • Life-changing experiences shaped leadership philosophy
  • These experiences provided perspective on what's truly important
  • Believes in learning from both positive and negative management examples

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • Fundamentals of geotechnical engineering remain unchanged
  • Technology and communication tools have evolved significantly
  • Sees AI as helpful tool, not disruptive force
  • Believes relationships with clients and employees are fundamental to success
  • Basic client expectations: timely delivery, good communication
  • Optimistic about profession's future despite challenges like technical talent shortage

Life Advice

  • Get actively involved in professional organizations like GBA
  • Don't just attend meetings - serve on committees and be engaged
  • Ask more questions to better understand clients and employees
  • Focus on building relationships and communication skills
  • Bring outside involvement back to benefit your company

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: David McCullough's historical works (Johnstown Flood, Great Bridge, Panama Canal, Wright Brothers)
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5
  • Advice for newcomers: Get involved in professional organizations
  • Biggest impact: Teaching and mentoring, especially inspiring students to enter geotechnical engineering
  • Regrets: None, but would ask more questions to learn about employees and clients

Final Thoughts

  • Actively participate in professional associations
  • Your involvement will help improve the entire industry

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Leo Titus

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Leo J. Titus, Jr., PE, F.GBA, COO of Engineering Consulting Services (ECS), about resilience, leadership, and giving back to the geotechnical community. Leo shares his remarkable journey from a teenager working at a racetrack to leading a 2,800-person engineering firm, while navigating profound personal challenges including his deployment to the Pentagon on 9/11 as part of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team and the tragic loss of his wife to cancer. Leo reveals how these experiences shaped his people-first leadership philosophy and passion for mentoring the next generation. Packed with career wisdom, this episode offers invaluable insights on professional growth, the importance of industry involvement, and finding perspective through life's toughest moments.

About Our Guest
Leo J. Titus, Jr., PE, F.GBA is Chief Operating Officer of ECS, Ltd. a national geotechnical, environmental, materials testing and facilities engineering firm. A graduate of Clarkson University, he has been an active leader in industry organizations including serving as president of GBA in 2022-2023, chairman of ASTM E36 committee from 2016 to 2021, and two terms as president of WACEL. Mr. Titus has been an active member of the community and was a member of Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue team for eleven years, being deployed to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; as well as being a top fundraiser, along with his family, for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, raising over $350,000 since the passing of his first wife in 2003.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

  • Leo Titus, Chief Operating Officer of Engineering Consulting Services (ECS)
  • Lives and works in Northern Virginia
  • ECS: 2,800 employees, 100 locations nationwide

Early Life and Education

  • Born in Western New York, grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York
  • Worked summers at horse racing track as teenager in concessions/bar support
  • Learned valuable life lessons about how people treat each other
  • Witnessed gambling addiction, which taught him moderation
  • B/B+ student through high school and early college
  • Initially pursued mechanical engineering, inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey
  • Switched to civil engineering after struggling with dynamics class
  • Graduated from Clarkson University in 1991 during recession

Career Path

  • Started at PSI doing geotechnical materials testing services
  • Became branch manager in Worcester, Massachusetts at age 23 with minimal experience
  • Moved to ECS as project engineer to focus on learning engineering
  • Progressed through roles: project engineer → department manager → office manager → Mid-Atlantic president (2007-2021) → COO
  • Company grew from 12-13 people in 1988 to current size

Leadership

  • Early management success based on listening to both upper management and field workers
  • Served as mediator/buffer between different organizational levels
  • Life-changing experiences shaped leadership philosophy
  • These experiences provided perspective on what's truly important
  • Believes in learning from both positive and negative management examples

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • Fundamentals of geotechnical engineering remain unchanged
  • Technology and communication tools have evolved significantly
  • Sees AI as helpful tool, not disruptive force
  • Believes relationships with clients and employees are fundamental to success
  • Basic client expectations: timely delivery, good communication
  • Optimistic about profession's future despite challenges like technical talent shortage

Life Advice

  • Get actively involved in professional organizations like GBA
  • Don't just attend meetings - serve on committees and be engaged
  • Ask more questions to better understand clients and employees
  • Focus on building relationships and communication skills
  • Bring outside involvement back to benefit your company

Speed Round

  • Favorite Book: David McCullough's historical works (Johnstown Flood, Great Bridge, Panama Canal, Wright Brothers)
  • Optimism index: 5 out of 5
  • Advice for newcomers: Get involved in professional organizations
  • Biggest impact: Teaching and mentoring, especially inspiring students to enter geotechnical engineering
  • Regrets: None, but would ask more questions to learn about employees and clients

Final Thoughts

  • Actively participate in professional associations
  • Your involvement will help improve the entire industry

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+5y_Y0Ynr ]]> GeoHeroes - Jesse Kropelnicki https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh16 6ee6cb60-70e2-45e5-a6d4-90f195ee0a1c Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 34:42 false GeoHeroes - Jesse Kropelnicki

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Jesse Kropelnicki, PE, about his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to leading a 1,900-person engineering firm. After starting in civil engineering, he built a successful triathlon coaching business, working with 30+ professional IRONMAN champions before returning to engineering in 2018. Under his leadership, Verdantas grew from 415 to 1,900 employees in just 2.5 years. Jesse discusses the role of private equity in the geoprofessions, technology's evolutionary impact on the industry, and his people-first leadership philosophy. He emphasizes that culture and human characteristics—not just technical knowledge—will be the key differentiators for future engineering firms.

About Our Guest
Jesse Kropelnicki, PE, is the CEO of Verdantas, a private equity-backed professional services firm dedicated to addressing complex environmental, water, and energy transition challenges. Under his leadership, Verdantas has grown to over 90 offices with more than 1,860 staff, generating approximately $425M in revenue. Jesse is passionate about fostering a people-focused culture, driving collaboration and trust, advancing environmental stewardship, and being a champion of digital integration throughout the business. In 2002, Jesse founded what became one of the world's largest endurance sports coaching businesses, pioneering an engaging fully remote workforce model. Over 16 years, he published a nutrition book with Random House in 2017, completed two acquisitions, taught dozens of coaching clinics for USA Triathlon, and coached top professional IRONMAN athletes who achieved more than 30 wins.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

 "If you want to grow, if you want to move up in your career, if you want to grow as a human being, you've got to be uncomfortable all the time. And if you find yourself in a position, in a scenario where you're not uncomfortable and you want to be growing, then you've got to find your way into a new position."

Introduction

• Jesse's journey from steel worker's son to CEO

Early Life and Education

• Grew up in New York with steel worker father and musician mother
• Worked with father from age 8-9 through college - learned work ethic
• Attended Northeastern University for civil engineering (structural focus)
• Completed co-ops at Kiewit Construction (Big Dig project) and Parsons Brinckerhoff
• Earned master's in structural engineering while working full-time

Career Path

• Started in hydropower structural engineering at Parsons Brinckerhoff
• Developed passion for triathlon racing
• Built coaching business as side hustle, eventually went full-time
• Grew coaching business to 85 staff, 100% remote (pre-COVID)
• Coached 30+ professional IRONMAN champions over 10 years
• Returned to engineering in 2018 at WSP power group
• Joined Verdantas as COO when company had 415 people
• Promoted to CEO after one year
• Led growth from 415 to 1,900 people in 2.5 years

Leadership

• Learned leadership through coaching world-class athletes under pressure
• Key qualities: authenticity, passion, energy - difficult to teach
• Focus on people-first, empathetic approach
• Athletes served as "reverse mentors"
• Importance of alignment between management and private equity partners
• Building trust and creating differentiated workplace culture
• Supporting staff holistically and emotionally

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

• Private Equity Trends: A/E space attractive due to stable, dependable growth over decades
• Technology Disruption: Evolution, not revolution - been happening for 30 years
• Key Technologies: AI, digital twins, asset management
• Data Strategy: De-siloing data sources, creating data fabric with taxonomy
• Future Workforce: Same number of people but different composition - more programmers, data analysts
• Differentiators: Culture and human characteristics will replace knowledge as key differentiator
• Demographics: Challenges will work themselves out through technology and workforce composition changes

Speed Round

• Favorite Book: CEO Next Door by Elena Botelho, Kim Powell, Tahl Raz
• Optimism Index: 5/5 - must be chief optimist as CEO
• Biggest Impact: Coaching professional athletes through high-pressure situations
• Legacy: Wants to be remembered as authentic, fair, logical person who helps others be their best
• Regrets: No major regrets - uses framework of choosing paths that challenge and introduce you to amazing people
• Career Advice: Stay uncomfortable to keep growing - "no pain, no gain"

Final Thoughts

• Emphasized importance of authenticity and people-focused approach in professional services
• Open to connecting with listeners on LinkedIn
• Enjoyed sharing insights about leadership and industry trends

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Jesse Kropelnicki

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Jesse Kropelnicki, PE, about his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to leading a 1,900-person engineering firm. After starting in civil engineering, he built a successful triathlon coaching business, working with 30+ professional IRONMAN champions before returning to engineering in 2018. Under his leadership, Verdantas grew from 415 to 1,900 employees in just 2.5 years. Jesse discusses the role of private equity in the geoprofessions, technology's evolutionary impact on the industry, and his people-first leadership philosophy. He emphasizes that culture and human characteristics—not just technical knowledge—will be the key differentiators for future engineering firms.

About Our Guest
Jesse Kropelnicki, PE, is the CEO of Verdantas, a private equity-backed professional services firm dedicated to addressing complex environmental, water, and energy transition challenges. Under his leadership, Verdantas has grown to over 90 offices with more than 1,860 staff, generating approximately $425M in revenue. Jesse is passionate about fostering a people-focused culture, driving collaboration and trust, advancing environmental stewardship, and being a champion of digital integration throughout the business. In 2002, Jesse founded what became one of the world's largest endurance sports coaching businesses, pioneering an engaging fully remote workforce model. Over 16 years, he published a nutrition book with Random House in 2017, completed two acquisitions, taught dozens of coaching clinics for USA Triathlon, and coached top professional IRONMAN athletes who achieved more than 30 wins.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

 "If you want to grow, if you want to move up in your career, if you want to grow as a human being, you've got to be uncomfortable all the time. And if you find yourself in a position, in a scenario where you're not uncomfortable and you want to be growing, then you've got to find your way into a new position."

Introduction

• Jesse's journey from steel worker's son to CEO

Early Life and Education

• Grew up in New York with steel worker father and musician mother
• Worked with father from age 8-9 through college - learned work ethic
• Attended Northeastern University for civil engineering (structural focus)
• Completed co-ops at Kiewit Construction (Big Dig project) and Parsons Brinckerhoff
• Earned master's in structural engineering while working full-time

Career Path

• Started in hydropower structural engineering at Parsons Brinckerhoff
• Developed passion for triathlon racing
• Built coaching business as side hustle, eventually went full-time
• Grew coaching business to 85 staff, 100% remote (pre-COVID)
• Coached 30+ professional IRONMAN champions over 10 years
• Returned to engineering in 2018 at WSP power group
• Joined Verdantas as COO when company had 415 people
• Promoted to CEO after one year
• Led growth from 415 to 1,900 people in 2.5 years

Leadership

• Learned leadership through coaching world-class athletes under pressure
• Key qualities: authenticity, passion, energy - difficult to teach
• Focus on people-first, empathetic approach
• Athletes served as "reverse mentors"
• Importance of alignment between management and private equity partners
• Building trust and creating differentiated workplace culture
• Supporting staff holistically and emotionally

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

• Private Equity Trends: A/E space attractive due to stable, dependable growth over decades
• Technology Disruption: Evolution, not revolution - been happening for 30 years
• Key Technologies: AI, digital twins, asset management
• Data Strategy: De-siloing data sources, creating data fabric with taxonomy
• Future Workforce: Same number of people but different composition - more programmers, data analysts
• Differentiators: Culture and human characteristics will replace knowledge as key differentiator
• Demographics: Challenges will work themselves out through technology and workforce composition changes

Speed Round

• Favorite Book: CEO Next Door by Elena Botelho, Kim Powell, Tahl Raz
• Optimism Index: 5/5 - must be chief optimist as CEO
• Biggest Impact: Coaching professional athletes through high-pressure situations
• Legacy: Wants to be remembered as authentic, fair, logical person who helps others be their best
• Regrets: No major regrets - uses framework of choosing paths that challenge and introduce you to amazing people
• Career Advice: Stay uncomfortable to keep growing - "no pain, no gain"

Final Thoughts

• Emphasized importance of authenticity and people-focused approach in professional services
• Open to connecting with listeners on LinkedIn
• Enjoyed sharing insights about leadership and industry trends

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Jesse Kropelnicki

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Jesse Kropelnicki, PE, about his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to leading a 1,900-person engineering firm. After starting in civil engineering, he built a successful triathlon coaching business, working with 30+ professional IRONMAN champions before returning to engineering in 2018. Under his leadership, Verdantas grew from 415 to 1,900 employees in just 2.5 years. Jesse discusses the role of private equity in the geoprofessions, technology's evolutionary impact on the industry, and his people-first leadership philosophy. He emphasizes that culture and human characteristics—not just technical knowledge—will be the key differentiators for future engineering firms.

About Our Guest
Jesse Kropelnicki, PE, is the CEO of Verdantas, a private equity-backed professional services firm dedicated to addressing complex environmental, water, and energy transition challenges. Under his leadership, Verdantas has grown to over 90 offices with more than 1,860 staff, generating approximately $425M in revenue. Jesse is passionate about fostering a people-focused culture, driving collaboration and trust, advancing environmental stewardship, and being a champion of digital integration throughout the business. In 2002, Jesse founded what became one of the world's largest endurance sports coaching businesses, pioneering an engaging fully remote workforce model. Over 16 years, he published a nutrition book with Random House in 2017, completed two acquisitions, taught dozens of coaching clinics for USA Triathlon, and coached top professional IRONMAN athletes who achieved more than 30 wins.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

 "If you want to grow, if you want to move up in your career, if you want to grow as a human being, you've got to be uncomfortable all the time. And if you find yourself in a position, in a scenario where you're not uncomfortable and you want to be growing, then you've got to find your way into a new position."

Introduction

• Jesse's journey from steel worker's son to CEO

Early Life and Education

• Grew up in New York with steel worker father and musician mother
• Worked with father from age 8-9 through college - learned work ethic
• Attended Northeastern University for civil engineering (structural focus)
• Completed co-ops at Kiewit Construction (Big Dig project) and Parsons Brinckerhoff
• Earned master's in structural engineering while working full-time

Career Path

• Started in hydropower structural engineering at Parsons Brinckerhoff
• Developed passion for triathlon racing
• Built coaching business as side hustle, eventually went full-time
• Grew coaching business to 85 staff, 100% remote (pre-COVID)
• Coached 30+ professional IRONMAN champions over 10 years
• Returned to engineering in 2018 at WSP power group
• Joined Verdantas as COO when company had 415 people
• Promoted to CEO after one year
• Led growth from 415 to 1,900 people in 2.5 years

Leadership

• Learned leadership through coaching world-class athletes under pressure
• Key qualities: authenticity, passion, energy - difficult to teach
• Focus on people-first, empathetic approach
• Athletes served as "reverse mentors"
• Importance of alignment between management and private equity partners
• Building trust and creating differentiated workplace culture
• Supporting staff holistically and emotionally

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

• Private Equity Trends: A/E space attractive due to stable, dependable growth over decades
• Technology Disruption: Evolution, not revolution - been happening for 30 years
• Key Technologies: AI, digital twins, asset management
• Data Strategy: De-siloing data sources, creating data fabric with taxonomy
• Future Workforce: Same number of people but different composition - more programmers, data analysts
• Differentiators: Culture and human characteristics will replace knowledge as key differentiator
• Demographics: Challenges will work themselves out through technology and workforce composition changes

Speed Round

• Favorite Book: CEO Next Door by Elena Botelho, Kim Powell, Tahl Raz
• Optimism Index: 5/5 - must be chief optimist as CEO
• Biggest Impact: Coaching professional athletes through high-pressure situations
• Legacy: Wants to be remembered as authentic, fair, logical person who helps others be their best
• Regrets: No major regrets - uses framework of choosing paths that challenge and introduce you to amazing people
• Career Advice: Stay uncomfortable to keep growing - "no pain, no gain"

Final Thoughts

• Emphasized importance of authenticity and people-focused approach in professional services
• Open to connecting with listeners on LinkedIn
• Enjoyed sharing insights about leadership and industry trends

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+8fRriFrN ]]> A Look Into the Crystal Ball Workshop https://www.gbapodcast.com/cb25 19c2e97c-967e-4e31-b2d6-24a9c7ef3ffc Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association For more than 20 years, GBA’s widely acclaimed Crystal Ball Workshops have accurately identified long-term industry trends—from workforce shifts and climate change impacts to the rise of AI and big data. These workshops provide a unique forum for leaders to engage in strategic discussions about the future of the geoprofessions. At the conclusion of each Workshop, GBA publishes a summary of discussions and recommendations to members in support of their businesses as a Business Brief. 16:43 false A Look Into the Crystal Ball Workshop

The geoprofessional industry is at a crossroads. With a shrinking workforce, increasing retirements, and fewer students entering geoscience and engineering fields, firms are struggling to meet rising service demands. At the same time, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries worldwide, presenting a generational opportunity for geoprofessionals to increase efficiency, productivity, and service quality.

To address this critical challenge, GBA’s 2025 Crystal Ball Workshop (CBW), to be held June 24-25 in Kansas City (Olathe), Kansas, will explore how emerging technologies can help firms bridge workforce gaps and sustain business growth.

CBW Focus: Addressing the impacts of the shrinking geoprofessional workforce, and high demand for services, with automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

CBW Objective: Provide a launchpad for sustained industry-wide action, offering:

  • Findings and insights about AI and other automation capabilities and trends.
  • Actionable recommendations to address issues related to the shrinking geoprofessional
  • Workforce, and high demand for services, using AI and other automation technologies.

Key Topics Include:

  • The Workforce Crisis – Understanding labor shortages and increased service demands.
  • Emerging Technologies – Exploring AI and automation applications in geoprofessions.
  • Opportunities – Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and improve decision-making.
  • Challenges – Overcoming barriers to technology adoption.

Prep Questions

1. Where are you or your organization spending the most time on repetitive tasks?

Think data entry, scheduling, reporting, approvals; anything recurring and rules-based.

2. What processes do you or your organization follow that require multiple handoffs or approvals?

Are there common errors or inconsistencies in your workflows?

3. What systems do you or your organization use that don’t talk to each other?

Which decisions rely on delayed, incomplete, or missing data?

4. In what tasks do you or your organization underutilize valuable talent for low-value work?

Tasks that pull skilled employees away from what they do best.

5. How do we monetize our technology use? What related changes in our business model are needed?

6. What part of automation and AI will require greater human interaction and skill?

7. What changes are needed in academic curriculums to better prepare students for their geoprofessional careers in the age of AI and other automation?

8. What barriers do you, your organization, and our profession have that may inhibit the adoption and implementation of AI and other automation in our work?

Biases, myths, fears?

9. How can we overcome barriers (real or perceived) and facilitate our adoption and implementation of AI and other automation technologies to address our shrinking workforce issues?

GBA Resources

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering A Look Into the Crystal Ball Workshop

The geoprofessional industry is at a crossroads. With a shrinking workforce, increasing retirements, and fewer students entering geoscience and engineering fields, firms are struggling to meet rising service demands. At the same time, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries worldwide, presenting a generational opportunity for geoprofessionals to increase efficiency, productivity, and service quality.

To address this critical challenge, GBA’s 2025 Crystal Ball Workshop (CBW), to be held June 24-25 in Kansas City (Olathe), Kansas, will explore how emerging technologies can help firms bridge workforce gaps and sustain business growth.

CBW Focus: Addressing the impacts of the shrinking geoprofessional workforce, and high demand for services, with automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

CBW Objective: Provide a launchpad for sustained industry-wide action, offering:

  • Findings and insights about AI and other automation capabilities and trends.
  • Actionable recommendations to address issues related to the shrinking geoprofessional
  • Workforce, and high demand for services, using AI and other automation technologies.

Key Topics Include:

  • The Workforce Crisis – Understanding labor shortages and increased service demands.
  • Emerging Technologies – Exploring AI and automation applications in geoprofessions.
  • Opportunities – Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and improve decision-making.
  • Challenges – Overcoming barriers to technology adoption.

Prep Questions

1. Where are you or your organization spending the most time on repetitive tasks?

Think data entry, scheduling, reporting, approvals; anything recurring and rules-based.

2. What processes do you or your organization follow that require multiple handoffs or approvals?

Are there common errors or inconsistencies in your workflows?

3. What systems do you or your organization use that don’t talk to each other?

Which decisions rely on delayed, incomplete, or missing data?

4. In what tasks do you or your organization underutilize valuable talent for low-value work?

Tasks that pull skilled employees away from what they do best.

5. How do we monetize our technology use? What related changes in our business model are needed?

6. What part of automation and AI will require greater human interaction and skill?

7. What changes are needed in academic curriculums to better prepare students for their geoprofessional careers in the age of AI and other automation?

8. What barriers do you, your organization, and our profession have that may inhibit the adoption and implementation of AI and other automation in our work?

Biases, myths, fears?

9. How can we overcome barriers (real or perceived) and facilitate our adoption and implementation of AI and other automation technologies to address our shrinking workforce issues?

GBA Resources

]]> A Look Into the Crystal Ball Workshop

The geoprofessional industry is at a crossroads. With a shrinking workforce, increasing retirements, and fewer students entering geoscience and engineering fields, firms are struggling to meet rising service demands. At the same time, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries worldwide, presenting a generational opportunity for geoprofessionals to increase efficiency, productivity, and service quality.

To address this critical challenge, GBA’s 2025 Crystal Ball Workshop (CBW), to be held June 24-25 in Kansas City (Olathe), Kansas, will explore how emerging technologies can help firms bridge workforce gaps and sustain business growth.

CBW Focus: Addressing the impacts of the shrinking geoprofessional workforce, and high demand for services, with automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

CBW Objective: Provide a launchpad for sustained industry-wide action, offering:

  • Findings and insights about AI and other automation capabilities and trends.
  • Actionable recommendations to address issues related to the shrinking geoprofessional
  • Workforce, and high demand for services, using AI and other automation technologies.

Key Topics Include:

  • The Workforce Crisis – Understanding labor shortages and increased service demands.
  • Emerging Technologies – Exploring AI and automation applications in geoprofessions.
  • Opportunities – Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and improve decision-making.
  • Challenges – Overcoming barriers to technology adoption.

Prep Questions

1. Where are you or your organization spending the most time on repetitive tasks?

Think data entry, scheduling, reporting, approvals; anything recurring and rules-based.

2. What processes do you or your organization follow that require multiple handoffs or approvals?

Are there common errors or inconsistencies in your workflows?

3. What systems do you or your organization use that don’t talk to each other?

Which decisions rely on delayed, incomplete, or missing data?

4. In what tasks do you or your organization underutilize valuable talent for low-value work?

Tasks that pull skilled employees away from what they do best.

5. How do we monetize our technology use? What related changes in our business model are needed?

6. What part of automation and AI will require greater human interaction and skill?

7. What changes are needed in academic curriculums to better prepare students for their geoprofessional careers in the age of AI and other automation?

8. What barriers do you, your organization, and our profession have that may inhibit the adoption and implementation of AI and other automation in our work?

Biases, myths, fears?

9. How can we overcome barriers (real or perceived) and facilitate our adoption and implementation of AI and other automation technologies to address our shrinking workforce issues?

GBA Resources

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+wVWhYN3W ]]> GeoHeroes - Rick Heckel https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh15 f83fdfd6-b77b-41ef-9b75-0b4e6a811345 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 38:49 false GeoHeroes - Rick Heckel

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Rick Heckel, PE, D.GE, Chief Engineer at TTL, Inc. who shares his remarkable 40+ year journey. Rick "stumbled" into geotechnical engineering, building his career through persistence rather than natural talent, and navigating roles from branch manager to CEO to solo practitioner. Learn about his groundbreaking initiative to "Elevate the Geoprofession," find out why he believes engineers make undervalued leaders, and hear his uncompromising advice for career success. Rick's authentic storytelling and practical wisdom make this essential listening for professionals seeking both technical excellence and meaningful career impact.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Rick Heckel, PE, D.GE, Chief Engineer at TTL, Inc. is based in Nashville, TN. He has 40 years of geotechnical engineering experience working on projects with construction values exceeding $500MM. Rick is a licensed professional engineer in six states. He has been active in GBA for the last 20 years and served as the Chair for the Geotechnical Business Committee for 7 years. Rick is currently President of TNSAVE, which is a volunteer organization dedicated to training engineers, architects, contractors, and building officials to perform safety evaluations of structures following disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering at Lipscomb University.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

• Chief Geotechnical Engineer at TTL
• Based in Nashville, Tennessee office
• Lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (35 miles away)

Early Life and Education

• Grew up in Louisville, Kentucky
• Played baseball and soccer
• Good student but had to work hard at engineering
• Strong in math, took calculus in high school
• Master's degree was the accredited degree (5-year program)
• Thesis on "time rate of settlement" using PL/1 programming
• Only one PC in entire civil engineering department at the time
• Self-taught computer skills
• Developed patience and tenacity through thesis challenges
• Summer jobs: Little league groundskeeper for 3 summers ($125/week)
• Umpired and refereed various sports

Career Path

• Graduated 1983 during severe economic recession
• Took 4 months to find job despite having master's degree
• First job: Utility company (family tradition - multiple generations worked there)
• 1984: Joined Law Engineering in Nashville
• Early projects: Dams, hospitals, various geotechnical work
• Opened branch office for Atlanta Testing & Engineering (later Core Property Sciences)
• Became CEO for 3 years: Financial distress → best year in company history → exit during 2008 crisis
• TTL as Chief Operating Officer (6 years)
• Solo practice: Ardent Geotechnical Consultants (6 years)
• GeoEngineers (3 years, until company withdrew from Nashville)
• Current: Returned to TTL as Chief Geotechnical Engineer

Leadership

• Engineers undervalued as managers and leaders
• Engineering is #1 profession among Fortune 500 CEOs
• COO role better fit than CEO (implementation vs. vision setting)
• Led GBA geotechnical committee for 15+ years
• Initiated "Elevate the Geoprofession" movement
• Philosophy: Fix ourselves first before criticizing others
• Believes in courage with business decisions (pricing, etc.)

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

Current State:

• Profession experiencing uptick after period of decline
• Finally charging fees that reflect value provided
• Major challenge: Attracting college students to geotechnical

Technology & Tools:

• Desktop tools dramatically improved (historic aerials, online geological maps)
• AI will be a disruptor
• Still using 100-year-old standard penetration test (SPT)
• Need better field tools for data collection

Threats:

• Losing design work to geotechnical contractors
• Contractors have different risk profiles than consultants

Elevate the Geoprofession Initiative:

• Website: https://www.elevategeoprofessionalvalue.org/
• Voluntary accord to sign
• Focus on living professional values
• Hold colleagues to higher standards

Professional Advice:

• Work harder than everybody else
• Take every assignment offered
• Study previous similar projects before starting new work
• Read extensively (papers, books, technical literature)
• If starting over: Get geology minor or strong structures background

Speed Round

• Favorite Book: "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin (about Lincoln's leadership)
• Optimism Index: 4 out of 5 (glass half full approach)
• Proudest Moment: Competitor asking him to mentor their employee
• Do Differently: Better preparation with geology or structures background
• Advice for New Professionals: Work harder than everybody else

Final Thoughts

• Goal to leave profession better than he found it
• Importance of mentoring young engineers
• Value of helping others advance their careers
• Belief that hard work and persistence trump natural talent

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Rick Heckel

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Rick Heckel, PE, D.GE, Chief Engineer at TTL, Inc. who shares his remarkable 40+ year journey. Rick "stumbled" into geotechnical engineering, building his career through persistence rather than natural talent, and navigating roles from branch manager to CEO to solo practitioner. Learn about his groundbreaking initiative to "Elevate the Geoprofession," find out why he believes engineers make undervalued leaders, and hear his uncompromising advice for career success. Rick's authentic storytelling and practical wisdom make this essential listening for professionals seeking both technical excellence and meaningful career impact.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Rick Heckel, PE, D.GE, Chief Engineer at TTL, Inc. is based in Nashville, TN. He has 40 years of geotechnical engineering experience working on projects with construction values exceeding $500MM. Rick is a licensed professional engineer in six states. He has been active in GBA for the last 20 years and served as the Chair for the Geotechnical Business Committee for 7 years. Rick is currently President of TNSAVE, which is a volunteer organization dedicated to training engineers, architects, contractors, and building officials to perform safety evaluations of structures following disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering at Lipscomb University.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

• Chief Geotechnical Engineer at TTL
• Based in Nashville, Tennessee office
• Lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (35 miles away)

Early Life and Education

• Grew up in Louisville, Kentucky
• Played baseball and soccer
• Good student but had to work hard at engineering
• Strong in math, took calculus in high school
• Master's degree was the accredited degree (5-year program)
• Thesis on "time rate of settlement" using PL/1 programming
• Only one PC in entire civil engineering department at the time
• Self-taught computer skills
• Developed patience and tenacity through thesis challenges
• Summer jobs: Little league groundskeeper for 3 summers ($125/week)
• Umpired and refereed various sports

Career Path

• Graduated 1983 during severe economic recession
• Took 4 months to find job despite having master's degree
• First job: Utility company (family tradition - multiple generations worked there)
• 1984: Joined Law Engineering in Nashville
• Early projects: Dams, hospitals, various geotechnical work
• Opened branch office for Atlanta Testing & Engineering (later Core Property Sciences)
• Became CEO for 3 years: Financial distress → best year in company history → exit during 2008 crisis
• TTL as Chief Operating Officer (6 years)
• Solo practice: Ardent Geotechnical Consultants (6 years)
• GeoEngineers (3 years, until company withdrew from Nashville)
• Current: Returned to TTL as Chief Geotechnical Engineer

Leadership

• Engineers undervalued as managers and leaders
• Engineering is #1 profession among Fortune 500 CEOs
• COO role better fit than CEO (implementation vs. vision setting)
• Led GBA geotechnical committee for 15+ years
• Initiated "Elevate the Geoprofession" movement
• Philosophy: Fix ourselves first before criticizing others
• Believes in courage with business decisions (pricing, etc.)

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

Current State:

• Profession experiencing uptick after period of decline
• Finally charging fees that reflect value provided
• Major challenge: Attracting college students to geotechnical

Technology & Tools:

• Desktop tools dramatically improved (historic aerials, online geological maps)
• AI will be a disruptor
• Still using 100-year-old standard penetration test (SPT)
• Need better field tools for data collection

Threats:

• Losing design work to geotechnical contractors
• Contractors have different risk profiles than consultants

Elevate the Geoprofession Initiative:

• Website: https://www.elevategeoprofessionalvalue.org/
• Voluntary accord to sign
• Focus on living professional values
• Hold colleagues to higher standards

Professional Advice:

• Work harder than everybody else
• Take every assignment offered
• Study previous similar projects before starting new work
• Read extensively (papers, books, technical literature)
• If starting over: Get geology minor or strong structures background

Speed Round

• Favorite Book: "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin (about Lincoln's leadership)
• Optimism Index: 4 out of 5 (glass half full approach)
• Proudest Moment: Competitor asking him to mentor their employee
• Do Differently: Better preparation with geology or structures background
• Advice for New Professionals: Work harder than everybody else

Final Thoughts

• Goal to leave profession better than he found it
• Importance of mentoring young engineers
• Value of helping others advance their careers
• Belief that hard work and persistence trump natural talent

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Rick Heckel

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Rick Heckel, PE, D.GE, Chief Engineer at TTL, Inc. who shares his remarkable 40+ year journey. Rick "stumbled" into geotechnical engineering, building his career through persistence rather than natural talent, and navigating roles from branch manager to CEO to solo practitioner. Learn about his groundbreaking initiative to "Elevate the Geoprofession," find out why he believes engineers make undervalued leaders, and hear his uncompromising advice for career success. Rick's authentic storytelling and practical wisdom make this essential listening for professionals seeking both technical excellence and meaningful career impact.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Rick Heckel, PE, D.GE, Chief Engineer at TTL, Inc. is based in Nashville, TN. He has 40 years of geotechnical engineering experience working on projects with construction values exceeding $500MM. Rick is a licensed professional engineer in six states. He has been active in GBA for the last 20 years and served as the Chair for the Geotechnical Business Committee for 7 years. Rick is currently President of TNSAVE, which is a volunteer organization dedicated to training engineers, architects, contractors, and building officials to perform safety evaluations of structures following disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering at Lipscomb University.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Show Notes

Introduction

• Chief Geotechnical Engineer at TTL
• Based in Nashville, Tennessee office
• Lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (35 miles away)

Early Life and Education

• Grew up in Louisville, Kentucky
• Played baseball and soccer
• Good student but had to work hard at engineering
• Strong in math, took calculus in high school
• Master's degree was the accredited degree (5-year program)
• Thesis on "time rate of settlement" using PL/1 programming
• Only one PC in entire civil engineering department at the time
• Self-taught computer skills
• Developed patience and tenacity through thesis challenges
• Summer jobs: Little league groundskeeper for 3 summers ($125/week)
• Umpired and refereed various sports

Career Path

• Graduated 1983 during severe economic recession
• Took 4 months to find job despite having master's degree
• First job: Utility company (family tradition - multiple generations worked there)
• 1984: Joined Law Engineering in Nashville
• Early projects: Dams, hospitals, various geotechnical work
• Opened branch office for Atlanta Testing & Engineering (later Core Property Sciences)
• Became CEO for 3 years: Financial distress → best year in company history → exit during 2008 crisis
• TTL as Chief Operating Officer (6 years)
• Solo practice: Ardent Geotechnical Consultants (6 years)
• GeoEngineers (3 years, until company withdrew from Nashville)
• Current: Returned to TTL as Chief Geotechnical Engineer

Leadership

• Engineers undervalued as managers and leaders
• Engineering is #1 profession among Fortune 500 CEOs
• COO role better fit than CEO (implementation vs. vision setting)
• Led GBA geotechnical committee for 15+ years
• Initiated "Elevate the Geoprofession" movement
• Philosophy: Fix ourselves first before criticizing others
• Believes in courage with business decisions (pricing, etc.)

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

Current State:

• Profession experiencing uptick after period of decline
• Finally charging fees that reflect value provided
• Major challenge: Attracting college students to geotechnical

Technology & Tools:

• Desktop tools dramatically improved (historic aerials, online geological maps)
• AI will be a disruptor
• Still using 100-year-old standard penetration test (SPT)
• Need better field tools for data collection

Threats:

• Losing design work to geotechnical contractors
• Contractors have different risk profiles than consultants

Elevate the Geoprofession Initiative:

• Website: https://www.elevategeoprofessionalvalue.org/
• Voluntary accord to sign
• Focus on living professional values
• Hold colleagues to higher standards

Professional Advice:

• Work harder than everybody else
• Take every assignment offered
• Study previous similar projects before starting new work
• Read extensively (papers, books, technical literature)
• If starting over: Get geology minor or strong structures background

Speed Round

• Favorite Book: "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin (about Lincoln's leadership)
• Optimism Index: 4 out of 5 (glass half full approach)
• Proudest Moment: Competitor asking him to mentor their employee
• Do Differently: Better preparation with geology or structures background
• Advice for New Professionals: Work harder than everybody else

Final Thoughts

• Goal to leave profession better than he found it
• Importance of mentoring young engineers
• Value of helping others advance their careers
• Belief that hard work and persistence trump natural talent

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+TuMgwbYR ]]> GeoHeroes - David Lourie https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh14 19d63d64-3eac-4678-a888-2d2db270d31c Wed, 21 May 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 55:27 false GeoHeroes - David Lourie

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA , CEO of Lourie Consultants where he discusses his journey in the geoprofession. Early interests in building and the space program led him to engineering. An ankle injury shifted his path from mechanical engineering and Navy ROTC to civil engineering. A soils class ignited his passion for geotechnical engineering. He worked at STS and the innovative McClellan Engineers before founding Lourie Consultants in New Orleans in 1992. He stresses client focus, technical quality, and service, advising professionals to be curious, give back, and work with class.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA is a respected consulting engineer specializing in geotechnical and geoenvironmental services. He is CEO of Lourie Consultants, the firm he founded in 1992 near New Orleans, Louisiana. His career began in 1979 with Soil Testing Services (STS). In 1981, he joined McClelland Engineers and advanced to become President of Fugro-McClelland (Southeast) in 1990. Mr. Lourie has extensive experience managing large-scale, high-profile engineering and construction projects and conducting forensic investigations. He has been an expert witness in multiple jurisdictions and an independent peer reviewer for major USACE projects. He actively shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Orleans and contributes to the profession through technical and business publications and presentations. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the engineering profession, notably serving as the 39th National President of GBA (formerly ASFE).

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Introduction

  • David Lourie introduction as geotechnical engineer and entrepreneur
  • Currently based in New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Long-standing relationship with host Guy

Early Life and Education

  • Childhood Geography: Born Chicago → Tampa (9 years) → Waterloo, Iowa → back to Chicago
  • Early Interests: Space program, sports, building models, taking things apart
  • Father's Influence: Engineering background, quality control work, taught responsibility through earning baseball glove and car payments
  • Lane Tech High School: 5,000-student all-male selective admission school in Chicago
    • Unique combination of trade classes (machine shop, welding) and college prep
    • Claims most PhD graduates of any US high school
  • High School Job: Gas station attendant - learned responsibility, customer service, fiscal accountability

Career Path

  • College Plans Derailed: Navy ROTC scholarship at Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Pivotal Injury: Baseball ankle injury ended Navy career and scholarship
  • Career Shift: Mechanical → Civil Engineering (fraternity advisor's suggestion)
  • Co-op Program: Alternated work/study semesters to pay for school
  • Graduate School: Master's degree with thesis on coal mine waste embankments in West Virginia
  • First Jobs:
    • Soil Testing Services (STS) in Chicago
    • Metropolitan Sanitary District - worked on Chicago's deep tunnel project
  • McClellan Engineers: Houston-based firm, pioneers in offshore soil mechanics
  • Louisiana Move: Volunteered to salvage struggling office in Lake Charles
  • Fugro Acquisition: Became youngest president in Fugro McClellan worldwide operations
  • Entrepreneurship: Founded Lourie Consultants in New Orleans (1992)
  • Major Projects: $500 million Superdome renovation

Leadership

  • Management Philosophy: Based on McClellan's culture of "lots of freedoms and holding them accountable"
  • Three-Legged Stool: People, technical, financial/business - identified strengths in business development and technical work
  • Client Focus: "Outstanding service and high caliber technical work" - not just lip service
  • Bram McClellan's Philosophy: "Do it right, do it right the first time, and do it with class"
  • Mentoring Approach: Organic, system-wide mentoring vs. formal programs

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • Industry Changes: Erosion of advisor capacity, increased price pressure, less focus on human aspects
  • Technology Philosophy: Leverage technology for client benefit, not just internal efficiency
  • Future Optimism: Firms can differentiate through client focus and personalized service
  • Key Success Factors:
    • Client satisfaction drives profits, not the reverse
    • Alignment of operations with desired outcomes
    • Continued investment in people
    • Acceptance that failure is part of learning

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • Advice for New Professionals:
    • Remain intellectually curious
    • Give back to the profession and pay it forward
    • Have fun doing the work
    • Remember: if you build "on, in, or of the earth," you need geotechnical engineering
  • Key Quote: "Be the difference that makes a difference and hope to inspire before you expire"
  • Professional Motto: Engineering isn't a zero-sum game - "we can all win" by helping others

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - David Lourie

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA , CEO of Lourie Consultants where he discusses his journey in the geoprofession. Early interests in building and the space program led him to engineering. An ankle injury shifted his path from mechanical engineering and Navy ROTC to civil engineering. A soils class ignited his passion for geotechnical engineering. He worked at STS and the innovative McClellan Engineers before founding Lourie Consultants in New Orleans in 1992. He stresses client focus, technical quality, and service, advising professionals to be curious, give back, and work with class.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA is a respected consulting engineer specializing in geotechnical and geoenvironmental services. He is CEO of Lourie Consultants, the firm he founded in 1992 near New Orleans, Louisiana. His career began in 1979 with Soil Testing Services (STS). In 1981, he joined McClelland Engineers and advanced to become President of Fugro-McClelland (Southeast) in 1990. Mr. Lourie has extensive experience managing large-scale, high-profile engineering and construction projects and conducting forensic investigations. He has been an expert witness in multiple jurisdictions and an independent peer reviewer for major USACE projects. He actively shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Orleans and contributes to the profession through technical and business publications and presentations. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the engineering profession, notably serving as the 39th National President of GBA (formerly ASFE).

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Introduction

  • David Lourie introduction as geotechnical engineer and entrepreneur
  • Currently based in New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Long-standing relationship with host Guy

Early Life and Education

  • Childhood Geography: Born Chicago → Tampa (9 years) → Waterloo, Iowa → back to Chicago
  • Early Interests: Space program, sports, building models, taking things apart
  • Father's Influence: Engineering background, quality control work, taught responsibility through earning baseball glove and car payments
  • Lane Tech High School: 5,000-student all-male selective admission school in Chicago
    • Unique combination of trade classes (machine shop, welding) and college prep
    • Claims most PhD graduates of any US high school
  • High School Job: Gas station attendant - learned responsibility, customer service, fiscal accountability

Career Path

  • College Plans Derailed: Navy ROTC scholarship at Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Pivotal Injury: Baseball ankle injury ended Navy career and scholarship
  • Career Shift: Mechanical → Civil Engineering (fraternity advisor's suggestion)
  • Co-op Program: Alternated work/study semesters to pay for school
  • Graduate School: Master's degree with thesis on coal mine waste embankments in West Virginia
  • First Jobs:
    • Soil Testing Services (STS) in Chicago
    • Metropolitan Sanitary District - worked on Chicago's deep tunnel project
  • McClellan Engineers: Houston-based firm, pioneers in offshore soil mechanics
  • Louisiana Move: Volunteered to salvage struggling office in Lake Charles
  • Fugro Acquisition: Became youngest president in Fugro McClellan worldwide operations
  • Entrepreneurship: Founded Lourie Consultants in New Orleans (1992)
  • Major Projects: $500 million Superdome renovation

Leadership

  • Management Philosophy: Based on McClellan's culture of "lots of freedoms and holding them accountable"
  • Three-Legged Stool: People, technical, financial/business - identified strengths in business development and technical work
  • Client Focus: "Outstanding service and high caliber technical work" - not just lip service
  • Bram McClellan's Philosophy: "Do it right, do it right the first time, and do it with class"
  • Mentoring Approach: Organic, system-wide mentoring vs. formal programs

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • Industry Changes: Erosion of advisor capacity, increased price pressure, less focus on human aspects
  • Technology Philosophy: Leverage technology for client benefit, not just internal efficiency
  • Future Optimism: Firms can differentiate through client focus and personalized service
  • Key Success Factors:
    • Client satisfaction drives profits, not the reverse
    • Alignment of operations with desired outcomes
    • Continued investment in people
    • Acceptance that failure is part of learning

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • Advice for New Professionals:
    • Remain intellectually curious
    • Give back to the profession and pay it forward
    • Have fun doing the work
    • Remember: if you build "on, in, or of the earth," you need geotechnical engineering
  • Key Quote: "Be the difference that makes a difference and hope to inspire before you expire"
  • Professional Motto: Engineering isn't a zero-sum game - "we can all win" by helping others

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - David Lourie

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA , CEO of Lourie Consultants where he discusses his journey in the geoprofession. Early interests in building and the space program led him to engineering. An ankle injury shifted his path from mechanical engineering and Navy ROTC to civil engineering. A soils class ignited his passion for geotechnical engineering. He worked at STS and the innovative McClellan Engineers before founding Lourie Consultants in New Orleans in 1992. He stresses client focus, technical quality, and service, advising professionals to be curious, give back, and work with class.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
David Lourie, PE, D.GE, F.GBA is a respected consulting engineer specializing in geotechnical and geoenvironmental services. He is CEO of Lourie Consultants, the firm he founded in 1992 near New Orleans, Louisiana. His career began in 1979 with Soil Testing Services (STS). In 1981, he joined McClelland Engineers and advanced to become President of Fugro-McClelland (Southeast) in 1990. Mr. Lourie has extensive experience managing large-scale, high-profile engineering and construction projects and conducting forensic investigations. He has been an expert witness in multiple jurisdictions and an independent peer reviewer for major USACE projects. He actively shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Orleans and contributes to the profession through technical and business publications and presentations. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the engineering profession, notably serving as the 39th National President of GBA (formerly ASFE).

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Introduction

  • David Lourie introduction as geotechnical engineer and entrepreneur
  • Currently based in New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Long-standing relationship with host Guy

Early Life and Education

  • Childhood Geography: Born Chicago → Tampa (9 years) → Waterloo, Iowa → back to Chicago
  • Early Interests: Space program, sports, building models, taking things apart
  • Father's Influence: Engineering background, quality control work, taught responsibility through earning baseball glove and car payments
  • Lane Tech High School: 5,000-student all-male selective admission school in Chicago
    • Unique combination of trade classes (machine shop, welding) and college prep
    • Claims most PhD graduates of any US high school
  • High School Job: Gas station attendant - learned responsibility, customer service, fiscal accountability

Career Path

  • College Plans Derailed: Navy ROTC scholarship at Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Pivotal Injury: Baseball ankle injury ended Navy career and scholarship
  • Career Shift: Mechanical → Civil Engineering (fraternity advisor's suggestion)
  • Co-op Program: Alternated work/study semesters to pay for school
  • Graduate School: Master's degree with thesis on coal mine waste embankments in West Virginia
  • First Jobs:
    • Soil Testing Services (STS) in Chicago
    • Metropolitan Sanitary District - worked on Chicago's deep tunnel project
  • McClellan Engineers: Houston-based firm, pioneers in offshore soil mechanics
  • Louisiana Move: Volunteered to salvage struggling office in Lake Charles
  • Fugro Acquisition: Became youngest president in Fugro McClellan worldwide operations
  • Entrepreneurship: Founded Lourie Consultants in New Orleans (1992)
  • Major Projects: $500 million Superdome renovation

Leadership

  • Management Philosophy: Based on McClellan's culture of "lots of freedoms and holding them accountable"
  • Three-Legged Stool: People, technical, financial/business - identified strengths in business development and technical work
  • Client Focus: "Outstanding service and high caliber technical work" - not just lip service
  • Bram McClellan's Philosophy: "Do it right, do it right the first time, and do it with class"
  • Mentoring Approach: Organic, system-wide mentoring vs. formal programs

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • Industry Changes: Erosion of advisor capacity, increased price pressure, less focus on human aspects
  • Technology Philosophy: Leverage technology for client benefit, not just internal efficiency
  • Future Optimism: Firms can differentiate through client focus and personalized service
  • Key Success Factors:
    • Client satisfaction drives profits, not the reverse
    • Alignment of operations with desired outcomes
    • Continued investment in people
    • Acceptance that failure is part of learning

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • Advice for New Professionals:
    • Remain intellectually curious
    • Give back to the profession and pay it forward
    • Have fun doing the work
    • Remember: if you build "on, in, or of the earth," you need geotechnical engineering
  • Key Quote: "Be the difference that makes a difference and hope to inspire before you expire"
  • Professional Motto: Engineering isn't a zero-sum game - "we can all win" by helping others

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+aOMLC5cZ ]]> GeoHeroes - Saiid Behboodi https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh13 843f37e0-8fcc-4e0b-a73f-9cd8406471f1 Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 48:23 false GeoHeroes - Saiid Behboodi

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA, Principal / Geotechnical Engineer at PBS Engineering and Environmental an Apex Company. Saiid's path was shaped by his cultural background and personal journey. His parents instilled a strong philosophy emphasizing education and being an "A student in society," which influenced his move to the US for civil engineering studies at UMass. Despite facing a language barrier, his solid high school background helped him excel. He chose civil engineering due to its high regard abroad, where civil engineers are seen as "heroes." A move to the West Coast led him into geotechnical engineering through serendipity -- a creative teaching approach helpped him secured his first job. A critical influence on his career and business acumen was his involvement with GBA, where he learned crucial knowledge in loss prevention and risk management, leading to a corporate role. Saiid's personal philosophy, rooted in his upbringing and professional journey, stresses continuous learning, mentorship, social skills, and giving back, emphasizing that relationship is key in business.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA is a principal and geotechnical engineer at PBS Engineering and Envrionmental, an Apex company. Saiid was a vice president at Squire Associates before they were acquired by Kleinfelder. At Kleinfelder he served as a national loss prevention officer, NW transportation director and a member of the princiapl professional group. He is a GBA fellow and former President's award winner. With over 40 years of geotechnical engineeirng consulting experiene, Saiid continues to serve as QA/QC reviewer as part of the geotechnical group at PBS.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 00:23 Saiid's Early Life and Education
  • 02:40 Challenges and Experiences in the US
  • 05:05 Move to the US
  • 06:24 Choosing Civil Engineering
  • 08:29 Journey to the West Coast

Career Path

  • 09:55 Career in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 17:17 Entrepreneurial Ventures
  • 20:16 Involvement with GBA
  • 21:53 An Unexpected Reward

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • 23:40 The Geoprofession Today
  • 25:22 Risk Management and Loss Prevention
  • 26:49 Embracing Technological Changes
  • 30:12 Advice for Young Professionals
  • 33:30 Planning for Retirement

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 45:24 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Saiid Behboodi

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA, Principal / Geotechnical Engineer at PBS Engineering and Environmental an Apex Company. Saiid's path was shaped by his cultural background and personal journey. His parents instilled a strong philosophy emphasizing education and being an "A student in society," which influenced his move to the US for civil engineering studies at UMass. Despite facing a language barrier, his solid high school background helped him excel. He chose civil engineering due to its high regard abroad, where civil engineers are seen as "heroes." A move to the West Coast led him into geotechnical engineering through serendipity -- a creative teaching approach helpped him secured his first job. A critical influence on his career and business acumen was his involvement with GBA, where he learned crucial knowledge in loss prevention and risk management, leading to a corporate role. Saiid's personal philosophy, rooted in his upbringing and professional journey, stresses continuous learning, mentorship, social skills, and giving back, emphasizing that relationship is key in business.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA is a principal and geotechnical engineer at PBS Engineering and Envrionmental, an Apex company. Saiid was a vice president at Squire Associates before they were acquired by Kleinfelder. At Kleinfelder he served as a national loss prevention officer, NW transportation director and a member of the princiapl professional group. He is a GBA fellow and former President's award winner. With over 40 years of geotechnical engineeirng consulting experiene, Saiid continues to serve as QA/QC reviewer as part of the geotechnical group at PBS.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 00:23 Saiid's Early Life and Education
  • 02:40 Challenges and Experiences in the US
  • 05:05 Move to the US
  • 06:24 Choosing Civil Engineering
  • 08:29 Journey to the West Coast

Career Path

  • 09:55 Career in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 17:17 Entrepreneurial Ventures
  • 20:16 Involvement with GBA
  • 21:53 An Unexpected Reward

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • 23:40 The Geoprofession Today
  • 25:22 Risk Management and Loss Prevention
  • 26:49 Embracing Technological Changes
  • 30:12 Advice for Young Professionals
  • 33:30 Planning for Retirement

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 45:24 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Saiid Behboodi

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA, Principal / Geotechnical Engineer at PBS Engineering and Environmental an Apex Company. Saiid's path was shaped by his cultural background and personal journey. His parents instilled a strong philosophy emphasizing education and being an "A student in society," which influenced his move to the US for civil engineering studies at UMass. Despite facing a language barrier, his solid high school background helped him excel. He chose civil engineering due to its high regard abroad, where civil engineers are seen as "heroes." A move to the West Coast led him into geotechnical engineering through serendipity -- a creative teaching approach helpped him secured his first job. A critical influence on his career and business acumen was his involvement with GBA, where he learned crucial knowledge in loss prevention and risk management, leading to a corporate role. Saiid's personal philosophy, rooted in his upbringing and professional journey, stresses continuous learning, mentorship, social skills, and giving back, emphasizing that relationship is key in business.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA is a principal and geotechnical engineer at PBS Engineering and Envrionmental, an Apex company. Saiid was a vice president at Squire Associates before they were acquired by Kleinfelder. At Kleinfelder he served as a national loss prevention officer, NW transportation director and a member of the princiapl professional group. He is a GBA fellow and former President's award winner. With over 40 years of geotechnical engineeirng consulting experiene, Saiid continues to serve as QA/QC reviewer as part of the geotechnical group at PBS.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 00:23 Saiid's Early Life and Education
  • 02:40 Challenges and Experiences in the US
  • 05:05 Move to the US
  • 06:24 Choosing Civil Engineering
  • 08:29 Journey to the West Coast

Career Path

  • 09:55 Career in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 17:17 Entrepreneurial Ventures
  • 20:16 Involvement with GBA
  • 21:53 An Unexpected Reward

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • 23:40 The Geoprofession Today
  • 25:22 Risk Management and Loss Prevention
  • 26:49 Embracing Technological Changes
  • 30:12 Advice for Young Professionals
  • 33:30 Planning for Retirement

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 45:24 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+_VTtJw9z ]]> GeoHeroes - Laura Register https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh12 f696edec-77a4-4196-b8ec-b15421f96a42 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 44:48 false GeoHeroes - Laura Register

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA, the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors at Terracon. Laura shares insights into her professional journey, starting with her childhood and early influences, including her father's engineering and entrepreneurial spirit. She recounts her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated engineering field, her career progression through various companies, and her current role at Terracon. Guy and Laura discuss the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, the value it offers, and advice for those entering the field, emphasizing the importance of company culture and mentorship.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA is a passionate advocate and leader for advancing women in their professions. Notably , Laura is the Founder of AEC Power Women, a 300-member group dedicated to educating, showcasing, and connecting female leaders in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). As the first female board member in the history of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), Laura served as GBA's President in 2016-17 and was elected to the GBA Council of Fellows in 2018. She is proud to have co-founded Terracon's iWIL/Increasing Women in Leadership employee resource group.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
  • 00:12 Laura provides a brief professional introduction as the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors at Terracon
  • 00:40 Laura shares personal details about her life outside of work in Tennessee

Early Life and Education

  • 2:07 Discussion about Laura's childhood in Jacksonville, Florida
  • 05:10 Laura reflects on the positive aspects of having older siblings
  • 07:52 How her exploratory nature has continued into adulthood
  • 08:17 The path to the geoprofession influenced by being good at math and science,
  • 10:47 The decision to attend Vanderbilt University School of Engineering

Career Path

  • 12:28 Laura's experience as a woman in a mostly male engineering class
  • 15:17 Joining Law Engineering and finding a supportive community and opportunities in project management
  • 16:11 How rapid growth provided opportunities for younger engineers to manage clients and learn about risk management
  • 19:47 Re-entering corporate consulting and joining Terracon through connections made at GBA
  • 20:34 Laura's 10-year journey at Terracon and her current role as her dream job

Leadership

  • 21:35 Discussion on the keys to success in client-facing roles
  • 23:15 Importance of a focused approach and the idea that the profession is in the business of data and people
  • 24:15 Addressing the lack of a female role model by creating personal boards of directors
  • 25:51 The informal nature and impact of these personal boards of directors

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 26:45 Laura's perspective on the evolving geoprofession
  • 27:36 The geoprofession's involvement from start to finish in projects
  • 27:55 Positive changes in embracing diverse contributors beyond traditional engineers and scientists
  • 29:59 The challenge and opportunity of a shifting workforce and the role of technology and AI
  • 30:58 Laura's view on the core value proposition of geoprofessionals as being present from start to finish of projects

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 42:51 "Take the vacation" to refresh and unplug

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Laura Register

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA, the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors at Terracon. Laura shares insights into her professional journey, starting with her childhood and early influences, including her father's engineering and entrepreneurial spirit. She recounts her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated engineering field, her career progression through various companies, and her current role at Terracon. Guy and Laura discuss the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, the value it offers, and advice for those entering the field, emphasizing the importance of company culture and mentorship.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA is a passionate advocate and leader for advancing women in their professions. Notably , Laura is the Founder of AEC Power Women, a 300-member group dedicated to educating, showcasing, and connecting female leaders in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). As the first female board member in the history of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), Laura served as GBA's President in 2016-17 and was elected to the GBA Council of Fellows in 2018. She is proud to have co-founded Terracon's iWIL/Increasing Women in Leadership employee resource group.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
  • 00:12 Laura provides a brief professional introduction as the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors at Terracon
  • 00:40 Laura shares personal details about her life outside of work in Tennessee

Early Life and Education

  • 2:07 Discussion about Laura's childhood in Jacksonville, Florida
  • 05:10 Laura reflects on the positive aspects of having older siblings
  • 07:52 How her exploratory nature has continued into adulthood
  • 08:17 The path to the geoprofession influenced by being good at math and science,
  • 10:47 The decision to attend Vanderbilt University School of Engineering

Career Path

  • 12:28 Laura's experience as a woman in a mostly male engineering class
  • 15:17 Joining Law Engineering and finding a supportive community and opportunities in project management
  • 16:11 How rapid growth provided opportunities for younger engineers to manage clients and learn about risk management
  • 19:47 Re-entering corporate consulting and joining Terracon through connections made at GBA
  • 20:34 Laura's 10-year journey at Terracon and her current role as her dream job

Leadership

  • 21:35 Discussion on the keys to success in client-facing roles
  • 23:15 Importance of a focused approach and the idea that the profession is in the business of data and people
  • 24:15 Addressing the lack of a female role model by creating personal boards of directors
  • 25:51 The informal nature and impact of these personal boards of directors

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 26:45 Laura's perspective on the evolving geoprofession
  • 27:36 The geoprofession's involvement from start to finish in projects
  • 27:55 Positive changes in embracing diverse contributors beyond traditional engineers and scientists
  • 29:59 The challenge and opportunity of a shifting workforce and the role of technology and AI
  • 30:58 Laura's view on the core value proposition of geoprofessionals as being present from start to finish of projects

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 42:51 "Take the vacation" to refresh and unplug

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Laura Register

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA, the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors at Terracon. Laura shares insights into her professional journey, starting with her childhood and early influences, including her father's engineering and entrepreneurial spirit. She recounts her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated engineering field, her career progression through various companies, and her current role at Terracon. Guy and Laura discuss the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, the value it offers, and advice for those entering the field, emphasizing the importance of company culture and mentorship.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA is a passionate advocate and leader for advancing women in their professions. Notably , Laura is the Founder of AEC Power Women, a 300-member group dedicated to educating, showcasing, and connecting female leaders in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). As the first female board member in the history of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), Laura served as GBA's President in 2016-17 and was elected to the GBA Council of Fellows in 2018. She is proud to have co-founded Terracon's iWIL/Increasing Women in Leadership employee resource group.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
  • 00:12 Laura provides a brief professional introduction as the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors at Terracon
  • 00:40 Laura shares personal details about her life outside of work in Tennessee

Early Life and Education

  • 2:07 Discussion about Laura's childhood in Jacksonville, Florida
  • 05:10 Laura reflects on the positive aspects of having older siblings
  • 07:52 How her exploratory nature has continued into adulthood
  • 08:17 The path to the geoprofession influenced by being good at math and science,
  • 10:47 The decision to attend Vanderbilt University School of Engineering

Career Path

  • 12:28 Laura's experience as a woman in a mostly male engineering class
  • 15:17 Joining Law Engineering and finding a supportive community and opportunities in project management
  • 16:11 How rapid growth provided opportunities for younger engineers to manage clients and learn about risk management
  • 19:47 Re-entering corporate consulting and joining Terracon through connections made at GBA
  • 20:34 Laura's 10-year journey at Terracon and her current role as her dream job

Leadership

  • 21:35 Discussion on the keys to success in client-facing roles
  • 23:15 Importance of a focused approach and the idea that the profession is in the business of data and people
  • 24:15 Addressing the lack of a female role model by creating personal boards of directors
  • 25:51 The informal nature and impact of these personal boards of directors

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 26:45 Laura's perspective on the evolving geoprofession
  • 27:36 The geoprofession's involvement from start to finish in projects
  • 27:55 Positive changes in embracing diverse contributors beyond traditional engineers and scientists
  • 29:59 The challenge and opportunity of a shifting workforce and the role of technology and AI
  • 30:58 Laura's view on the core value proposition of geoprofessionals as being present from start to finish of projects

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 42:51 "Take the vacation" to refresh and unplug

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+3HiktU3S ]]> #55 - Case History - Clients looking for the lowest cost have high expectations! https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch55 2944ca8e-9b8f-44f1-9af1-15962c38b095 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 17:25 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #55 - Clients looking for the lowest cost have high expectations!

Summary

An auto parts manufacturer hires a GBA member-firm to develop remediation recommendations for the contaminated area where underground storage tanks leaked. The client did not accept the recommendations of the consultant and pressed for a quicker alternative. When the contaminant was discovered in a larger area, the client accused the consultant of breach of conduct.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the National Practice Team Manager - Geotechnical at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Clients' and client representatives' attitudes are important aspects of any effective go/no-go analysis.
  • When the principal client representative has little understanding of the situation, and refuses to spend the time required to gain essential education, a claims problem is almost guaranteed.
  • Strong communication is vital to successful projects and client relationships.
  • Contracts lay the foundation for a project's outcome so their review is essential.
  • Risk should be managed proactively and already having the right legal counsel on your team is extremely valuable.

Calls-to-action:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #55 - Clients looking for the lowest cost have high expectations!

Summary

An auto parts manufacturer hires a GBA member-firm to develop remediation recommendations for the contaminated area where underground storage tanks leaked. The client did not accept the recommendations of the consultant and pressed for a quicker alternative. When the contaminant was discovered in a larger area, the client accused the consultant of breach of conduct.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the National Practice Team Manager - Geotechnical at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Clients' and client representatives' attitudes are important aspects of any effective go/no-go analysis.
  • When the principal client representative has little understanding of the situation, and refuses to spend the time required to gain essential education, a claims problem is almost guaranteed.
  • Strong communication is vital to successful projects and client relationships.
  • Contracts lay the foundation for a project's outcome so their review is essential.
  • Risk should be managed proactively and already having the right legal counsel on your team is extremely valuable.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #55 - Clients looking for the lowest cost have high expectations!

Summary

An auto parts manufacturer hires a GBA member-firm to develop remediation recommendations for the contaminated area where underground storage tanks leaked. The client did not accept the recommendations of the consultant and pressed for a quicker alternative. When the contaminant was discovered in a larger area, the client accused the consultant of breach of conduct.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the National Practice Team Manager - Geotechnical at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • Clients' and client representatives' attitudes are important aspects of any effective go/no-go analysis.
  • When the principal client representative has little understanding of the situation, and refuses to spend the time required to gain essential education, a claims problem is almost guaranteed.
  • Strong communication is vital to successful projects and client relationships.
  • Contracts lay the foundation for a project's outcome so their review is essential.
  • Risk should be managed proactively and already having the right legal counsel on your team is extremely valuable.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+KuhO8QTO ]]> GeoHeroes - Vic Donald https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh11 0ce5d352-0426-463b-b85f-2749d0eea5b9 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 48:21 false GeoHeroes - Vic Donald

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Vic Donald Vic Donald, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 46 years of experience. Vic shares his journey from the Deep South to becoming an engineer with a passion for geotechnical innovation. He discusses his educational background at LSU, early career experiences, and the formative influence of mentors. They delve into Vic's perspectives on the challenges of commoditization, the importance of safety in engineering, and the continuous need for professional development. Vic emphasizes the vital role of passion, mentorship, and adaptability in the evolving landscape of geotechnical engineering, offering valuable insights into the future of the profession and its intersection with technology and data management.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
After obtaining a BS and MS in Civil Engineering for Louisiana State University, Vic Donald P.E., has served for over 45 years as a geoprofessional consultant. In the 1980s, '90s and 2000s Vic built an excellent geoprofessional practice in the Southeast United States. He eventually merged his firm into Terracon, and he served for a decade as the geotechnical service line director for Terracon, leading visionary strategy and championing quality for the largest geotechnical consulting practice in the U.S. Now Vic works as a Sr. Consultant, working with Terracon to advance innovative ideas and solutions for their nationwide practice.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 00:13 Vic Donald's Early Life and Education
  • 01:41 Growing Up in the South
  • 02:29 High School Years and Early Jobs
  • 04:12 Discovering Engineering

Career Path

  • 06:37 College and Early Career
  • 09:17 Building a Career in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 12:36 Joining and Growing with Terracon

Leadership

  • 18:32 Challenges and Mentorship

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 21:43 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 23:34 The Art of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 25:31 Embracing Technology in Engineering
  • 29:33 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 33:32 The Value of Mentorship and Career Reflections

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 44:14 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Engineers

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Vic Donald

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Vic Donald Vic Donald, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 46 years of experience. Vic shares his journey from the Deep South to becoming an engineer with a passion for geotechnical innovation. He discusses his educational background at LSU, early career experiences, and the formative influence of mentors. They delve into Vic's perspectives on the challenges of commoditization, the importance of safety in engineering, and the continuous need for professional development. Vic emphasizes the vital role of passion, mentorship, and adaptability in the evolving landscape of geotechnical engineering, offering valuable insights into the future of the profession and its intersection with technology and data management.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
After obtaining a BS and MS in Civil Engineering for Louisiana State University, Vic Donald P.E., has served for over 45 years as a geoprofessional consultant. In the 1980s, '90s and 2000s Vic built an excellent geoprofessional practice in the Southeast United States. He eventually merged his firm into Terracon, and he served for a decade as the geotechnical service line director for Terracon, leading visionary strategy and championing quality for the largest geotechnical consulting practice in the U.S. Now Vic works as a Sr. Consultant, working with Terracon to advance innovative ideas and solutions for their nationwide practice.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 00:13 Vic Donald's Early Life and Education
  • 01:41 Growing Up in the South
  • 02:29 High School Years and Early Jobs
  • 04:12 Discovering Engineering

Career Path

  • 06:37 College and Early Career
  • 09:17 Building a Career in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 12:36 Joining and Growing with Terracon

Leadership

  • 18:32 Challenges and Mentorship

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 21:43 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 23:34 The Art of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 25:31 Embracing Technology in Engineering
  • 29:33 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 33:32 The Value of Mentorship and Career Reflections

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 44:14 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Engineers

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Vic Donald

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Vic Donald Vic Donald, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 46 years of experience. Vic shares his journey from the Deep South to becoming an engineer with a passion for geotechnical innovation. He discusses his educational background at LSU, early career experiences, and the formative influence of mentors. They delve into Vic's perspectives on the challenges of commoditization, the importance of safety in engineering, and the continuous need for professional development. Vic emphasizes the vital role of passion, mentorship, and adaptability in the evolving landscape of geotechnical engineering, offering valuable insights into the future of the profession and its intersection with technology and data management.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
After obtaining a BS and MS in Civil Engineering for Louisiana State University, Vic Donald P.E., has served for over 45 years as a geoprofessional consultant. In the 1980s, '90s and 2000s Vic built an excellent geoprofessional practice in the Southeast United States. He eventually merged his firm into Terracon, and he served for a decade as the geotechnical service line director for Terracon, leading visionary strategy and championing quality for the largest geotechnical consulting practice in the U.S. Now Vic works as a Sr. Consultant, working with Terracon to advance innovative ideas and solutions for their nationwide practice.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 00:13 Vic Donald's Early Life and Education
  • 01:41 Growing Up in the South
  • 02:29 High School Years and Early Jobs
  • 04:12 Discovering Engineering

Career Path

  • 06:37 College and Early Career
  • 09:17 Building a Career in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 12:36 Joining and Growing with Terracon

Leadership

  • 18:32 Challenges and Mentorship

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 21:43 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 23:34 The Art of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 25:31 Embracing Technology in Engineering
  • 29:33 The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
  • 33:32 The Value of Mentorship and Career Reflections

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 44:14 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future Engineers

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+a6bbdszZ ]]> #50 - Case History - You can do the right thing, but it can still go wrong! https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch50 f687e46e-3b3a-4412-9fef-91a39fc488ac Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 24:21 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #50 - You can do the right thing, but it can still go wrong!

Summary

An environmental consultant performed a remedial investigation and feasibility study for a state water commission on a Superfund site. When the approval process and project start date gets delayed, the new project manager makes modifications on the proposals and procedures but fails to obtain proper approvals. To avoid a litigation with water commission, the principal in charge offers to complete an approved remedial investigation.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • The best project teams are both technically proficient AND business savvy.
  • Don't lose sight of what you don't know. Remember, we all have blind spots.
  • Regulatory requirements must be followed unless approved and documented in advance by the appropriate authorities.
  • Navigating relationships between Agencies and Project Parties requires a delicate balance of diplomacy, assertiveness, and a firm commitment to doing things by the book.
  • Financial fortitude shows a firm's commitment to integrity and accountability.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #50 - You can do the right thing, but it can still go wrong!

Summary

An environmental consultant performed a remedial investigation and feasibility study for a state water commission on a Superfund site. When the approval process and project start date gets delayed, the new project manager makes modifications on the proposals and procedures but fails to obtain proper approvals. To avoid a litigation with water commission, the principal in charge offers to complete an approved remedial investigation.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • The best project teams are both technically proficient AND business savvy.
  • Don't lose sight of what you don't know. Remember, we all have blind spots.
  • Regulatory requirements must be followed unless approved and documented in advance by the appropriate authorities.
  • Navigating relationships between Agencies and Project Parties requires a delicate balance of diplomacy, assertiveness, and a firm commitment to doing things by the book.
  • Financial fortitude shows a firm's commitment to integrity and accountability.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #50 - You can do the right thing, but it can still go wrong!

Summary

An environmental consultant performed a remedial investigation and feasibility study for a state water commission on a Superfund site. When the approval process and project start date gets delayed, the new project manager makes modifications on the proposals and procedures but fails to obtain proper approvals. To avoid a litigation with water commission, the principal in charge offers to complete an approved remedial investigation.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups.

Lessons Learned:

  • The best project teams are both technically proficient AND business savvy.
  • Don't lose sight of what you don't know. Remember, we all have blind spots.
  • Regulatory requirements must be followed unless approved and documented in advance by the appropriate authorities.
  • Navigating relationships between Agencies and Project Parties requires a delicate balance of diplomacy, assertiveness, and a firm commitment to doing things by the book.
  • Financial fortitude shows a firm's commitment to integrity and accountability.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+QeGxuiAv ]]> GeoHeroes - Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh10 78affa8d-2ec6-481b-8bf0-c3341a9a4aee Wed, 26 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 50:45 false GeoHeroes - Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez, Geotechnical Group Leader at BSK Associates, who shares her inspiring journey from a youth spent moving around the U.S. to becoming a leading figure in the geotechnical industry. Carrie discusses her early life, education, and varied career path, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her professional trajectory. She also provides insights into her leadership style, involvement in GBA, and her thoughts on the future of the geoprofession. Listeners will gain valuable advice for aspiring engineers and a deeper understanding of the geotechnical landscape.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez – Carrie Rodriguez is a senior geotechnical engineer at BSK Associates in Livermore, California. She has been in this business for about 22 years, and is the geotechnical technical lead for BSK, as well as the geotechnical group manager in Livermore. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington (1996) and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (2002). She is professionally licensed as both a civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. She is a director-at-large on the GBA board of directors.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 01:21 Carrie's Early Life and Background
  • 05:28 High School and College Journey

Career Path

  • 11:17 First Jobs and Lessons Learned
  • 12:43 Transition to Geotechnical Engineering
  • 17:14 Balancing Career and Family

Leadership

  • 21:31 Current Role and Reflections
  • 23:52 Advocating for Geotechnical Engineering

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 24:50 Changes in the Geoprofession
  • 27:05 Engaging the Younger Generation
  • 32:17 Harnessing Social Media and Technology

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 48:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez, Geotechnical Group Leader at BSK Associates, who shares her inspiring journey from a youth spent moving around the U.S. to becoming a leading figure in the geotechnical industry. Carrie discusses her early life, education, and varied career path, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her professional trajectory. She also provides insights into her leadership style, involvement in GBA, and her thoughts on the future of the geoprofession. Listeners will gain valuable advice for aspiring engineers and a deeper understanding of the geotechnical landscape.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez – Carrie Rodriguez is a senior geotechnical engineer at BSK Associates in Livermore, California. She has been in this business for about 22 years, and is the geotechnical technical lead for BSK, as well as the geotechnical group manager in Livermore. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington (1996) and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (2002). She is professionally licensed as both a civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. She is a director-at-large on the GBA board of directors.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 01:21 Carrie's Early Life and Background
  • 05:28 High School and College Journey

Career Path

  • 11:17 First Jobs and Lessons Learned
  • 12:43 Transition to Geotechnical Engineering
  • 17:14 Balancing Career and Family

Leadership

  • 21:31 Current Role and Reflections
  • 23:52 Advocating for Geotechnical Engineering

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 24:50 Changes in the Geoprofession
  • 27:05 Engaging the Younger Generation
  • 32:17 Harnessing Social Media and Technology

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 48:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez, Geotechnical Group Leader at BSK Associates, who shares her inspiring journey from a youth spent moving around the U.S. to becoming a leading figure in the geotechnical industry. Carrie discusses her early life, education, and varied career path, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges that shaped her professional trajectory. She also provides insights into her leadership style, involvement in GBA, and her thoughts on the future of the geoprofession. Listeners will gain valuable advice for aspiring engineers and a deeper understanding of the geotechnical landscape.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez – Carrie Rodriguez is a senior geotechnical engineer at BSK Associates in Livermore, California. She has been in this business for about 22 years, and is the geotechnical technical lead for BSK, as well as the geotechnical group manager in Livermore. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington (1996) and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley (2002). She is professionally licensed as both a civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. She is a director-at-large on the GBA board of directors.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 01:21 Carrie's Early Life and Background
  • 05:28 High School and College Journey

Career Path

  • 11:17 First Jobs and Lessons Learned
  • 12:43 Transition to Geotechnical Engineering
  • 17:14 Balancing Career and Family

Leadership

  • 21:31 Current Role and Reflections
  • 23:52 Advocating for Geotechnical Engineering

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 24:50 Changes in the Geoprofession
  • 27:05 Engaging the Younger Generation
  • 32:17 Harnessing Social Media and Technology

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 48:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+zaeBNcQz ]]> GeoHeroes - Jay Martin https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh09 66cb038f-447d-408e-8e90-095e2f374624 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry 37:50 false GeoHeroes - Jay Martin

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Jay Martin, retired Senior Vice President at WSP, to discuss his long and varied career in geotechnical engineering. Jay shares his personal background, moving from Louisville to Nashville, and his path through various roles and mentorships within the field. They explore the cultural adjustments, the evolution of the geotechnical profession, and the future of geoprofessionals. Jay offers advice for those entering the field and reflects on his career's impact and lessons learned.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Jay Martin - Over Jay’s forty-three-year career he served as a senior professional and principal engineer in the engineering consulting industry with a background for both privately held and publicly traded companies. Jay has a great balance of experience in operations, sales, and management, with a background in geotechnical, civil & environmental services, Prior to retiring at the end of 2022, he was a Senior Vice President and member of the global Strategy and Development team leading the Transportation Sector. Jay continues to consult part-time.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

Early Life and Education

  • 00:14 Jay's Background and Early Life
  • 01:26 Growing Up in Louisville
  • 03:11 Educational Journey and Early Career

Career Path

  • 08:36 Career Development and Mentorship
  • 14:17 Cultural Shifts and Work-Life Balance
  • 16:50 Career Progression and Acquisitions

Leadership

  • 20:57 Reflections on Mentorship and Client Relations

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 21:38 Current Views on the Geoprofession

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 35:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Jay Martin

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Jay Martin, retired Senior Vice President at WSP, to discuss his long and varied career in geotechnical engineering. Jay shares his personal background, moving from Louisville to Nashville, and his path through various roles and mentorships within the field. They explore the cultural adjustments, the evolution of the geotechnical profession, and the future of geoprofessionals. Jay offers advice for those entering the field and reflects on his career's impact and lessons learned.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Jay Martin - Over Jay’s forty-three-year career he served as a senior professional and principal engineer in the engineering consulting industry with a background for both privately held and publicly traded companies. Jay has a great balance of experience in operations, sales, and management, with a background in geotechnical, civil & environmental services, Prior to retiring at the end of 2022, he was a Senior Vice President and member of the global Strategy and Development team leading the Transportation Sector. Jay continues to consult part-time.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

Early Life and Education

  • 00:14 Jay's Background and Early Life
  • 01:26 Growing Up in Louisville
  • 03:11 Educational Journey and Early Career

Career Path

  • 08:36 Career Development and Mentorship
  • 14:17 Cultural Shifts and Work-Life Balance
  • 16:50 Career Progression and Acquisitions

Leadership

  • 20:57 Reflections on Mentorship and Client Relations

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 21:38 Current Views on the Geoprofession

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 35:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Jay Martin

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Jay Martin, retired Senior Vice President at WSP, to discuss his long and varied career in geotechnical engineering. Jay shares his personal background, moving from Louisville to Nashville, and his path through various roles and mentorships within the field. They explore the cultural adjustments, the evolution of the geotechnical profession, and the future of geoprofessionals. Jay offers advice for those entering the field and reflects on his career's impact and lessons learned.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Jay Martin - Over Jay’s forty-three-year career he served as a senior professional and principal engineer in the engineering consulting industry with a background for both privately held and publicly traded companies. Jay has a great balance of experience in operations, sales, and management, with a background in geotechnical, civil & environmental services, Prior to retiring at the end of 2022, he was a Senior Vice President and member of the global Strategy and Development team leading the Transportation Sector. Jay continues to consult part-time.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

Early Life and Education

  • 00:14 Jay's Background and Early Life
  • 01:26 Growing Up in Louisville
  • 03:11 Educational Journey and Early Career

Career Path

  • 08:36 Career Development and Mentorship
  • 14:17 Cultural Shifts and Work-Life Balance
  • 16:50 Career Progression and Acquisitions

Leadership

  • 20:57 Reflections on Mentorship and Client Relations

The Geoprofessional Landscape

  • 21:38 Current Views on the Geoprofession

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 35:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+NdNac-9X ]]> GeoHeroes - Kent Bannister https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh08 a9aac278-0f53-4984-a460-7d8f2f26e124 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 41:29 false GeoHeroes - Kent Bannister

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kent Bannister president and CEO of TREK Geotechnical. The discussion traces Bannister's life, starting with his childhood in Winnipeg and his early work experiences, such as his memorable stint at McDonald's and a job at the Royal Bank of Canada. The conversation explores his academic journey, leading to his career in geotechnical engineering and eventual leadership at TREK. Bannister also shares insights on the geotechnical profession, emphasizing risk management, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of technology. He offers career advice and discusses the challenges and opportunities within the field, reflecting on his own experiences and aspirations for the future of TREK Geotechnical.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Kent Bannister - Kent is the President and CEO of TREK Geotechnical Inc., a firm located in Winnipeg, Canada. Over the past 15 years, TREK has grown from a 3-person geotechnical engineering firm to a staff of over 65 employees offering geotechnical, water resources, and environmental engineering services along with a full-service materials testing laboratory. In addition to his corporate duties, Kent also acts as the geotechnical design lead or reviewer on a variety of projects including several large multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. Over the past 26 years Kent has worked on projects across Canada’s prairie provinces and northern Canada. He has been employed with TREK since 2012. Kent presently is a member of the board of directors of the GBA and the Canadian Foundation for Geotechnique. He has previously served on the executive committee and the board of directors of the Canadian Geotechnical Society.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction (00:00)

Early Life and Education (00:00:51)

  • Born in Calgary, Alberta, Kent moved frequently during his childhood attending six different schools by grade 10.
  • Moving around a lot taught him to adapt to uncomfortable situations.
  • He enjoyed math and physics in school but admits he didn't have much patience for history and English.
  • Kent's first job was at McDonald's at age 15. He also worked at the Royal Bank of Canada.

Career Path (11:55)

  • Kent gained valuable experience through summer internships at AMEC (now WSP).
  • He began his career in consulting, working for KGS Group and AMEC in Winnipeg and Edmonton.
  • He spent time in Fort McMurray, Alberta, working on oil sands tailings ponds.
  • Later, Kent joined Manitoba Hydro, focusing on dam safety and geotechnical support for electrical transmission group.
  • In 2012, Kent joined Trek Geotechnical.

Leadership and Challenges (16:50)

  • Kent discusses the challenges of transitioning from a technical role to management.
  • He highlights the significance of understanding and relating to people.
  • As CEO, Kent is focused on strategic planning, geographical expansion, and becoming more forward-looking.

The Geoprofessional Landscape (25:00)

  • Kent believes the demand for geo-professional services is growing due to aging infrastructure and climate change.
  • He emphasizes the importance of strong technical skills, risk management, and communication.
  • The Canadian Geotechnical Society focuses on landslide risks and aging infrastructure.
  • Geotechnical engineering in Canada involves a broader scope of work and less specialization compared to the United States.
  • He acknowledges the challenges of recruiting staff due to travel, long hours, and seasonal work but emphasizes the unique experiences gained in remote locations such as Baffin Island which is close to the North Pole.

Technology and the Future (31:50)

  • Kent acknowledges the significant impact of technology on the profession, particularly the availability of analytical tools and information.
  • He believes big data and AI will drive future changes, requiring firms to adapt and leverage these technologies.
  • He anticipates a gradual evolution rather than dramatic shifts in the profession.

Speed Round (35:35:55)

  • [BOOK] The Stand by Stephen King
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5, citing the aging infrastructure and climate change as key drivers.
  • Biggest impact: Mentoring junior engineers.
  • Biggest regret: Not pursuing a PhD.
  • Advice for those entering the profession: "Say yes when opportunity presents itself". Also, trust people, get involved in the profession outside of work, and remember to prioritize personal health and family.

"Say yes when opportunity presents itself."

"Trust people until they give you a reason not to."

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Kent Bannister

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kent Bannister president and CEO of TREK Geotechnical. The discussion traces Bannister's life, starting with his childhood in Winnipeg and his early work experiences, such as his memorable stint at McDonald's and a job at the Royal Bank of Canada. The conversation explores his academic journey, leading to his career in geotechnical engineering and eventual leadership at TREK. Bannister also shares insights on the geotechnical profession, emphasizing risk management, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of technology. He offers career advice and discusses the challenges and opportunities within the field, reflecting on his own experiences and aspirations for the future of TREK Geotechnical.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Kent Bannister - Kent is the President and CEO of TREK Geotechnical Inc., a firm located in Winnipeg, Canada. Over the past 15 years, TREK has grown from a 3-person geotechnical engineering firm to a staff of over 65 employees offering geotechnical, water resources, and environmental engineering services along with a full-service materials testing laboratory. In addition to his corporate duties, Kent also acts as the geotechnical design lead or reviewer on a variety of projects including several large multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. Over the past 26 years Kent has worked on projects across Canada’s prairie provinces and northern Canada. He has been employed with TREK since 2012. Kent presently is a member of the board of directors of the GBA and the Canadian Foundation for Geotechnique. He has previously served on the executive committee and the board of directors of the Canadian Geotechnical Society.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction (00:00)

Early Life and Education (00:00:51)

  • Born in Calgary, Alberta, Kent moved frequently during his childhood attending six different schools by grade 10.
  • Moving around a lot taught him to adapt to uncomfortable situations.
  • He enjoyed math and physics in school but admits he didn't have much patience for history and English.
  • Kent's first job was at McDonald's at age 15. He also worked at the Royal Bank of Canada.

Career Path (11:55)

  • Kent gained valuable experience through summer internships at AMEC (now WSP).
  • He began his career in consulting, working for KGS Group and AMEC in Winnipeg and Edmonton.
  • He spent time in Fort McMurray, Alberta, working on oil sands tailings ponds.
  • Later, Kent joined Manitoba Hydro, focusing on dam safety and geotechnical support for electrical transmission group.
  • In 2012, Kent joined Trek Geotechnical.

Leadership and Challenges (16:50)

  • Kent discusses the challenges of transitioning from a technical role to management.
  • He highlights the significance of understanding and relating to people.
  • As CEO, Kent is focused on strategic planning, geographical expansion, and becoming more forward-looking.

The Geoprofessional Landscape (25:00)

  • Kent believes the demand for geo-professional services is growing due to aging infrastructure and climate change.
  • He emphasizes the importance of strong technical skills, risk management, and communication.
  • The Canadian Geotechnical Society focuses on landslide risks and aging infrastructure.
  • Geotechnical engineering in Canada involves a broader scope of work and less specialization compared to the United States.
  • He acknowledges the challenges of recruiting staff due to travel, long hours, and seasonal work but emphasizes the unique experiences gained in remote locations such as Baffin Island which is close to the North Pole.

Technology and the Future (31:50)

  • Kent acknowledges the significant impact of technology on the profession, particularly the availability of analytical tools and information.
  • He believes big data and AI will drive future changes, requiring firms to adapt and leverage these technologies.
  • He anticipates a gradual evolution rather than dramatic shifts in the profession.

Speed Round (35:35:55)

  • [BOOK] The Stand by Stephen King
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5, citing the aging infrastructure and climate change as key drivers.
  • Biggest impact: Mentoring junior engineers.
  • Biggest regret: Not pursuing a PhD.
  • Advice for those entering the profession: "Say yes when opportunity presents itself". Also, trust people, get involved in the profession outside of work, and remember to prioritize personal health and family.

"Say yes when opportunity presents itself."

"Trust people until they give you a reason not to."

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Kent Bannister

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kent Bannister president and CEO of TREK Geotechnical. The discussion traces Bannister's life, starting with his childhood in Winnipeg and his early work experiences, such as his memorable stint at McDonald's and a job at the Royal Bank of Canada. The conversation explores his academic journey, leading to his career in geotechnical engineering and eventual leadership at TREK. Bannister also shares insights on the geotechnical profession, emphasizing risk management, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of technology. He offers career advice and discusses the challenges and opportunities within the field, reflecting on his own experiences and aspirations for the future of TREK Geotechnical.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Kent Bannister - Kent is the President and CEO of TREK Geotechnical Inc., a firm located in Winnipeg, Canada. Over the past 15 years, TREK has grown from a 3-person geotechnical engineering firm to a staff of over 65 employees offering geotechnical, water resources, and environmental engineering services along with a full-service materials testing laboratory. In addition to his corporate duties, Kent also acts as the geotechnical design lead or reviewer on a variety of projects including several large multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. Over the past 26 years Kent has worked on projects across Canada’s prairie provinces and northern Canada. He has been employed with TREK since 2012. Kent presently is a member of the board of directors of the GBA and the Canadian Foundation for Geotechnique. He has previously served on the executive committee and the board of directors of the Canadian Geotechnical Society.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction (00:00)

Early Life and Education (00:00:51)

  • Born in Calgary, Alberta, Kent moved frequently during his childhood attending six different schools by grade 10.
  • Moving around a lot taught him to adapt to uncomfortable situations.
  • He enjoyed math and physics in school but admits he didn't have much patience for history and English.
  • Kent's first job was at McDonald's at age 15. He also worked at the Royal Bank of Canada.

Career Path (11:55)

  • Kent gained valuable experience through summer internships at AMEC (now WSP).
  • He began his career in consulting, working for KGS Group and AMEC in Winnipeg and Edmonton.
  • He spent time in Fort McMurray, Alberta, working on oil sands tailings ponds.
  • Later, Kent joined Manitoba Hydro, focusing on dam safety and geotechnical support for electrical transmission group.
  • In 2012, Kent joined Trek Geotechnical.

Leadership and Challenges (16:50)

  • Kent discusses the challenges of transitioning from a technical role to management.
  • He highlights the significance of understanding and relating to people.
  • As CEO, Kent is focused on strategic planning, geographical expansion, and becoming more forward-looking.

The Geoprofessional Landscape (25:00)

  • Kent believes the demand for geo-professional services is growing due to aging infrastructure and climate change.
  • He emphasizes the importance of strong technical skills, risk management, and communication.
  • The Canadian Geotechnical Society focuses on landslide risks and aging infrastructure.
  • Geotechnical engineering in Canada involves a broader scope of work and less specialization compared to the United States.
  • He acknowledges the challenges of recruiting staff due to travel, long hours, and seasonal work but emphasizes the unique experiences gained in remote locations such as Baffin Island which is close to the North Pole.

Technology and the Future (31:50)

  • Kent acknowledges the significant impact of technology on the profession, particularly the availability of analytical tools and information.
  • He believes big data and AI will drive future changes, requiring firms to adapt and leverage these technologies.
  • He anticipates a gradual evolution rather than dramatic shifts in the profession.

Speed Round (35:35:55)

  • [BOOK] The Stand by Stephen King
  • Optimism index: 4 out of 5, citing the aging infrastructure and climate change as key drivers.
  • Biggest impact: Mentoring junior engineers.
  • Biggest regret: Not pursuing a PhD.
  • Advice for those entering the profession: "Say yes when opportunity presents itself". Also, trust people, get involved in the profession outside of work, and remember to prioritize personal health and family.

"Say yes when opportunity presents itself."

"Trust people until they give you a reason not to."

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+pBY4Kjnn ]]> GeoHeroes - Teresa Peterson https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh07 eba23080-7183-4b54-a42c-92a1dd3bc344 Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 39:50 false GeoHeroes - Teresa Peterson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Teresa Peterson, a vice president at Gannett Fleming TranSystems and incoming president of GBA. The conversation traces Peterson's career path, highlighting her academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania, her early interests in environmental engineering, and her subsequent career progression into project management within various engineering sectors. Peterson emphasizes the importance of soft skills, systems thinking, and continuous learning in her success. She also discusses the evolving role of engineers in a world facing climate change and technological advancements, advocating for increased collaboration and communication between professionals and the public. Finally, she encourages listeners to actively shape their careers and seek opportunities for growth and development.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Teresa Peterson, P.E., LEED AP, ENV SP - Teresa L. Peterson, P.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP is a Vice President with Gannett Fleming TranSystems in their Power Group. She also serves as their Corporate Sustainability Officer leading the company on their sustainability journey. She has over 24 years in the industry and is still in love with her chosen profession. She considers herself fortunate to have worked on projects across all facets of the built environment including transportation, rail, water, wastewater, buildings, and now the power and energy sectors. Teresa is also the President-Elect of GBA where she plans to use her diverse background to help spread the message and value of geoprofessionals. In her spare time you can usually find her holed up in a coffee shop with a good book.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Early Life and Education

  • Early Life and Interests (0:32 - 1:02)
  • Impact of Geography (1:02 - 1:52)
  • Reading Habits (1:52 - 2:53)
  • Ivy League Experience (2:53 - 3:51)

Choosing Engineering

  • Path to Engineering (3:51 - 6:40)
  • Artificial Neural Networks (6:40 - 7:44)

Career Path

  • Early Jobs and Work Ethic (7:44 - 9:30)
  • From EIT to Project Management (9:30 - 13:12)
  • Cross-Training and GBA Involvement (13:12 - 15:53)

Systems Thinking and the Future of Engineering

  • Systems Thinking and Critical Thinking (15:53 - 18:54)
  • Expanding the Definition of "Geoprofessional" (18:54 - 22:11)
  • The Role of Engineers in Society (22:11 - 23:50)
  • Climate Change and Non-Stationarity (23:50 - 27:27)
  • Disruptive Technologies (27:27 - 30:21)
  • The Future of Engineering (30:21 - 32:19)

Reflections and Advice

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Teresa Peterson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Teresa Peterson, a vice president at Gannett Fleming TranSystems and incoming president of GBA. The conversation traces Peterson's career path, highlighting her academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania, her early interests in environmental engineering, and her subsequent career progression into project management within various engineering sectors. Peterson emphasizes the importance of soft skills, systems thinking, and continuous learning in her success. She also discusses the evolving role of engineers in a world facing climate change and technological advancements, advocating for increased collaboration and communication between professionals and the public. Finally, she encourages listeners to actively shape their careers and seek opportunities for growth and development.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Teresa Peterson, P.E., LEED AP, ENV SP - Teresa L. Peterson, P.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP is a Vice President with Gannett Fleming TranSystems in their Power Group. She also serves as their Corporate Sustainability Officer leading the company on their sustainability journey. She has over 24 years in the industry and is still in love with her chosen profession. She considers herself fortunate to have worked on projects across all facets of the built environment including transportation, rail, water, wastewater, buildings, and now the power and energy sectors. Teresa is also the President-Elect of GBA where she plans to use her diverse background to help spread the message and value of geoprofessionals. In her spare time you can usually find her holed up in a coffee shop with a good book.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Early Life and Education

  • Early Life and Interests (0:32 - 1:02)
  • Impact of Geography (1:02 - 1:52)
  • Reading Habits (1:52 - 2:53)
  • Ivy League Experience (2:53 - 3:51)

Choosing Engineering

  • Path to Engineering (3:51 - 6:40)
  • Artificial Neural Networks (6:40 - 7:44)

Career Path

  • Early Jobs and Work Ethic (7:44 - 9:30)
  • From EIT to Project Management (9:30 - 13:12)
  • Cross-Training and GBA Involvement (13:12 - 15:53)

Systems Thinking and the Future of Engineering

  • Systems Thinking and Critical Thinking (15:53 - 18:54)
  • Expanding the Definition of "Geoprofessional" (18:54 - 22:11)
  • The Role of Engineers in Society (22:11 - 23:50)
  • Climate Change and Non-Stationarity (23:50 - 27:27)
  • Disruptive Technologies (27:27 - 30:21)
  • The Future of Engineering (30:21 - 32:19)

Reflections and Advice

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Teresa Peterson

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Teresa Peterson, a vice president at Gannett Fleming TranSystems and incoming president of GBA. The conversation traces Peterson's career path, highlighting her academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania, her early interests in environmental engineering, and her subsequent career progression into project management within various engineering sectors. Peterson emphasizes the importance of soft skills, systems thinking, and continuous learning in her success. She also discusses the evolving role of engineers in a world facing climate change and technological advancements, advocating for increased collaboration and communication between professionals and the public. Finally, she encourages listeners to actively shape their careers and seek opportunities for growth and development.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Teresa Peterson, P.E., LEED AP, ENV SP - Teresa L. Peterson, P.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP is a Vice President with Gannett Fleming TranSystems in their Power Group. She also serves as their Corporate Sustainability Officer leading the company on their sustainability journey. She has over 24 years in the industry and is still in love with her chosen profession. She considers herself fortunate to have worked on projects across all facets of the built environment including transportation, rail, water, wastewater, buildings, and now the power and energy sectors. Teresa is also the President-Elect of GBA where she plans to use her diverse background to help spread the message and value of geoprofessionals. In her spare time you can usually find her holed up in a coffee shop with a good book.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Early Life and Education

  • Early Life and Interests (0:32 - 1:02)
  • Impact of Geography (1:02 - 1:52)
  • Reading Habits (1:52 - 2:53)
  • Ivy League Experience (2:53 - 3:51)

Choosing Engineering

  • Path to Engineering (3:51 - 6:40)
  • Artificial Neural Networks (6:40 - 7:44)

Career Path

  • Early Jobs and Work Ethic (7:44 - 9:30)
  • From EIT to Project Management (9:30 - 13:12)
  • Cross-Training and GBA Involvement (13:12 - 15:53)

Systems Thinking and the Future of Engineering

  • Systems Thinking and Critical Thinking (15:53 - 18:54)
  • Expanding the Definition of "Geoprofessional" (18:54 - 22:11)
  • The Role of Engineers in Society (22:11 - 23:50)
  • Climate Change and Non-Stationarity (23:50 - 27:27)
  • Disruptive Technologies (27:27 - 30:21)
  • The Future of Engineering (30:21 - 32:19)

Reflections and Advice

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+a9cyRFdT ]]> GeoHeroes - Kurt Fraese https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh06 d5d07c6f-2c5b-4c00-a138-48f237e7e84e Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 54:16 false GeoHeroes - Kurt Fraese

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kurt Fraese, exploring Fraese's career journey, from his childhood interests to his leadership roles at various firms, including his time as CEO of GeoEngineers. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, preparedness, and a long-term vision. Fraese also discusses the future of the geoprofession, emphasizing the need for embracing technology and strengthening community engagement. Finally, he shares advice for aspiring geoprofessionals, focusing on the interconnectedness of businesses, clients, and communities.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Kurt Fraese has provided consulting services to clients in the Energy, Development, Transportation, Federal Government and Water and Natural Resource markets since beginning his career with Woodward-Clyde Consultants in 1983, serving in their geophysics division and later in their dams and tunnels group. Kurt joined GeoEngineers in 1988, became CEO/President in March of 2007 and retired from the firm in April 2017. His technical expertise is primarily focused on assessment and remediation of hazardous substances in various media. He has served as project manager and/or principal in charge of over 1200 site studies. His business experience includes strategic planning, mergers/acquisitions, market intelligence, client feedback/engagement, ownership/leadership transition, executive coaching, conflict resolution, professional development and peer review.

Fraese and Associates provides business facilitation, advisory, and coaching services for organizations and executives.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Kurt's Journey

Early Life and Influences:

  • Early Life and Formative Years
  • Early jobs
  • Firefighting Experience

Career Path:

  • Career at Woodward Clyde and GeoEngineers
  • Leadership and Communication Skills

Life After "Retirement":

  • Post-Retirement Activities
  • The Geoprofessions: Current State and Future
  • Global Perspective and Long-Term Thinking
  • Community Service and Involvement

Insights on the Geoprofession

Looking Ahead:

  • Future of the Geoprofession

Personal Reflections

Life Lessons and Perspectives:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Kurt Fraese

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kurt Fraese, exploring Fraese's career journey, from his childhood interests to his leadership roles at various firms, including his time as CEO of GeoEngineers. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, preparedness, and a long-term vision. Fraese also discusses the future of the geoprofession, emphasizing the need for embracing technology and strengthening community engagement. Finally, he shares advice for aspiring geoprofessionals, focusing on the interconnectedness of businesses, clients, and communities.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Kurt Fraese has provided consulting services to clients in the Energy, Development, Transportation, Federal Government and Water and Natural Resource markets since beginning his career with Woodward-Clyde Consultants in 1983, serving in their geophysics division and later in their dams and tunnels group. Kurt joined GeoEngineers in 1988, became CEO/President in March of 2007 and retired from the firm in April 2017. His technical expertise is primarily focused on assessment and remediation of hazardous substances in various media. He has served as project manager and/or principal in charge of over 1200 site studies. His business experience includes strategic planning, mergers/acquisitions, market intelligence, client feedback/engagement, ownership/leadership transition, executive coaching, conflict resolution, professional development and peer review.

Fraese and Associates provides business facilitation, advisory, and coaching services for organizations and executives.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Kurt's Journey

Early Life and Influences:

  • Early Life and Formative Years
  • Early jobs
  • Firefighting Experience

Career Path:

  • Career at Woodward Clyde and GeoEngineers
  • Leadership and Communication Skills

Life After "Retirement":

  • Post-Retirement Activities
  • The Geoprofessions: Current State and Future
  • Global Perspective and Long-Term Thinking
  • Community Service and Involvement

Insights on the Geoprofession

Looking Ahead:

  • Future of the Geoprofession

Personal Reflections

Life Lessons and Perspectives:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Kurt Fraese

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kurt Fraese, exploring Fraese's career journey, from his childhood interests to his leadership roles at various firms, including his time as CEO of GeoEngineers. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, preparedness, and a long-term vision. Fraese also discusses the future of the geoprofession, emphasizing the need for embracing technology and strengthening community engagement. Finally, he shares advice for aspiring geoprofessionals, focusing on the interconnectedness of businesses, clients, and communities.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Kurt Fraese has provided consulting services to clients in the Energy, Development, Transportation, Federal Government and Water and Natural Resource markets since beginning his career with Woodward-Clyde Consultants in 1983, serving in their geophysics division and later in their dams and tunnels group. Kurt joined GeoEngineers in 1988, became CEO/President in March of 2007 and retired from the firm in April 2017. His technical expertise is primarily focused on assessment and remediation of hazardous substances in various media. He has served as project manager and/or principal in charge of over 1200 site studies. His business experience includes strategic planning, mergers/acquisitions, market intelligence, client feedback/engagement, ownership/leadership transition, executive coaching, conflict resolution, professional development and peer review.

Fraese and Associates provides business facilitation, advisory, and coaching services for organizations and executives.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Kurt's Journey

Early Life and Influences:

  • Early Life and Formative Years
  • Early jobs
  • Firefighting Experience

Career Path:

  • Career at Woodward Clyde and GeoEngineers
  • Leadership and Communication Skills

Life After "Retirement":

  • Post-Retirement Activities
  • The Geoprofessions: Current State and Future
  • Global Perspective and Long-Term Thinking
  • Community Service and Involvement

Insights on the Geoprofession

Looking Ahead:

  • Future of the Geoprofession

Personal Reflections

Life Lessons and Perspectives:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+UPmd0pUp ]]> GeoHeroes - Stewart Osgood https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh05 424db2b7-bbf2-4ca0-8125-8652d7ddfecb Wed, 15 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 36:26 false GeoHeroes - Stewart Osgood

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Stewart Osgood, the former president and CEO of Dowl. Osgood recounts his career journey, starting from his upbringing on a Vermont dairy farm to his unexpected path into engineering and his eventual leadership of a significantly grown company. He discusses his approach to retirement and leadership, emphasizing planned obsolescence and the importance of cultivating a team environment. Finally, he shares his perspective on the geotechnical engineering profession, including concerns about risk aversion and a need for more innovation, and offers advice to those entering the field.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Stewart Osgood - Stewart is the former President and CEO of a top 150 engineering firm with 550 employees located in 20 offices in the western U.S. During Stewart’s 22 years of leadership the company grew 10-fold in real terms. The company has 50 employee/manager owners and is poised to poised to continue under this ownership model long into the future. Stewart also oversaw the leadership transition to the next generation with the selection and successful turnover of top spots in the organization including CEO, COO, CIO, CPO, CRO, and Chairperson of the Board. Stewart founded and developed an Emerging Leader training program at the firm as a means of training and inducting next-next-gen leadership, and created a synthetic equity program to share in the financial successes of the company with up-and-coming early career rainmakers.

Stewart enjoys cycling and home improvement projects. He had two adult children that are early career professionals in technical and legal circles. He and his long-term partner Amy live in Scottsdale Arizona with their two dogs Georgie and Brutus.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Stewart's Journey

Early Life and Influences:

  • Growing Up on a Dairy Farm [1:11-3:25]
  • Impactful Mentors [3:25-6:24]

Career Path:

  • Transition from College to Career [6:24-10:48]
  • Leadership at Dowl [10:48-11:31]
  • Company Growth and Transitions [11:31-14:21]
  • Planning for Retirement and Succession [14:21-17:20]

Life After Dowl:

  • Post-Retirement Plans [17:20-18:55]
  • Passion for Cycling [18:55-19:56]

Insights on the Geoprofession

Current State:

  • Overview of the Geoprofessional Landscape [19:56-23:14]
  • Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry [21:41-23:14]

Forces of Change:

  • Alternative Project Delivery [23:40-24:44]
  • Disruptive Technology (AI) [24:44-25:29]
  • Changes in Demographics and Diversity [25:29-27:19]

Looking Ahead:

  • Future of Geoprofessional Businesses [27:19-28:46]
  • Advice for New Geoprofessionals [34:44-36:33]

Personal Reflections

Making a Difference:

  • Impactful Contributions [32:06-33:23]

Life Lessons and Perspectives:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Stewart Osgood

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Stewart Osgood, the former president and CEO of Dowl. Osgood recounts his career journey, starting from his upbringing on a Vermont dairy farm to his unexpected path into engineering and his eventual leadership of a significantly grown company. He discusses his approach to retirement and leadership, emphasizing planned obsolescence and the importance of cultivating a team environment. Finally, he shares his perspective on the geotechnical engineering profession, including concerns about risk aversion and a need for more innovation, and offers advice to those entering the field.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Stewart Osgood - Stewart is the former President and CEO of a top 150 engineering firm with 550 employees located in 20 offices in the western U.S. During Stewart’s 22 years of leadership the company grew 10-fold in real terms. The company has 50 employee/manager owners and is poised to poised to continue under this ownership model long into the future. Stewart also oversaw the leadership transition to the next generation with the selection and successful turnover of top spots in the organization including CEO, COO, CIO, CPO, CRO, and Chairperson of the Board. Stewart founded and developed an Emerging Leader training program at the firm as a means of training and inducting next-next-gen leadership, and created a synthetic equity program to share in the financial successes of the company with up-and-coming early career rainmakers.

Stewart enjoys cycling and home improvement projects. He had two adult children that are early career professionals in technical and legal circles. He and his long-term partner Amy live in Scottsdale Arizona with their two dogs Georgie and Brutus.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Stewart's Journey

Early Life and Influences:

  • Growing Up on a Dairy Farm [1:11-3:25]
  • Impactful Mentors [3:25-6:24]

Career Path:

  • Transition from College to Career [6:24-10:48]
  • Leadership at Dowl [10:48-11:31]
  • Company Growth and Transitions [11:31-14:21]
  • Planning for Retirement and Succession [14:21-17:20]

Life After Dowl:

  • Post-Retirement Plans [17:20-18:55]
  • Passion for Cycling [18:55-19:56]

Insights on the Geoprofession

Current State:

  • Overview of the Geoprofessional Landscape [19:56-23:14]
  • Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry [21:41-23:14]

Forces of Change:

  • Alternative Project Delivery [23:40-24:44]
  • Disruptive Technology (AI) [24:44-25:29]
  • Changes in Demographics and Diversity [25:29-27:19]

Looking Ahead:

  • Future of Geoprofessional Businesses [27:19-28:46]
  • Advice for New Geoprofessionals [34:44-36:33]

Personal Reflections

Making a Difference:

  • Impactful Contributions [32:06-33:23]

Life Lessons and Perspectives:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Stewart Osgood

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Stewart Osgood, the former president and CEO of Dowl. Osgood recounts his career journey, starting from his upbringing on a Vermont dairy farm to his unexpected path into engineering and his eventual leadership of a significantly grown company. He discusses his approach to retirement and leadership, emphasizing planned obsolescence and the importance of cultivating a team environment. Finally, he shares his perspective on the geotechnical engineering profession, including concerns about risk aversion and a need for more innovation, and offers advice to those entering the field.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Stewart Osgood - Stewart is the former President and CEO of a top 150 engineering firm with 550 employees located in 20 offices in the western U.S. During Stewart’s 22 years of leadership the company grew 10-fold in real terms. The company has 50 employee/manager owners and is poised to poised to continue under this ownership model long into the future. Stewart also oversaw the leadership transition to the next generation with the selection and successful turnover of top spots in the organization including CEO, COO, CIO, CPO, CRO, and Chairperson of the Board. Stewart founded and developed an Emerging Leader training program at the firm as a means of training and inducting next-next-gen leadership, and created a synthetic equity program to share in the financial successes of the company with up-and-coming early career rainmakers.

Stewart enjoys cycling and home improvement projects. He had two adult children that are early career professionals in technical and legal circles. He and his long-term partner Amy live in Scottsdale Arizona with their two dogs Georgie and Brutus.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Stewart's Journey

Early Life and Influences:

  • Growing Up on a Dairy Farm [1:11-3:25]
  • Impactful Mentors [3:25-6:24]

Career Path:

  • Transition from College to Career [6:24-10:48]
  • Leadership at Dowl [10:48-11:31]
  • Company Growth and Transitions [11:31-14:21]
  • Planning for Retirement and Succession [14:21-17:20]

Life After Dowl:

  • Post-Retirement Plans [17:20-18:55]
  • Passion for Cycling [18:55-19:56]

Insights on the Geoprofession

Current State:

  • Overview of the Geoprofessional Landscape [19:56-23:14]
  • Challenges and Opportunities in the Industry [21:41-23:14]

Forces of Change:

  • Alternative Project Delivery [23:40-24:44]
  • Disruptive Technology (AI) [24:44-25:29]
  • Changes in Demographics and Diversity [25:29-27:19]

Looking Ahead:

  • Future of Geoprofessional Businesses [27:19-28:46]
  • Advice for New Geoprofessionals [34:44-36:33]

Personal Reflections

Making a Difference:

  • Impactful Contributions [32:06-33:23]

Life Lessons and Perspectives:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+Si8Ak8YD ]]> GeoHeroes - Ed Alizadeh https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh04 4f2f5d4c-5b7a-426d-ac1d-31d3b6cff9ab Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 40:16 false GeoHeroes - Ed Alizadeh

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ed Alizadeh, a Director at UES and former CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. The conversation covers his career journey, from his upbringing with engineer parents to his leadership roles in prominent firms and the eventual sale of Geotechnology. Alizadeh discusses the challenges and rewards of his profession, including navigating family expectations, balancing work and education, and leading through periods of growth and loss. He offers insights into the future of geoprofessionals, emphasizing the importance of technological adaptation, workforce development, and highlighting the crucial societal impact of their work. Finally, he shares career advice and reflects on his key accomplishments and lessons learned.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Ed Alizadeh, P.E., is a Director at UES and was formerly the CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. Ed graduated from the University of Tulsa with a B.S. in petroleum engineering and from St. Louis University with a JD in 1996. Mr. Alizadeh is a strong believer in giving back to the community and served on the Board of Kids in the Middle and Habitat for Humanity St. Louis and currently serves on the Board of Pedal the Cause. Ed has also served the engineering profession; he served as President of GBA in 2008-09, as Chairman of ACECMo from July 2011 to June 2012 and on the Executive Committee of ACEC National from 2020-2022. Mr. Alizadeh was recognized as the Engineer of the Year in Private Practice by the St. Louis Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers in 2013.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

  • Introduction [0:00-2:22]

Ed's Formative Years: [2:23-9:13]

  • Growing up in St. Louis [2:23-3:21]
  • Focus on education [3:22-4:42]
  • "Tough love" parenting [4:43-5:36]
  • Early jobs and love of sports [5:37-7:51]
  • Experiencing prejudice after the Iranian Revolution [7:52-8:44]
  • Choosing a career path [8:45-9:13]

From Petroleum Engineering to Geotechnology [9:14-16:34]

  • First job prospects and working in the oil industry [9:14-13:45]
  • Transitioning to Geotechnology and the environmental business [13:46-16:34]

Leading Geotechnology and the Decision to Sell [16:35-23:14]

  • Challenges and growth at Geotechnology [16:35-18:06]
  • Decision to go to law school [18:07-19:48]
  • Working with his father [19:49-20:51]
  • Growth trajectory and decision to sell [20:52-23:14]

The Future of Geoprofessionalism [23:15-30:00]

  • Opportunities and challenges [23:15-26:21]
  • The evolving workforce [26:22-27:46]
  • The importance of purpose and impact [27:47-28:41]
  • Anticipating changes in the profession [28:42-30:00]

Speed Round [30:01-38:00]

Say Yes More Often

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Ed Alizadeh

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ed Alizadeh, a Director at UES and former CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. The conversation covers his career journey, from his upbringing with engineer parents to his leadership roles in prominent firms and the eventual sale of Geotechnology. Alizadeh discusses the challenges and rewards of his profession, including navigating family expectations, balancing work and education, and leading through periods of growth and loss. He offers insights into the future of geoprofessionals, emphasizing the importance of technological adaptation, workforce development, and highlighting the crucial societal impact of their work. Finally, he shares career advice and reflects on his key accomplishments and lessons learned.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Ed Alizadeh, P.E., is a Director at UES and was formerly the CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. Ed graduated from the University of Tulsa with a B.S. in petroleum engineering and from St. Louis University with a JD in 1996. Mr. Alizadeh is a strong believer in giving back to the community and served on the Board of Kids in the Middle and Habitat for Humanity St. Louis and currently serves on the Board of Pedal the Cause. Ed has also served the engineering profession; he served as President of GBA in 2008-09, as Chairman of ACECMo from July 2011 to June 2012 and on the Executive Committee of ACEC National from 2020-2022. Mr. Alizadeh was recognized as the Engineer of the Year in Private Practice by the St. Louis Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers in 2013.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

  • Introduction [0:00-2:22]

Ed's Formative Years: [2:23-9:13]

  • Growing up in St. Louis [2:23-3:21]
  • Focus on education [3:22-4:42]
  • "Tough love" parenting [4:43-5:36]
  • Early jobs and love of sports [5:37-7:51]
  • Experiencing prejudice after the Iranian Revolution [7:52-8:44]
  • Choosing a career path [8:45-9:13]

From Petroleum Engineering to Geotechnology [9:14-16:34]

  • First job prospects and working in the oil industry [9:14-13:45]
  • Transitioning to Geotechnology and the environmental business [13:46-16:34]

Leading Geotechnology and the Decision to Sell [16:35-23:14]

  • Challenges and growth at Geotechnology [16:35-18:06]
  • Decision to go to law school [18:07-19:48]
  • Working with his father [19:49-20:51]
  • Growth trajectory and decision to sell [20:52-23:14]

The Future of Geoprofessionalism [23:15-30:00]

  • Opportunities and challenges [23:15-26:21]
  • The evolving workforce [26:22-27:46]
  • The importance of purpose and impact [27:47-28:41]
  • Anticipating changes in the profession [28:42-30:00]

Speed Round [30:01-38:00]

Say Yes More Often

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Ed Alizadeh

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Ed Alizadeh, a Director at UES and former CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. The conversation covers his career journey, from his upbringing with engineer parents to his leadership roles in prominent firms and the eventual sale of Geotechnology. Alizadeh discusses the challenges and rewards of his profession, including navigating family expectations, balancing work and education, and leading through periods of growth and loss. He offers insights into the future of geoprofessionals, emphasizing the importance of technological adaptation, workforce development, and highlighting the crucial societal impact of their work. Finally, he shares career advice and reflects on his key accomplishments and lessons learned.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Ed Alizadeh, P.E., is a Director at UES and was formerly the CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. Ed graduated from the University of Tulsa with a B.S. in petroleum engineering and from St. Louis University with a JD in 1996. Mr. Alizadeh is a strong believer in giving back to the community and served on the Board of Kids in the Middle and Habitat for Humanity St. Louis and currently serves on the Board of Pedal the Cause. Ed has also served the engineering profession; he served as President of GBA in 2008-09, as Chairman of ACECMo from July 2011 to June 2012 and on the Executive Committee of ACEC National from 2020-2022. Mr. Alizadeh was recognized as the Engineer of the Year in Private Practice by the St. Louis Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers in 2013.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

  • Introduction [0:00-2:22]

Ed's Formative Years: [2:23-9:13]

  • Growing up in St. Louis [2:23-3:21]
  • Focus on education [3:22-4:42]
  • "Tough love" parenting [4:43-5:36]
  • Early jobs and love of sports [5:37-7:51]
  • Experiencing prejudice after the Iranian Revolution [7:52-8:44]
  • Choosing a career path [8:45-9:13]

From Petroleum Engineering to Geotechnology [9:14-16:34]

  • First job prospects and working in the oil industry [9:14-13:45]
  • Transitioning to Geotechnology and the environmental business [13:46-16:34]

Leading Geotechnology and the Decision to Sell [16:35-23:14]

  • Challenges and growth at Geotechnology [16:35-18:06]
  • Decision to go to law school [18:07-19:48]
  • Working with his father [19:49-20:51]
  • Growth trajectory and decision to sell [20:52-23:14]

The Future of Geoprofessionalism [23:15-30:00]

  • Opportunities and challenges [23:15-26:21]
  • The evolving workforce [26:22-27:46]
  • The importance of purpose and impact [27:47-28:41]
  • Anticipating changes in the profession [28:42-30:00]

Speed Round [30:01-38:00]

Say Yes More Often

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]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+dnWQ_oYM ]]> GeoHeroes - Elizabeth Clarke https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh03 dc9ec54f-742d-46e6-8236-f90561c62c8a Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 41:19 false GeoHeroes - Elizabeth Clarke

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Elizabeth Clarke, CEO of Structures Group, who recounts her non-traditional career path. Starting with a childhood in a close-knit Italian-Portuguese family, she shares her varied early interests and experiences, including a stint on Star Search and time as a police dispatcher. Clarke details her unexpected transition into the geosciences industry, highlighting the role of resilience and strong relationships in her success. The conversation also touches on her views of the geoprofessional field and the importance of collaboration and adaptability. Finally, she offers advice to aspiring professionals, emphasizing continuous learning and embracing diverse team environments.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Elizabeth Clarke is the Owner and President of Structure Groups, a civil engineering firm specializing in construction inspection and materials testing for public and private projects. Recently featured in 110° Magazine, Fortune, and Entrepreneur for their Extraordinary Women’s issues, she is celebrated for her leadership and vision.

A Discovery Bay resident since 1995, Elizabeth lives with her husband, Mike, and is a proud mother and grandmother. She serves as President of the DB Chamber of Commerce and actively leads community service projects with the Byron Delta Lions Club. Elizabeth also holds board roles with the Geoprofessional Business Association and the California Council of Testing & Inspection Agencies.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

  • Early Life and Interests (0:00-3:04)
  • From Singing Aspirations to Criminal Justice (3:04-8:47)
  • Discovering the Geoprofessions: A New Path Unfolds (8:47-14:06)
  • From Tragedy to Triumph: Founding Structures Group (14:06-20:50)
  • Geoprofessions: Value, Visibility, and the Future (20:50-28:51)
  • Adaptability, Resilience, and Embracing Change (28:51-39:35)
  • Final Thoughts (39:35-39:43)
  • [BOOK] The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Elizabeth Clarke

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Elizabeth Clarke, CEO of Structures Group, who recounts her non-traditional career path. Starting with a childhood in a close-knit Italian-Portuguese family, she shares her varied early interests and experiences, including a stint on Star Search and time as a police dispatcher. Clarke details her unexpected transition into the geosciences industry, highlighting the role of resilience and strong relationships in her success. The conversation also touches on her views of the geoprofessional field and the importance of collaboration and adaptability. Finally, she offers advice to aspiring professionals, emphasizing continuous learning and embracing diverse team environments.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Elizabeth Clarke is the Owner and President of Structure Groups, a civil engineering firm specializing in construction inspection and materials testing for public and private projects. Recently featured in 110° Magazine, Fortune, and Entrepreneur for their Extraordinary Women’s issues, she is celebrated for her leadership and vision.

A Discovery Bay resident since 1995, Elizabeth lives with her husband, Mike, and is a proud mother and grandmother. She serves as President of the DB Chamber of Commerce and actively leads community service projects with the Byron Delta Lions Club. Elizabeth also holds board roles with the Geoprofessional Business Association and the California Council of Testing & Inspection Agencies.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

  • Early Life and Interests (0:00-3:04)
  • From Singing Aspirations to Criminal Justice (3:04-8:47)
  • Discovering the Geoprofessions: A New Path Unfolds (8:47-14:06)
  • From Tragedy to Triumph: Founding Structures Group (14:06-20:50)
  • Geoprofessions: Value, Visibility, and the Future (20:50-28:51)
  • Adaptability, Resilience, and Embracing Change (28:51-39:35)
  • Final Thoughts (39:35-39:43)
  • [BOOK] The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Elizabeth Clarke

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Elizabeth Clarke, CEO of Structures Group, who recounts her non-traditional career path. Starting with a childhood in a close-knit Italian-Portuguese family, she shares her varied early interests and experiences, including a stint on Star Search and time as a police dispatcher. Clarke details her unexpected transition into the geosciences industry, highlighting the role of resilience and strong relationships in her success. The conversation also touches on her views of the geoprofessional field and the importance of collaboration and adaptability. Finally, she offers advice to aspiring professionals, emphasizing continuous learning and embracing diverse team environments.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Elizabeth Clarke is the Owner and President of Structure Groups, a civil engineering firm specializing in construction inspection and materials testing for public and private projects. Recently featured in 110° Magazine, Fortune, and Entrepreneur for their Extraordinary Women’s issues, she is celebrated for her leadership and vision.

A Discovery Bay resident since 1995, Elizabeth lives with her husband, Mike, and is a proud mother and grandmother. She serves as President of the DB Chamber of Commerce and actively leads community service projects with the Byron Delta Lions Club. Elizabeth also holds board roles with the Geoprofessional Business Association and the California Council of Testing & Inspection Agencies.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

  • Early Life and Interests (0:00-3:04)
  • From Singing Aspirations to Criminal Justice (3:04-8:47)
  • Discovering the Geoprofessions: A New Path Unfolds (8:47-14:06)
  • From Tragedy to Triumph: Founding Structures Group (14:06-20:50)
  • Geoprofessions: Value, Visibility, and the Future (20:50-28:51)
  • Adaptability, Resilience, and Embracing Change (28:51-39:35)
  • Final Thoughts (39:35-39:43)
  • [BOOK] The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+G2mF6YsG ]]> GeoHeroes - Charlie Head https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh02 e75e5ea1-4ada-4467-b5f6-d3b009d03f7e Tue, 10 Dec 2024 23:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 37:19 false GeoHeroes - Charlie Head

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Charlie Head, a co-founder of the geo-environmental firm Sanborn Head & Associates. The conversation covers his career journey, including his educational background, professional experiences, and the challenges and rewards of building a successful company. Head also discusses his current semi-retired status, focusing on his passions for music and the outdoors. The interview concludes with advice for those entering the geotechnical and environmental professions and reflections on the evolving nature of the field.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Charlie Head - Currently Founding Principal and Chair Board of Directors at Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. responsible for helping to lead implementation of the firm's Strategic Plan. Professional experience includes remedial investigation of subsurface environmental conditions; design and implementation of remedial actions nationally and internationally, including projects throughout North America, and in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

You get out of it what you put into it. Keep challenging yourself, keep meeting new people, keep learning, and dont ever stop!

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Charlie Head

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Charlie Head, a co-founder of the geo-environmental firm Sanborn Head & Associates. The conversation covers his career journey, including his educational background, professional experiences, and the challenges and rewards of building a successful company. Head also discusses his current semi-retired status, focusing on his passions for music and the outdoors. The interview concludes with advice for those entering the geotechnical and environmental professions and reflections on the evolving nature of the field.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Charlie Head - Currently Founding Principal and Chair Board of Directors at Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. responsible for helping to lead implementation of the firm's Strategic Plan. Professional experience includes remedial investigation of subsurface environmental conditions; design and implementation of remedial actions nationally and internationally, including projects throughout North America, and in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

You get out of it what you put into it. Keep challenging yourself, keep meeting new people, keep learning, and dont ever stop!

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Charlie Head

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Charlie Head, a co-founder of the geo-environmental firm Sanborn Head & Associates. The conversation covers his career journey, including his educational background, professional experiences, and the challenges and rewards of building a successful company. Head also discusses his current semi-retired status, focusing on his passions for music and the outdoors. The interview concludes with advice for those entering the geotechnical and environmental professions and reflections on the evolving nature of the field.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Charlie Head - Currently Founding Principal and Chair Board of Directors at Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. responsible for helping to lead implementation of the firm's Strategic Plan. Professional experience includes remedial investigation of subsurface environmental conditions; design and implementation of remedial actions nationally and internationally, including projects throughout North America, and in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

You get out of it what you put into it. Keep challenging yourself, keep meeting new people, keep learning, and dont ever stop!

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Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+o_KoyeNY ]]> GeoHeroes - Mark Kramer https://www.gbapodcast.com/gh01 070bf971-be64-43c0-bb97-0e7ec1b0a391 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 32:05 false GeoHeroes - Mark Kramer

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Mark Kramer, a successful geotechnical engineer and CEO of SME. The conversation explores Kramer's career path, including his childhood experiences and educational background, highlighting the influence of his father and a pivotal college professor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of the geotechnical engineering profession, offering advice to aspiring professionals on building confidence and communication skills. Kramer also shares his perspectives on technological advancements, particularly AI, and its potential impact on the field in the coming decades. Finally, he addresses the issue of attracting new talent to the industry.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Mark Kramer - Mark Kramer is CEO and Chairman of the Board of SME, a leading civil engineering and environmental services consulting firm headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. SME has 15 offices in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Since 2002, he has led SME as the CEO and he has grown SME to over 380 professional and technical staff. The firm has continually been ranked among the top 500 design firms within the United States by the Engineering News Record (ENR) and is currently ranked at 289 in the country. Under his leadership the company has won numerous awards for employee engagement and client satisfaction including recently be named the overall winner of Best and Brightest firms to work for in SE Michigan two years in a row as well as being named a national winner for a number of years.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GeoHeroes - Mark Kramer

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Mark Kramer, a successful geotechnical engineer and CEO of SME. The conversation explores Kramer's career path, including his childhood experiences and educational background, highlighting the influence of his father and a pivotal college professor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of the geotechnical engineering profession, offering advice to aspiring professionals on building confidence and communication skills. Kramer also shares his perspectives on technological advancements, particularly AI, and its potential impact on the field in the coming decades. Finally, he addresses the issue of attracting new talent to the industry.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Mark Kramer - Mark Kramer is CEO and Chairman of the Board of SME, a leading civil engineering and environmental services consulting firm headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. SME has 15 offices in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Since 2002, he has led SME as the CEO and he has grown SME to over 380 professional and technical staff. The firm has continually been ranked among the top 500 design firms within the United States by the Engineering News Record (ENR) and is currently ranked at 289 in the country. Under his leadership the company has won numerous awards for employee engagement and client satisfaction including recently be named the overall winner of Best and Brightest firms to work for in SE Michigan two years in a row as well as being named a national winner for a number of years.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GeoHeroes - Mark Kramer

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Mark Kramer, a successful geotechnical engineer and CEO of SME. The conversation explores Kramer's career path, including his childhood experiences and educational background, highlighting the influence of his father and a pivotal college professor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of the geotechnical engineering profession, offering advice to aspiring professionals on building confidence and communication skills. Kramer also shares his perspectives on technological advancements, particularly AI, and its potential impact on the field in the coming decades. Finally, he addresses the issue of attracting new talent to the industry.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Mark Kramer - Mark Kramer is CEO and Chairman of the Board of SME, a leading civil engineering and environmental services consulting firm headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. SME has 15 offices in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Since 2002, he has led SME as the CEO and he has grown SME to over 380 professional and technical staff. The firm has continually been ranked among the top 500 design firms within the United States by the Engineering News Record (ENR) and is currently ranked at 289 in the country. Under his leadership the company has won numerous awards for employee engagement and client satisfaction including recently be named the overall winner of Best and Brightest firms to work for in SE Michigan two years in a row as well as being named a national winner for a number of years.

Our Host
Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations.

Discussion Topics:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+I_X37EQz ]]> #2 - Management Best Practices - Professional Goal Setting https://www.gbapodcast.com/mbp02 a4e869cc-277a-4a53-b77b-fb9a964443c8 Sun, 24 Nov 2024 20:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors. 1:08:16 false Management Best Practices - Professional Goal Setting

About This Episode
In the second episode of the Management Best Practices series Craig Hill interviews Marcus Dudley, a program manager at Kleinfeld. They discuss effective goal-setting strategies for managers and employees. Dudley emphasizes the importance of "stretch goals" that push individuals outside their comfort zones, promoting growth. He differentiates between long-term career goals and short-term performance goals, suggesting the latter can serve the former. The discussion covers various goal-setting frameworks (SMART, HARD), highlighting the need for measurable, time-bound goals with regular check-ins and manager facilitation, but ultimately emphasizing employee self-motivation and ownership. Finally, Dudley addresses adapting goals based on changing circumstances and individual needs.

Series Summary
Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors.

Our Host
Craig Hill – Environmental Project Manager/Kleinfelder. Craig has 24 years of experience in the environmental field as both a regulator and consultant. During that time he has managed a number of staff at various levels in their careers.

About Our Guest
Marcus Dudley – Senior Project Manager/Kleinfelder. Marcus Dudley is a program manager at Kleinfelder with 20 years of experience in consulting and managing employees. He is passionate about effective goal setting and is considered a champion of the topic. He has mentored employees at all career stages in the goal-setting process.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction and Defining Goals
  • Distinguishing Between Career Goals and Performance Goals
  • The Manager's Role in Facilitating Goal Setting
  • Nurturing Goal Adherence in New Staff Members
  • Clarifying Accountability for Goal Achievement
  • Exploring Goal-Setting Schemes and Their Significance
  • The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability in Goal Setting
  • Addressing Challenges in Goal Setting: Inexperienced and Disengaged Employees
  • Navigating Inappropriate Goal Submissions
  • Conclusion and Recommended Resources

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Management Best Practices - Professional Goal Setting

About This Episode
In the second episode of the Management Best Practices series Craig Hill interviews Marcus Dudley, a program manager at Kleinfeld. They discuss effective goal-setting strategies for managers and employees. Dudley emphasizes the importance of "stretch goals" that push individuals outside their comfort zones, promoting growth. He differentiates between long-term career goals and short-term performance goals, suggesting the latter can serve the former. The discussion covers various goal-setting frameworks (SMART, HARD), highlighting the need for measurable, time-bound goals with regular check-ins and manager facilitation, but ultimately emphasizing employee self-motivation and ownership. Finally, Dudley addresses adapting goals based on changing circumstances and individual needs.

Series Summary
Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors.

Our Host
Craig Hill – Environmental Project Manager/Kleinfelder. Craig has 24 years of experience in the environmental field as both a regulator and consultant. During that time he has managed a number of staff at various levels in their careers.

About Our Guest
Marcus Dudley – Senior Project Manager/Kleinfelder. Marcus Dudley is a program manager at Kleinfelder with 20 years of experience in consulting and managing employees. He is passionate about effective goal setting and is considered a champion of the topic. He has mentored employees at all career stages in the goal-setting process.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction and Defining Goals
  • Distinguishing Between Career Goals and Performance Goals
  • The Manager's Role in Facilitating Goal Setting
  • Nurturing Goal Adherence in New Staff Members
  • Clarifying Accountability for Goal Achievement
  • Exploring Goal-Setting Schemes and Their Significance
  • The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability in Goal Setting
  • Addressing Challenges in Goal Setting: Inexperienced and Disengaged Employees
  • Navigating Inappropriate Goal Submissions
  • Conclusion and Recommended Resources

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Management Best Practices - Professional Goal Setting

About This Episode
In the second episode of the Management Best Practices series Craig Hill interviews Marcus Dudley, a program manager at Kleinfeld. They discuss effective goal-setting strategies for managers and employees. Dudley emphasizes the importance of "stretch goals" that push individuals outside their comfort zones, promoting growth. He differentiates between long-term career goals and short-term performance goals, suggesting the latter can serve the former. The discussion covers various goal-setting frameworks (SMART, HARD), highlighting the need for measurable, time-bound goals with regular check-ins and manager facilitation, but ultimately emphasizing employee self-motivation and ownership. Finally, Dudley addresses adapting goals based on changing circumstances and individual needs.

Series Summary
Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors.

Our Host
Craig Hill – Environmental Project Manager/Kleinfelder. Craig has 24 years of experience in the environmental field as both a regulator and consultant. During that time he has managed a number of staff at various levels in their careers.

About Our Guest
Marcus Dudley – Senior Project Manager/Kleinfelder. Marcus Dudley is a program manager at Kleinfelder with 20 years of experience in consulting and managing employees. He is passionate about effective goal setting and is considered a champion of the topic. He has mentored employees at all career stages in the goal-setting process.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction and Defining Goals
  • Distinguishing Between Career Goals and Performance Goals
  • The Manager's Role in Facilitating Goal Setting
  • Nurturing Goal Adherence in New Staff Members
  • Clarifying Accountability for Goal Achievement
  • Exploring Goal-Setting Schemes and Their Significance
  • The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability in Goal Setting
  • Addressing Challenges in Goal Setting: Inexperienced and Disengaged Employees
  • Navigating Inappropriate Goal Submissions
  • Conclusion and Recommended Resources

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+mAKeFK2v ]]> #3 - Leadership Lounge - Inspiring Leaders to Bring Out the Best in Their Teams https://www.gbapodcast.com/ll03 6ea6cf88-92dd-4f4f-b96d-368c6b13edd4 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In the Leadership Lounge, hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. 51:37 false Leadership Lounge - Inspiring Leaders to Bring Out the Best in Their Teams

About This Episode
Tiffany and Ryan interview Val Ries, founder of Executive Muse, which offers individual and group coaching and training programs focused on leadership development and author of the book "Chief Inspiration Officer." She emphasizes the importance of communication, acknowledging and validating, and understanding different communication styles through DISC assessments. Ries highlights the significance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership and offers practical advice for becoming a more effective leader, including the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and understanding one's own emotions and the emotions of others. She also provides information on her book, which outlines her approach to leadership development.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Val Ries
Val Ries is the best-selling author of Chief Inspiration Officer - How to Lead the Team Everyone Wants to Be On and the founder of Executive Muse. She has trained and coached over 10,000 leaders across start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and well-known brands like Facebook, Amazon, and Gonzaga University. "Chief Inspiration Officer" is required reading in MBA programs, and her training has helped clients achieve remarkable results like doubling employee engagement scores, reducing attrition by over 10 million dollars, and boosting productivity by over $100 million and counting.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction (0:00 - 3:00)
  • Val Ries' Journey into Leadership Coaching (3:00 - 8:00)
  • Overview of Val Ries' Coaching Services (8:00 - 15:00)
  • The Importance of Acknowledgement and Validation (15:00 - 22:00)
  • Understanding and Applying DISC Communication Styles (22:00 - 38:00)
  • Integrating DISC and Other Assessments into Coaching (38:00 - 48:00)
  • Addressing the Challenges of Transitioning from Technical Expert to Leader (48:00 - 52:00)
  • Learning from Leadership Mistakes (52:00 - 58:00)
  • Facilitated Book Club Discussions (58:00 - 1:03:00)
  • Closing and Call to Action (1:03:00 - 1:08:00)
  • Book: Chief Inspiration Officer
  • FREE GIFT from Val - How to Inspire Yourself, so You Can Inspire Others

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, leadership, leadership development, mentor Leadership Lounge - Inspiring Leaders to Bring Out the Best in Their Teams

About This Episode
Tiffany and Ryan interview Val Ries, founder of Executive Muse, which offers individual and group coaching and training programs focused on leadership development and author of the book "Chief Inspiration Officer." She emphasizes the importance of communication, acknowledging and validating, and understanding different communication styles through DISC assessments. Ries highlights the significance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership and offers practical advice for becoming a more effective leader, including the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and understanding one's own emotions and the emotions of others. She also provides information on her book, which outlines her approach to leadership development.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Val Ries
Val Ries is the best-selling author of Chief Inspiration Officer - How to Lead the Team Everyone Wants to Be On and the founder of Executive Muse. She has trained and coached over 10,000 leaders across start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and well-known brands like Facebook, Amazon, and Gonzaga University. "Chief Inspiration Officer" is required reading in MBA programs, and her training has helped clients achieve remarkable results like doubling employee engagement scores, reducing attrition by over 10 million dollars, and boosting productivity by over $100 million and counting.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction (0:00 - 3:00)
  • Val Ries' Journey into Leadership Coaching (3:00 - 8:00)
  • Overview of Val Ries' Coaching Services (8:00 - 15:00)
  • The Importance of Acknowledgement and Validation (15:00 - 22:00)
  • Understanding and Applying DISC Communication Styles (22:00 - 38:00)
  • Integrating DISC and Other Assessments into Coaching (38:00 - 48:00)
  • Addressing the Challenges of Transitioning from Technical Expert to Leader (48:00 - 52:00)
  • Learning from Leadership Mistakes (52:00 - 58:00)
  • Facilitated Book Club Discussions (58:00 - 1:03:00)
  • Closing and Call to Action (1:03:00 - 1:08:00)
  • Book: Chief Inspiration Officer
  • FREE GIFT from Val - How to Inspire Yourself, so You Can Inspire Others

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Leadership Lounge - Inspiring Leaders to Bring Out the Best in Their Teams

About This Episode
Tiffany and Ryan interview Val Ries, founder of Executive Muse, which offers individual and group coaching and training programs focused on leadership development and author of the book "Chief Inspiration Officer." She emphasizes the importance of communication, acknowledging and validating, and understanding different communication styles through DISC assessments. Ries highlights the significance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership and offers practical advice for becoming a more effective leader, including the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and understanding one's own emotions and the emotions of others. She also provides information on her book, which outlines her approach to leadership development.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Val Ries
Val Ries is the best-selling author of Chief Inspiration Officer - How to Lead the Team Everyone Wants to Be On and the founder of Executive Muse. She has trained and coached over 10,000 leaders across start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and well-known brands like Facebook, Amazon, and Gonzaga University. "Chief Inspiration Officer" is required reading in MBA programs, and her training has helped clients achieve remarkable results like doubling employee engagement scores, reducing attrition by over 10 million dollars, and boosting productivity by over $100 million and counting.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction (0:00 - 3:00)
  • Val Ries' Journey into Leadership Coaching (3:00 - 8:00)
  • Overview of Val Ries' Coaching Services (8:00 - 15:00)
  • The Importance of Acknowledgement and Validation (15:00 - 22:00)
  • Understanding and Applying DISC Communication Styles (22:00 - 38:00)
  • Integrating DISC and Other Assessments into Coaching (38:00 - 48:00)
  • Addressing the Challenges of Transitioning from Technical Expert to Leader (48:00 - 52:00)
  • Learning from Leadership Mistakes (52:00 - 58:00)
  • Facilitated Book Club Discussions (58:00 - 1:03:00)
  • Closing and Call to Action (1:03:00 - 1:08:00)
  • Book: Chief Inspiration Officer
  • FREE GIFT from Val - How to Inspire Yourself, so You Can Inspire Others

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+3NeZg0he ]]> #2 - Leadership Lounge - Building the People and the Teams that Build Your Projects https://www.gbapodcast.com/ll02 af100b9b-ad32-4ecd-bdb6-1774c02b7436 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In the Leadership Lounge, hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. 37:19 false Leadership Lounge - Building the People and the Teams that Build Your Projects

About This Episode
In this episode, we interview with Sydney Jacques, a business coach who specializes in leadership and team development, particularly within the engineering and construction industries. Jacques discusses her career journey, her coaching philosophy, and several frameworks she uses to improve team communication, address conflict, and foster a positive work environment.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Sydne Jacques, PE, CSP
Sydne Jacques is a dynamic and highly sought-after professional speaker, renowned for her ability to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. With her captivating stage presence and compelling storytelling, Sydne leaves a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Instead of focusing on building projects, Sydne Jacques focuses on building the people and the teams that build your projects. With today’s shrinking workforce, it’s more important than ever to retain your key workers.

Sydne has worked with over 600 different teams and organizations in the construction industry. Her strategy to develop cultures of increased trust and communication consistently results in higher levels of engagement and buy-in, lower rates of turnover and increased profitability.

Sydne is the CEO of Next Level Leadership, is a professional engineer turned professional speaker and consultant, often referred to as "the engineer with a personality." Her leadership has led to the establishment of an award-winning company with clients spanning across the globe, including Japan, Korea and Guam. With a track record of training over 20,000 individuals and collaborating with more than 600 teams, Sydne has made a significant impact in the industry.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction (0:00 - 2:12)
  • Sydney's Journey to Coaching (2:13 - 5:52)
  • The Power of Frameworks and the Upper Arrow (5:53 - 11:00)
  • Book: Competing Against Luck
  • Book: Unreasonable Hospitality
  • Foundational Philosophy: The Human Connection (11:01 - 16:50)
  • Sydney's Current Work and Passion for Giving Back (16:51 - 21:41)
  • The HIPP Model: A Framework for Feedback (21:42 - 30:18)
  • Addressing Conflicting Perspectives and Clear the Air Meetings (30:19 - 33:02)
  • Sydney's Approach to Coaching Teams and Individuals (33:03 - 35:41)
  • Connecting with Sydney and Accessing Resources (35:42 - 38:35)
  • Closing Remarks and Appreciation (38:36 - 40:00)
  • Sydne's Fall 2023 Conference Presentation

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, leadership, leadership development, mentor Leadership Lounge - Building the People and the Teams that Build Your Projects

About This Episode
In this episode, we interview with Sydney Jacques, a business coach who specializes in leadership and team development, particularly within the engineering and construction industries. Jacques discusses her career journey, her coaching philosophy, and several frameworks she uses to improve team communication, address conflict, and foster a positive work environment.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Sydne Jacques, PE, CSP
Sydne Jacques is a dynamic and highly sought-after professional speaker, renowned for her ability to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. With her captivating stage presence and compelling storytelling, Sydne leaves a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Instead of focusing on building projects, Sydne Jacques focuses on building the people and the teams that build your projects. With today’s shrinking workforce, it’s more important than ever to retain your key workers.

Sydne has worked with over 600 different teams and organizations in the construction industry. Her strategy to develop cultures of increased trust and communication consistently results in higher levels of engagement and buy-in, lower rates of turnover and increased profitability.

Sydne is the CEO of Next Level Leadership, is a professional engineer turned professional speaker and consultant, often referred to as "the engineer with a personality." Her leadership has led to the establishment of an award-winning company with clients spanning across the globe, including Japan, Korea and Guam. With a track record of training over 20,000 individuals and collaborating with more than 600 teams, Sydne has made a significant impact in the industry.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction (0:00 - 2:12)
  • Sydney's Journey to Coaching (2:13 - 5:52)
  • The Power of Frameworks and the Upper Arrow (5:53 - 11:00)
  • Book: Competing Against Luck
  • Book: Unreasonable Hospitality
  • Foundational Philosophy: The Human Connection (11:01 - 16:50)
  • Sydney's Current Work and Passion for Giving Back (16:51 - 21:41)
  • The HIPP Model: A Framework for Feedback (21:42 - 30:18)
  • Addressing Conflicting Perspectives and Clear the Air Meetings (30:19 - 33:02)
  • Sydney's Approach to Coaching Teams and Individuals (33:03 - 35:41)
  • Connecting with Sydney and Accessing Resources (35:42 - 38:35)
  • Closing Remarks and Appreciation (38:36 - 40:00)
  • Sydne's Fall 2023 Conference Presentation

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Leadership Lounge - Building the People and the Teams that Build Your Projects

About This Episode
In this episode, we interview with Sydney Jacques, a business coach who specializes in leadership and team development, particularly within the engineering and construction industries. Jacques discusses her career journey, her coaching philosophy, and several frameworks she uses to improve team communication, address conflict, and foster a positive work environment.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Sydne Jacques, PE, CSP
Sydne Jacques is a dynamic and highly sought-after professional speaker, renowned for her ability to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. With her captivating stage presence and compelling storytelling, Sydne leaves a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Instead of focusing on building projects, Sydne Jacques focuses on building the people and the teams that build your projects. With today’s shrinking workforce, it’s more important than ever to retain your key workers.

Sydne has worked with over 600 different teams and organizations in the construction industry. Her strategy to develop cultures of increased trust and communication consistently results in higher levels of engagement and buy-in, lower rates of turnover and increased profitability.

Sydne is the CEO of Next Level Leadership, is a professional engineer turned professional speaker and consultant, often referred to as "the engineer with a personality." Her leadership has led to the establishment of an award-winning company with clients spanning across the globe, including Japan, Korea and Guam. With a track record of training over 20,000 individuals and collaborating with more than 600 teams, Sydne has made a significant impact in the industry.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

  • Introduction (0:00 - 2:12)
  • Sydney's Journey to Coaching (2:13 - 5:52)
  • The Power of Frameworks and the Upper Arrow (5:53 - 11:00)
  • Book: Competing Against Luck
  • Book: Unreasonable Hospitality
  • Foundational Philosophy: The Human Connection (11:01 - 16:50)
  • Sydney's Current Work and Passion for Giving Back (16:51 - 21:41)
  • The HIPP Model: A Framework for Feedback (21:42 - 30:18)
  • Addressing Conflicting Perspectives and Clear the Air Meetings (30:19 - 33:02)
  • Sydney's Approach to Coaching Teams and Individuals (33:03 - 35:41)
  • Connecting with Sydney and Accessing Resources (35:42 - 38:35)
  • Closing Remarks and Appreciation (38:36 - 40:00)
  • Sydne's Fall 2023 Conference Presentation

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+s7jQUJM4 ]]> #114 - Case History - Geophysics Provides the Confidence to Build https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch114 8dfe6973-68be-4a84-8aa6-c3ff9d75a743 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 20:11 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #114 - Geophysics Provides the Confidence to Build

Summary

In this episode, we explore how Siemens Associates turned an “unbuildable” site into a construction-ready plot using advanced geophysical exploration. Initially, a school’s building plan hit a roadblock when a non-GBA member firm’s study flagged variable surface conditions and air-filled voids, rendering the site unfeasible. However, the drilling method used was unreliable, causing uncertainties.

Enter a second geotechnical and geophysics firm with a fresh perspective, Siemens Associates. They executed a high-resolution electrical resistivity survey, followed by traditional drilling. This savvy approach cut drilling costs and pinpointed problem areas with surgical precision. The 3D survey unveiled a clear subsurface picture, showing only minor anomalies within the project footprint. Sonic drilling validated the presence of pumicite, a fickle rock, but no alarming voids.

This meticulous assessment flipped the initial verdict, proving the site buildable. Tune in to discover how cutting-edge geophysics and diligent geotechnical work transformed a seemingly doomed project into a roaring success.

Our Host

Elizabeth Brown, PE – National Practice Manager - Geotechnical/Atlas Technical Consultants Atlas Technical Consultants (Link to Profile) -

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Our Guest

Andy Siemens, PE, GE – Principal Engineer /Siemens & Associates (Link to Profile)

Andy Siemens is the Principal Engineer at Siemens Associates, renowned for his expertise in structural and civil engineering. With a degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license, he oversees complex projects, manages teams, and ensures high-quality outcomes. Andy excels in client interaction, innovative problem-solving, and mentoring young engineers. His notable achievements include multiple awards, industry publications, and contributions to high-profile infrastructure projects, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in engineering.

Lessons Learned

  • Reliance on traditional subsurface investigation methods aren’t always effective.
  • Novel uses of lesser-known, geophysical methods can effectively guide traditional exploration, leading to confident geotechnical recommendations.
  • In this case, it was clear that incorporating a geophysical component offered significant benefits early on, in the exploration/planning stage.
  • Explore different drilling methods and be strategic with the location of borings. A strategic boring pattern is crucial to preserving the exploration budget, especially when dealing with proposed rectangular footprints.
  • Before starting traditional exploration, consider how effectively you’ll be able to interpret conditions between borings. If this seems challenging, it might be time to consult with a geophysicist.
  • Assess if your site has sensitive terrain, difficult access, or other challenging conditions for wielding or tracking equipment.
  • Geophysics can be accomplished anywhere you can walk or float, often more economically than building special access or obtaining permits.
  • Engage geophysics services with care and consideration.

Calls-to-action:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #114 - Geophysics Provides the Confidence to Build

Summary

In this episode, we explore how Siemens Associates turned an “unbuildable” site into a construction-ready plot using advanced geophysical exploration. Initially, a school’s building plan hit a roadblock when a non-GBA member firm’s study flagged variable surface conditions and air-filled voids, rendering the site unfeasible. However, the drilling method used was unreliable, causing uncertainties.

Enter a second geotechnical and geophysics firm with a fresh perspective, Siemens Associates. They executed a high-resolution electrical resistivity survey, followed by traditional drilling. This savvy approach cut drilling costs and pinpointed problem areas with surgical precision. The 3D survey unveiled a clear subsurface picture, showing only minor anomalies within the project footprint. Sonic drilling validated the presence of pumicite, a fickle rock, but no alarming voids.

This meticulous assessment flipped the initial verdict, proving the site buildable. Tune in to discover how cutting-edge geophysics and diligent geotechnical work transformed a seemingly doomed project into a roaring success.

Our Host

Elizabeth Brown, PE – National Practice Manager - Geotechnical/Atlas Technical Consultants Atlas Technical Consultants (Link to Profile) -

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Our Guest

Andy Siemens, PE, GE – Principal Engineer /Siemens & Associates (Link to Profile)

Andy Siemens is the Principal Engineer at Siemens Associates, renowned for his expertise in structural and civil engineering. With a degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license, he oversees complex projects, manages teams, and ensures high-quality outcomes. Andy excels in client interaction, innovative problem-solving, and mentoring young engineers. His notable achievements include multiple awards, industry publications, and contributions to high-profile infrastructure projects, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in engineering.

Lessons Learned

  • Reliance on traditional subsurface investigation methods aren’t always effective.
  • Novel uses of lesser-known, geophysical methods can effectively guide traditional exploration, leading to confident geotechnical recommendations.
  • In this case, it was clear that incorporating a geophysical component offered significant benefits early on, in the exploration/planning stage.
  • Explore different drilling methods and be strategic with the location of borings. A strategic boring pattern is crucial to preserving the exploration budget, especially when dealing with proposed rectangular footprints.
  • Before starting traditional exploration, consider how effectively you’ll be able to interpret conditions between borings. If this seems challenging, it might be time to consult with a geophysicist.
  • Assess if your site has sensitive terrain, difficult access, or other challenging conditions for wielding or tracking equipment.
  • Geophysics can be accomplished anywhere you can walk or float, often more economically than building special access or obtaining permits.
  • Engage geophysics services with care and consideration.

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #114 - Geophysics Provides the Confidence to Build

Summary

In this episode, we explore how Siemens Associates turned an “unbuildable” site into a construction-ready plot using advanced geophysical exploration. Initially, a school’s building plan hit a roadblock when a non-GBA member firm’s study flagged variable surface conditions and air-filled voids, rendering the site unfeasible. However, the drilling method used was unreliable, causing uncertainties.

Enter a second geotechnical and geophysics firm with a fresh perspective, Siemens Associates. They executed a high-resolution electrical resistivity survey, followed by traditional drilling. This savvy approach cut drilling costs and pinpointed problem areas with surgical precision. The 3D survey unveiled a clear subsurface picture, showing only minor anomalies within the project footprint. Sonic drilling validated the presence of pumicite, a fickle rock, but no alarming voids.

This meticulous assessment flipped the initial verdict, proving the site buildable. Tune in to discover how cutting-edge geophysics and diligent geotechnical work transformed a seemingly doomed project into a roaring success.

Our Host

Elizabeth Brown, PE – National Practice Manager - Geotechnical/Atlas Technical Consultants Atlas Technical Consultants (Link to Profile) -

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Our Guest

Andy Siemens, PE, GE – Principal Engineer /Siemens & Associates (Link to Profile)

Andy Siemens is the Principal Engineer at Siemens Associates, renowned for his expertise in structural and civil engineering. With a degree in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license, he oversees complex projects, manages teams, and ensures high-quality outcomes. Andy excels in client interaction, innovative problem-solving, and mentoring young engineers. His notable achievements include multiple awards, industry publications, and contributions to high-profile infrastructure projects, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in engineering.

Lessons Learned

  • Reliance on traditional subsurface investigation methods aren’t always effective.
  • Novel uses of lesser-known, geophysical methods can effectively guide traditional exploration, leading to confident geotechnical recommendations.
  • In this case, it was clear that incorporating a geophysical component offered significant benefits early on, in the exploration/planning stage.
  • Explore different drilling methods and be strategic with the location of borings. A strategic boring pattern is crucial to preserving the exploration budget, especially when dealing with proposed rectangular footprints.
  • Before starting traditional exploration, consider how effectively you’ll be able to interpret conditions between borings. If this seems challenging, it might be time to consult with a geophysicist.
  • Assess if your site has sensitive terrain, difficult access, or other challenging conditions for wielding or tracking equipment.
  • Geophysics can be accomplished anywhere you can walk or float, often more economically than building special access or obtaining permits.
  • Engage geophysics services with care and consideration.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+DQW7hH3D ]]> #1 - Leadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator https://www.gbapodcast.com/ll01 0fcd2f39-b371-48b6-b9ae-f1d440b6b0d8 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association In the Leadership Lounge, hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. 1:01:14 false Leadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator

About This Episode
In this episode, we learn from a master negotiator about how to communicate more effectively through building cultures founded on emotional communication, active listening, and relationship-based negotiations. It doesn't matter if you are left-brain dominant, you can learn the right-brained skills necessary to become a better communicator. Dan talks about how every conversation is a negotiation, why storytelling is important in communication, and finally, he provides some practical advice to start developing and implementing these skills immediately.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Dan Oblinger – Consulting Negotiator/Leadercraft
Dan Oblinger is a hostage negotiator commander, author, international keynote speaker, and consulting business negotiator. He specializes in working with architects, engineers, and construction managers. Whether speaking at conferences, facilitating workshops for active listening and negotiation skills, or coaching and consulting with companies to build strong agreements, Dan loves to share his craft and enhance culture.

As a workshop trainer, Oblinger is a cornerstone of emerging leader programs for American Council of Engineering Companies chapters in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, North Dakota, New Jersey, Iowa, and Georgia. He regularly speaks for NSPE, ACEC, AIA, SMPS, AGC, SEI Reunions, Surety/Risk Management, and other specialty design/build audiences.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, leadership, leadership development, mentor Leadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator

About This Episode
In this episode, we learn from a master negotiator about how to communicate more effectively through building cultures founded on emotional communication, active listening, and relationship-based negotiations. It doesn't matter if you are left-brain dominant, you can learn the right-brained skills necessary to become a better communicator. Dan talks about how every conversation is a negotiation, why storytelling is important in communication, and finally, he provides some practical advice to start developing and implementing these skills immediately.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Dan Oblinger – Consulting Negotiator/Leadercraft
Dan Oblinger is a hostage negotiator commander, author, international keynote speaker, and consulting business negotiator. He specializes in working with architects, engineers, and construction managers. Whether speaking at conferences, facilitating workshops for active listening and negotiation skills, or coaching and consulting with companies to build strong agreements, Dan loves to share his craft and enhance culture.

As a workshop trainer, Oblinger is a cornerstone of emerging leader programs for American Council of Engineering Companies chapters in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, North Dakota, New Jersey, Iowa, and Georgia. He regularly speaks for NSPE, ACEC, AIA, SMPS, AGC, SEI Reunions, Surety/Risk Management, and other specialty design/build audiences.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Leadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator

About This Episode
In this episode, we learn from a master negotiator about how to communicate more effectively through building cultures founded on emotional communication, active listening, and relationship-based negotiations. It doesn't matter if you are left-brain dominant, you can learn the right-brained skills necessary to become a better communicator. Dan talks about how every conversation is a negotiation, why storytelling is important in communication, and finally, he provides some practical advice to start developing and implementing these skills immediately.

Series Summary
In the Leadership Lounge hosts Tiffany Vorhies and Ryan White have conversations with business coaches and share ideas to elevate your team. Have you ever wondered how a skilled coach might be able to help you or your firm? Well, you're in the right place! In each episode we sit down with a business coach who shares their tools, insights, and practical tips. From personal coaches to strategy planning specialists and even a hostage negotiator who coaches on listening. We will explore topics like the ROI of coaching, how investing in coaching pays dividends beyond the balance sheet. Effective execution, how coaches can help your team stay on task and complete those lofty goals. Innovation igniters, unleashing creativity within corporate walls. Culture crafting, shaping cultures that attract and retain your top talent. Together, let's go on a journey of insight, inspiration, and impact. Remember, success in business is a team sport. And our coaches know how to write a game plan for business victory.

About Our Guest
Dan Oblinger – Consulting Negotiator/Leadercraft
Dan Oblinger is a hostage negotiator commander, author, international keynote speaker, and consulting business negotiator. He specializes in working with architects, engineers, and construction managers. Whether speaking at conferences, facilitating workshops for active listening and negotiation skills, or coaching and consulting with companies to build strong agreements, Dan loves to share his craft and enhance culture.

As a workshop trainer, Oblinger is a cornerstone of emerging leader programs for American Council of Engineering Companies chapters in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, North Dakota, New Jersey, Iowa, and Georgia. He regularly speaks for NSPE, ACEC, AIA, SMPS, AGC, SEI Reunions, Surety/Risk Management, and other specialty design/build audiences.

Our Hosts
Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP – Principal/Vice PresidentSME
Project management professional with twenty-five years of experience related to the built environment. Tiffany manages a department that specializes in weld and concrete reviews. A large part of what they do is related to fabrication oversight prior to construction. Then they also follow the life cycle of the structures through the building phase, and into the maintenance phase. From lighting structures and sign trusses over the highway, to culverts and bridges underneath it, we work with owners to protect their assets.

Tiffany's specialties include program management of multi-year projects, including contract and scope negotiation, laboratory/field testing, data collection, and quality assurance of data. Our projects typically include Certified Welding Inspectors, nondestructive testing specialists, Prestressed concrete specialists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.

Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.
As PBS’ Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Ryan is regularly involved with all aspects of geotechnical projects, from exploration through construction, with wide-ranging scopes and complexity. Ryan leads the PBS geotechnical engineering team, bringing over 27 years of experience in successful project management and engineering in areas such as shallow and deep foundation design; slope stability evaluation, monitoring, and stabilization; shoring; retaining wall design; stormwater infiltration; pavement design; and seismic evaluation. Ryan’s project experience includes multi-story commercial developments, schools and universities, municipal facilities, utility alignments, water and wastewater facilities, bridges, roadways, and industrial facilities.

Lessons Learned:

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+VvHmsPwG ]]> #1 - Management Best Practices - How to Have Tough Conversations https://www.gbapodcast.com/mbp01 6730718a-3e60-42ca-a4a7-6458c9dfc73f Tue, 20 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors. 1:05:56 false Management Best Practices - How to Have Tough Conversations

About This Episode
If tough conversations have the power to bring about positive change, why are they often associated with feelings of discomfort? Join GBA’s Jennifer Sanborn and Leadership Development Coach Jen Bell as they explore how to facilitate better one-on-one discussions.

“Our aversion to difficult conversations comes from the inherent potential for conflict associated with corrective actions,” Bell says. “But through a well-prepared, strategic approach, we can address pressing concerns amicably and simultaneously build a culture of mutual understanding.”

By embracing discomfort as a catalyst for positive change, we pave the way for enhanced collaboration, improved relationships, and a resilient, forward-thinking workplace.

Series Summary
Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors.

Our Host
Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.
After 20 years of being part of and leading environmental engineering project teams, Jenn currently leads career development, learning, employee engagement, and culture initiatives at Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. Jenn continues to lead a small number of projects, conducting environmental assessments and cleanup under the USEPA Brownfields program. Jenn is passionate about staff development and seeing those around her succeed. As a supervisor, she enjoys the opportunity to mentor staff and guide their career development. She is also a member of Sanborn Head’s Board of Directors.

About Our Guest
Jen Bell – Leadership Development Coach/True North Culture Advisors
Jen is a passionate, Boston-based leadership coach who joined True North Culture Advisors in 2018. She possesses 25 years of experience and approaches client engagements with empathy and discernment to uncover new leadership insights for various professionals in different industries. For over 20 years, Jen has worked extensively in both international non-profit ministries and corporate America. Her work has focused on developing leadership teams, executive and leadership coaching, and optimizing organizational strategies. Her relationship development skills, coupled with her strong operational acumen, have helped her develop more productive teams across the organizations she’s led.

Lessons Learned:

  • Leaders must make an effort to become skilled in tough conversations.
  • Creating an environment where such discussions feel normal is crucial.
  • Lack of accountability can lead to organizational dysfunction.
  • Failing to hold people accountable limits growth and development (aka leadership sacrilege!).
  • Trust is crucial for corrective, hard conversations.
  • Earning the right to address tough issues is essential.
  • Rules without relationships lead to rebellion.
  • Indicators that a tough conversation needs to be had include big offenses and violations of core values.
  • Strategies involve being well-prepared, clear, compassionate, and inviting response.
  • So-called stop conversations address unacceptable behaviors, while switch conversations change perspectives.
  • Grow conversations provide opportunities for learning and improvement.
  • Documentation and facts are essential for effective grow conversations.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Management Best Practices - How to Have Tough Conversations

About This Episode
If tough conversations have the power to bring about positive change, why are they often associated with feelings of discomfort? Join GBA’s Jennifer Sanborn and Leadership Development Coach Jen Bell as they explore how to facilitate better one-on-one discussions.

“Our aversion to difficult conversations comes from the inherent potential for conflict associated with corrective actions,” Bell says. “But through a well-prepared, strategic approach, we can address pressing concerns amicably and simultaneously build a culture of mutual understanding.”

By embracing discomfort as a catalyst for positive change, we pave the way for enhanced collaboration, improved relationships, and a resilient, forward-thinking workplace.

Series Summary
Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors.

Our Host
Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.
After 20 years of being part of and leading environmental engineering project teams, Jenn currently leads career development, learning, employee engagement, and culture initiatives at Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. Jenn continues to lead a small number of projects, conducting environmental assessments and cleanup under the USEPA Brownfields program. Jenn is passionate about staff development and seeing those around her succeed. As a supervisor, she enjoys the opportunity to mentor staff and guide their career development. She is also a member of Sanborn Head’s Board of Directors.

About Our Guest
Jen Bell – Leadership Development Coach/True North Culture Advisors
Jen is a passionate, Boston-based leadership coach who joined True North Culture Advisors in 2018. She possesses 25 years of experience and approaches client engagements with empathy and discernment to uncover new leadership insights for various professionals in different industries. For over 20 years, Jen has worked extensively in both international non-profit ministries and corporate America. Her work has focused on developing leadership teams, executive and leadership coaching, and optimizing organizational strategies. Her relationship development skills, coupled with her strong operational acumen, have helped her develop more productive teams across the organizations she’s led.

Lessons Learned:

  • Leaders must make an effort to become skilled in tough conversations.
  • Creating an environment where such discussions feel normal is crucial.
  • Lack of accountability can lead to organizational dysfunction.
  • Failing to hold people accountable limits growth and development (aka leadership sacrilege!).
  • Trust is crucial for corrective, hard conversations.
  • Earning the right to address tough issues is essential.
  • Rules without relationships lead to rebellion.
  • Indicators that a tough conversation needs to be had include big offenses and violations of core values.
  • Strategies involve being well-prepared, clear, compassionate, and inviting response.
  • So-called stop conversations address unacceptable behaviors, while switch conversations change perspectives.
  • Grow conversations provide opportunities for learning and improvement.
  • Documentation and facts are essential for effective grow conversations.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Management Best Practices - How to Have Tough Conversations

About This Episode
If tough conversations have the power to bring about positive change, why are they often associated with feelings of discomfort? Join GBA’s Jennifer Sanborn and Leadership Development Coach Jen Bell as they explore how to facilitate better one-on-one discussions.

“Our aversion to difficult conversations comes from the inherent potential for conflict associated with corrective actions,” Bell says. “But through a well-prepared, strategic approach, we can address pressing concerns amicably and simultaneously build a culture of mutual understanding.”

By embracing discomfort as a catalyst for positive change, we pave the way for enhanced collaboration, improved relationships, and a resilient, forward-thinking workplace.

Series Summary
Becoming a manager or supervisor is an important step in many people’s professional careers, and it introduces a set of new responsibilities that they may not have had in their prior role. The Management Best Practices series highlights a handful of those responsibilities, the challenges that can go along with them, and best practices for navigating through them. The episodes in this series will provide valuable advice for new as well as seasoned managers or supervisors.

Our Host
Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc.
After 20 years of being part of and leading environmental engineering project teams, Jenn currently leads career development, learning, employee engagement, and culture initiatives at Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. Jenn continues to lead a small number of projects, conducting environmental assessments and cleanup under the USEPA Brownfields program. Jenn is passionate about staff development and seeing those around her succeed. As a supervisor, she enjoys the opportunity to mentor staff and guide their career development. She is also a member of Sanborn Head’s Board of Directors.

About Our Guest
Jen Bell – Leadership Development Coach/True North Culture Advisors
Jen is a passionate, Boston-based leadership coach who joined True North Culture Advisors in 2018. She possesses 25 years of experience and approaches client engagements with empathy and discernment to uncover new leadership insights for various professionals in different industries. For over 20 years, Jen has worked extensively in both international non-profit ministries and corporate America. Her work has focused on developing leadership teams, executive and leadership coaching, and optimizing organizational strategies. Her relationship development skills, coupled with her strong operational acumen, have helped her develop more productive teams across the organizations she’s led.

Lessons Learned:

  • Leaders must make an effort to become skilled in tough conversations.
  • Creating an environment where such discussions feel normal is crucial.
  • Lack of accountability can lead to organizational dysfunction.
  • Failing to hold people accountable limits growth and development (aka leadership sacrilege!).
  • Trust is crucial for corrective, hard conversations.
  • Earning the right to address tough issues is essential.
  • Rules without relationships lead to rebellion.
  • Indicators that a tough conversation needs to be had include big offenses and violations of core values.
  • Strategies involve being well-prepared, clear, compassionate, and inviting response.
  • So-called stop conversations address unacceptable behaviors, while switch conversations change perspectives.
  • Grow conversations provide opportunities for learning and improvement.
  • Documentation and facts are essential for effective grow conversations.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+hKstQ3-U ]]> #93 - Case History - $150M Near Miss https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch93 d11515c8-031c-4df1-9df9-f486709ededa Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 18:02 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #93 - $150M Near Miss

Summary

The GBA-Member Firm’s CEO and the developer’s CEO had worked together successfully on numerous projects for more than 15 years, establishing a friendship based on mutual respect and trust. This project was the developer’s most ambitious to date, by virtue of its size, local prominence, and complexity. Among other things, the project plan called for four levels of parking beneath 2½ city blocks and adjoining streets. As the excavation was nearing completion, three soldier piles in the northeast corner of the excavation plunged downward between 12 and 18 inches and rotated toward the basement excavation. If the issue wasn't resolved quickly not only would the safety of the public be at risk, but so would the relationship.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Ryan is the Principal Geotechnical engineer and Geotechnical Engineering Group manager at PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Ryan regularly manages projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and has worked on projects across the US. Ryan's experience includes commercial development, transportation projects, design for low- to mid-rise buildings, bridge foundations, roads, landslide evaluation and stabilization, retaining wall design and construction, seismic evaluations and solar energy and land development.

Links

Soldier pile and lagging shoring

Tiebacks

Lessons Learned:

  • Use root-cause analysis to identify the cause of a condition and never stop working the problem.
  • Practice financial fortitude when there is a problem to build good will with the client and identify the real cause of a problem.
  • Keep your emotions in check when dealing with a stressful situation.
  • Consider the risks and consequences of your actions.
  • Develop and maintain strong client-professional relationships.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #93 - $150M Near Miss

Summary

The GBA-Member Firm’s CEO and the developer’s CEO had worked together successfully on numerous projects for more than 15 years, establishing a friendship based on mutual respect and trust. This project was the developer’s most ambitious to date, by virtue of its size, local prominence, and complexity. Among other things, the project plan called for four levels of parking beneath 2½ city blocks and adjoining streets. As the excavation was nearing completion, three soldier piles in the northeast corner of the excavation plunged downward between 12 and 18 inches and rotated toward the basement excavation. If the issue wasn't resolved quickly not only would the safety of the public be at risk, but so would the relationship.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Ryan is the Principal Geotechnical engineer and Geotechnical Engineering Group manager at PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Ryan regularly manages projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and has worked on projects across the US. Ryan's experience includes commercial development, transportation projects, design for low- to mid-rise buildings, bridge foundations, roads, landslide evaluation and stabilization, retaining wall design and construction, seismic evaluations and solar energy and land development.

Links

Soldier pile and lagging shoring

Tiebacks

Lessons Learned:

  • Use root-cause analysis to identify the cause of a condition and never stop working the problem.
  • Practice financial fortitude when there is a problem to build good will with the client and identify the real cause of a problem.
  • Keep your emotions in check when dealing with a stressful situation.
  • Consider the risks and consequences of your actions.
  • Develop and maintain strong client-professional relationships.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #93 - $150M Near Miss

Summary

The GBA-Member Firm’s CEO and the developer’s CEO had worked together successfully on numerous projects for more than 15 years, establishing a friendship based on mutual respect and trust. This project was the developer’s most ambitious to date, by virtue of its size, local prominence, and complexity. Among other things, the project plan called for four levels of parking beneath 2½ city blocks and adjoining streets. As the excavation was nearing completion, three soldier piles in the northeast corner of the excavation plunged downward between 12 and 18 inches and rotated toward the basement excavation. If the issue wasn't resolved quickly not only would the safety of the public be at risk, but so would the relationship.

Our Hosts:

Elizabeth is the Geotechnical Services Manager at Atlas Technical Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues.

Ryan is the Principal Geotechnical engineer and Geotechnical Engineering Group manager at PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Ryan regularly manages projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and has worked on projects across the US. Ryan's experience includes commercial development, transportation projects, design for low- to mid-rise buildings, bridge foundations, roads, landslide evaluation and stabilization, retaining wall design and construction, seismic evaluations and solar energy and land development.

Links

Soldier pile and lagging shoring

Tiebacks

Lessons Learned:

  • Use root-cause analysis to identify the cause of a condition and never stop working the problem.
  • Practice financial fortitude when there is a problem to build good will with the client and identify the real cause of a problem.
  • Keep your emotions in check when dealing with a stressful situation.
  • Consider the risks and consequences of your actions.
  • Develop and maintain strong client-professional relationships.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+ytY2p4_u ]]> #109 - Case History - We Were Hacked https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch109 63db3d50-cee4-4614-907a-960818d93ba0 Tue, 10 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 18:35 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #109 - We Were Hacked

Summary

Member Firm with multiple offices became the victim of foreign hacking enterprise. It started when an employee of the firm innocently opened an email from an unsuspected contact and clicked on a link allowing the hackers to access the Member Firm’s management systems. Unbeknownst to anyone, the infiltrators spent months learning about the Member Firm’s operations, information storage and data. After obtaining and securing the information that they were after, the hackers locked out the Member Firm keeping them from accessing their IT systems, including emails and project files. They promptly demanded seven-figure sum of money for the key to their lock.

Our Host

Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Jenn’s work in environmental site characterization and remediation has taken her to the leading edge of our practice in vapor intrusion and emerging contaminants. Jenn works on a number of projects under the USEPA Brownfields program, conducting environmental assessments and preparing regulatory submittals. She has extensive field experience and familiarity with environmental regulations across several states. At Sanborn Head, Jenn helps with Sanborn Head’s business practices, reviewing contracts and educating staff about risk management practices. As a supervisor, Jenn also enjoys the opportunity to mentor staff and guide their career development. She is also a member of Sanborn Head’s Board of Directors.

Our Guest

Doug Barbosa – Director of Information Technology /Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Doug is responsible for building and maintaining Sanborn Head’s technology infrastructure. In this capacity he manages their IT team and oversees the planning and development of the information systems and data processes so that everyone at Sanborn Head has the tools and solutions needed to service their clients. Doug is an expert in the area of cybersecurity and takes great pride in his efforts to protect Sanborn Head’s and their clients’ data and ensure a smooth operational environment.

Lessons Learned

  • Purchase Cyber/Ransomware insurance
  • Replace old computers,update/upgrade security software and apps
  • Train staff on cyber security and anti-phishing protocols; test regularly
  • Bring in an outside cyber expert to evaluate your systems and get recommendations to address weak points
  • Leadership, employee and client resilience

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #109 - We Were Hacked

Summary

Member Firm with multiple offices became the victim of foreign hacking enterprise. It started when an employee of the firm innocently opened an email from an unsuspected contact and clicked on a link allowing the hackers to access the Member Firm’s management systems. Unbeknownst to anyone, the infiltrators spent months learning about the Member Firm’s operations, information storage and data. After obtaining and securing the information that they were after, the hackers locked out the Member Firm keeping them from accessing their IT systems, including emails and project files. They promptly demanded seven-figure sum of money for the key to their lock.

Our Host

Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Jenn’s work in environmental site characterization and remediation has taken her to the leading edge of our practice in vapor intrusion and emerging contaminants. Jenn works on a number of projects under the USEPA Brownfields program, conducting environmental assessments and preparing regulatory submittals. She has extensive field experience and familiarity with environmental regulations across several states. At Sanborn Head, Jenn helps with Sanborn Head’s business practices, reviewing contracts and educating staff about risk management practices. As a supervisor, Jenn also enjoys the opportunity to mentor staff and guide their career development. She is also a member of Sanborn Head’s Board of Directors.

Our Guest

Doug Barbosa – Director of Information Technology /Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Doug is responsible for building and maintaining Sanborn Head’s technology infrastructure. In this capacity he manages their IT team and oversees the planning and development of the information systems and data processes so that everyone at Sanborn Head has the tools and solutions needed to service their clients. Doug is an expert in the area of cybersecurity and takes great pride in his efforts to protect Sanborn Head’s and their clients’ data and ensure a smooth operational environment.

Lessons Learned

  • Purchase Cyber/Ransomware insurance
  • Replace old computers,update/upgrade security software and apps
  • Train staff on cyber security and anti-phishing protocols; test regularly
  • Bring in an outside cyber expert to evaluate your systems and get recommendations to address weak points
  • Leadership, employee and client resilience

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #109 - We Were Hacked

Summary

Member Firm with multiple offices became the victim of foreign hacking enterprise. It started when an employee of the firm innocently opened an email from an unsuspected contact and clicked on a link allowing the hackers to access the Member Firm’s management systems. Unbeknownst to anyone, the infiltrators spent months learning about the Member Firm’s operations, information storage and data. After obtaining and securing the information that they were after, the hackers locked out the Member Firm keeping them from accessing their IT systems, including emails and project files. They promptly demanded seven-figure sum of money for the key to their lock.

Our Host

Jennifer Sanborn, PE – Vice President/Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Jenn’s work in environmental site characterization and remediation has taken her to the leading edge of our practice in vapor intrusion and emerging contaminants. Jenn works on a number of projects under the USEPA Brownfields program, conducting environmental assessments and preparing regulatory submittals. She has extensive field experience and familiarity with environmental regulations across several states. At Sanborn Head, Jenn helps with Sanborn Head’s business practices, reviewing contracts and educating staff about risk management practices. As a supervisor, Jenn also enjoys the opportunity to mentor staff and guide their career development. She is also a member of Sanborn Head’s Board of Directors.

Our Guest

Doug Barbosa – Director of Information Technology /Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Doug is responsible for building and maintaining Sanborn Head’s technology infrastructure. In this capacity he manages their IT team and oversees the planning and development of the information systems and data processes so that everyone at Sanborn Head has the tools and solutions needed to service their clients. Doug is an expert in the area of cybersecurity and takes great pride in his efforts to protect Sanborn Head’s and their clients’ data and ensure a smooth operational environment.

Lessons Learned

  • Purchase Cyber/Ransomware insurance
  • Replace old computers,update/upgrade security software and apps
  • Train staff on cyber security and anti-phishing protocols; test regularly
  • Bring in an outside cyber expert to evaluate your systems and get recommendations to address weak points
  • Leadership, employee and client resilience

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+ZJ5W4W_X ]]> #3 - Diversity Equity Inclusion - Allies in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion https://www.gbapodcast.com/dei03 656319c5-20e7-4f01-9422-2906f8b8f7bf Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives. In this episode of the DEI series, we will be discussing allies in diversity, equity, and inclusions. Allies can be essential to drive systemic improvements to workplace policies, practices, and culture. But what does it mean to be an ally? How can allies impact the recruitment process? What effect does allyship have on the retention of employees? And what can we do to create more allies? 56:15 false GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #3 – Allies in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Summary

In this episode of the DEI series, we will be discussing allies in diversity, equity, and inclusions. Allies can be essential to drive systemic improvements to workplace policies, practices, and culture. But what does it mean to be an ally? How can allies impact the recruitment process? What effect does allyship have on the retention of employees? And what can we do to create more allies?

Our Guest

Charlie Head, PE, PG Founding Principal / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Charlie is a co-founder of Sanborn Head. He serves as the Chair of the company’s board of directors and oversees the implementation of the firm’s strategic plan.

Charlie actively steers initiatives related to the expansion of the firm’s services and markets. Charlie remains active in Sanborn Head’s professional practice, with particular emphasis on environmental assessment and remediation, including due diligence for clients globally. Charlie received his bachelor’s degree in geology from St. Lawrence University, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in civil and groundwater engineering from Colorado State University.

For Charlie, the real thrill of working at Sanborn Head is the creative problem solving and collaboration that fosters deep relationships—among staff and with clients. In his current role, Charlie enjoys focusing on the growth and sustainability of the company and helping to create opportunities for the next generation.

Charlie is a Professional Engineer in Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia; he is a Professional Geologist in New Hampshire.

Topics for discussion include:

  • What does it mean to be an ally?
  • Addressing the “leaky pipeline”.
  • How DEI can affect the recruitment process.
  • The effect an ally can have on the retention of employees.
  • Recruiting more allies.

Lessons Learned:

  • Understanding and evaluating our own biases.
  • DEI initiatives should go hand in hand with the recruitment process.
  • There’s no shame in making mistakes.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #3 – Allies in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Summary

In this episode of the DEI series, we will be discussing allies in diversity, equity, and inclusions. Allies can be essential to drive systemic improvements to workplace policies, practices, and culture. But what does it mean to be an ally? How can allies impact the recruitment process? What effect does allyship have on the retention of employees? And what can we do to create more allies?

Our Guest

Charlie Head, PE, PG Founding Principal / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Charlie is a co-founder of Sanborn Head. He serves as the Chair of the company’s board of directors and oversees the implementation of the firm’s strategic plan.

Charlie actively steers initiatives related to the expansion of the firm’s services and markets. Charlie remains active in Sanborn Head’s professional practice, with particular emphasis on environmental assessment and remediation, including due diligence for clients globally. Charlie received his bachelor’s degree in geology from St. Lawrence University, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in civil and groundwater engineering from Colorado State University.

For Charlie, the real thrill of working at Sanborn Head is the creative problem solving and collaboration that fosters deep relationships—among staff and with clients. In his current role, Charlie enjoys focusing on the growth and sustainability of the company and helping to create opportunities for the next generation.

Charlie is a Professional Engineer in Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia; he is a Professional Geologist in New Hampshire.

Topics for discussion include:

  • What does it mean to be an ally?
  • Addressing the “leaky pipeline”.
  • How DEI can affect the recruitment process.
  • The effect an ally can have on the retention of employees.
  • Recruiting more allies.

Lessons Learned:

  • Understanding and evaluating our own biases.
  • DEI initiatives should go hand in hand with the recruitment process.
  • There’s no shame in making mistakes.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #3 – Allies in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Summary

In this episode of the DEI series, we will be discussing allies in diversity, equity, and inclusions. Allies can be essential to drive systemic improvements to workplace policies, practices, and culture. But what does it mean to be an ally? How can allies impact the recruitment process? What effect does allyship have on the retention of employees? And what can we do to create more allies?

Our Guest

Charlie Head, PE, PG Founding Principal / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Charlie is a co-founder of Sanborn Head. He serves as the Chair of the company’s board of directors and oversees the implementation of the firm’s strategic plan.

Charlie actively steers initiatives related to the expansion of the firm’s services and markets. Charlie remains active in Sanborn Head’s professional practice, with particular emphasis on environmental assessment and remediation, including due diligence for clients globally. Charlie received his bachelor’s degree in geology from St. Lawrence University, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in civil and groundwater engineering from Colorado State University.

For Charlie, the real thrill of working at Sanborn Head is the creative problem solving and collaboration that fosters deep relationships—among staff and with clients. In his current role, Charlie enjoys focusing on the growth and sustainability of the company and helping to create opportunities for the next generation.

Charlie is a Professional Engineer in Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia; he is a Professional Geologist in New Hampshire.

Topics for discussion include:

  • What does it mean to be an ally?
  • Addressing the “leaky pipeline”.
  • How DEI can affect the recruitment process.
  • The effect an ally can have on the retention of employees.
  • Recruiting more allies.

Lessons Learned:

  • Understanding and evaluating our own biases.
  • DEI initiatives should go hand in hand with the recruitment process.
  • There’s no shame in making mistakes.

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+b8NNzcBk ]]> #2 - Diversity Equity Inclusion - Understanding Your Workforce https://www.gbapodcast.com/dei02 d2b13001-944a-4871-9561-ed96ffb23133 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 23:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives. In this episode, we will be discussing the how other professions tackle diversity, equity, and inclusions within their organizations and the importance of understanding the needs of your workforce in relation to diversity and inclusion. 52:09 false GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #2 – Understanding Your Workforce

Summary

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives.

In this episode, we will be discussing the how other professions tackle diversity, equity, and inclusions within their organizations and the importance of understanding the needs of your workforce in relation to diversity and inclusion.

Our Guest

Cristina Bartolomei, Senior Program Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / FDA [Link to Profile]

Cristina Bartolomei is an accomplished strategist, speaker, and facilitator, with over a decade of experience in affirmative employment, EEO, and D&I. She attributes her passion for civil rights, social action, and equality to her upbringing in Puerto Rico, where she developed a lifelong passion for social activism. She has channeled this passion throughout her career. As a first-generation professional, she also believes in her role in making civil service accessible for all.

In March 2021, Cristina joined the FDA as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Senior Program Manager, tasked with managing short and long-term FDA-wide DEI initiatives and advising senior management on the development, enhancement, and implementation of projects, practices, and procedures to maintain an inclusive and effective diversity management program. Prior to joining the FDA, she was a Senior Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Civil Rights, where she served as a key player in the development, implementation, and management of DEI programs and initiatives, which included the Inclusion is on US™ campaign and the First-Generation Professionals (FGP) Initiative – first-of-their-kind Federal initiatives promoting an organizational culture that respects, values, and engages all employees, regardless of their cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • How to start formulation DEI initiative
  • The importance of understanding your workforce
  • Employee Satisfaction vs. Employee Engagement

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #2 – Understanding Your Workforce

Summary

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives.

In this episode, we will be discussing the how other professions tackle diversity, equity, and inclusions within their organizations and the importance of understanding the needs of your workforce in relation to diversity and inclusion.

Our Guest

Cristina Bartolomei, Senior Program Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / FDA [Link to Profile]

Cristina Bartolomei is an accomplished strategist, speaker, and facilitator, with over a decade of experience in affirmative employment, EEO, and D&I. She attributes her passion for civil rights, social action, and equality to her upbringing in Puerto Rico, where she developed a lifelong passion for social activism. She has channeled this passion throughout her career. As a first-generation professional, she also believes in her role in making civil service accessible for all.

In March 2021, Cristina joined the FDA as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Senior Program Manager, tasked with managing short and long-term FDA-wide DEI initiatives and advising senior management on the development, enhancement, and implementation of projects, practices, and procedures to maintain an inclusive and effective diversity management program. Prior to joining the FDA, she was a Senior Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Civil Rights, where she served as a key player in the development, implementation, and management of DEI programs and initiatives, which included the Inclusion is on US™ campaign and the First-Generation Professionals (FGP) Initiative – first-of-their-kind Federal initiatives promoting an organizational culture that respects, values, and engages all employees, regardless of their cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • How to start formulation DEI initiative
  • The importance of understanding your workforce
  • Employee Satisfaction vs. Employee Engagement

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #2 – Understanding Your Workforce

Summary

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives.

In this episode, we will be discussing the how other professions tackle diversity, equity, and inclusions within their organizations and the importance of understanding the needs of your workforce in relation to diversity and inclusion.

Our Guest

Cristina Bartolomei, Senior Program Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / FDA [Link to Profile]

Cristina Bartolomei is an accomplished strategist, speaker, and facilitator, with over a decade of experience in affirmative employment, EEO, and D&I. She attributes her passion for civil rights, social action, and equality to her upbringing in Puerto Rico, where she developed a lifelong passion for social activism. She has channeled this passion throughout her career. As a first-generation professional, she also believes in her role in making civil service accessible for all.

In March 2021, Cristina joined the FDA as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Senior Program Manager, tasked with managing short and long-term FDA-wide DEI initiatives and advising senior management on the development, enhancement, and implementation of projects, practices, and procedures to maintain an inclusive and effective diversity management program. Prior to joining the FDA, she was a Senior Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Civil Rights, where she served as a key player in the development, implementation, and management of DEI programs and initiatives, which included the Inclusion is on US™ campaign and the First-Generation Professionals (FGP) Initiative – first-of-their-kind Federal initiatives promoting an organizational culture that respects, values, and engages all employees, regardless of their cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • How to start formulation DEI initiative
  • The importance of understanding your workforce
  • Employee Satisfaction vs. Employee Engagement

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+lO_GFmmx ]]> #105 - Case History - Friends Don't Sue Friends….Most of the Time https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch105 ce6a62a5-1092-40a1-b30e-2a644510105a Tue, 21 Sep 2021 23:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. 32:44 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #105 - Friends don't sue Friends….Most of the Time

Summary

A GBA member-Firm was hired to perform a geotechnical engineering study of the project site and provide a written report describing its subsurface conditions. This same fir provided construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) during site development and construction of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. Failed communication between the field representative, member firm's project manager and the design team during construction of a MSE wall led to cracks in the building slab and in the wall blocks and ultimately a claim.

Our Guest

Dan Schaefer – Vice President/Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Dan has more than 30 years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction inspection and materials testing, and environmental consulting. In addition to his branch management duties, he continues to serve as a senior engineer on a wide variety of site development, building, and transportation projects with particular emphasis in foundation, retaining wall, pavement and slope design. Dan is actively involved with the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) and has been a member of the GBA CoMET Business Committee for more than 10 years, currently serving as that body’s Chair.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Case History 105 - Introductions - [1:20]
  • Case History 105 - Overview - [1:58]
  • Unfortunate events of Case History 105- [3:50]
  • Did the client excluding the MSE wall testing services from your scope and fee raise any red flags? – [7:48]
  • Several factors let to shrinkage cracks within the foundation slab– Why was the client & contractor initially unconcerned? - [12:16]
  • Field technician – What could have been done differently during construction? – [15:00]
  • If you were the project manager (PM) what would you have done differently? – [17:25]
  • What are the pitfalls of residential projects? – [19:35]
  • After litigation what did your firm do to prevent this from happening in the future? – [22:22]
  • Could there have been better documentation by your firm, PM, or field tech? – [25:15]
  • Discuss importance of PM and their tasks they should be performing- [26:20]
  • What are some of the things your firm could do to reduce risk? - [28:30]
  • After the lawsuit did your firm continue to work w/ client? – [29:45]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #105 - Friends don't sue Friends….Most of the Time

Summary

A GBA member-Firm was hired to perform a geotechnical engineering study of the project site and provide a written report describing its subsurface conditions. This same fir provided construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) during site development and construction of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. Failed communication between the field representative, member firm's project manager and the design team during construction of a MSE wall led to cracks in the building slab and in the wall blocks and ultimately a claim.

Our Guest

Dan Schaefer – Vice President/Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Dan has more than 30 years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction inspection and materials testing, and environmental consulting. In addition to his branch management duties, he continues to serve as a senior engineer on a wide variety of site development, building, and transportation projects with particular emphasis in foundation, retaining wall, pavement and slope design. Dan is actively involved with the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) and has been a member of the GBA CoMET Business Committee for more than 10 years, currently serving as that body’s Chair.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Case History 105 - Introductions - [1:20]
  • Case History 105 - Overview - [1:58]
  • Unfortunate events of Case History 105- [3:50]
  • Did the client excluding the MSE wall testing services from your scope and fee raise any red flags? – [7:48]
  • Several factors let to shrinkage cracks within the foundation slab– Why was the client & contractor initially unconcerned? - [12:16]
  • Field technician – What could have been done differently during construction? – [15:00]
  • If you were the project manager (PM) what would you have done differently? – [17:25]
  • What are the pitfalls of residential projects? – [19:35]
  • After litigation what did your firm do to prevent this from happening in the future? – [22:22]
  • Could there have been better documentation by your firm, PM, or field tech? – [25:15]
  • Discuss importance of PM and their tasks they should be performing- [26:20]
  • What are some of the things your firm could do to reduce risk? - [28:30]
  • After the lawsuit did your firm continue to work w/ client? – [29:45]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #105 - Friends don't sue Friends….Most of the Time

Summary

A GBA member-Firm was hired to perform a geotechnical engineering study of the project site and provide a written report describing its subsurface conditions. This same fir provided construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) during site development and construction of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall. Failed communication between the field representative, member firm's project manager and the design team during construction of a MSE wall led to cracks in the building slab and in the wall blocks and ultimately a claim.

Our Guest

Dan Schaefer – Vice President/Froehling & Robertson, Inc. (Link to Profile)

Dan has more than 30 years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction inspection and materials testing, and environmental consulting. In addition to his branch management duties, he continues to serve as a senior engineer on a wide variety of site development, building, and transportation projects with particular emphasis in foundation, retaining wall, pavement and slope design. Dan is actively involved with the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) and has been a member of the GBA CoMET Business Committee for more than 10 years, currently serving as that body’s Chair.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Case History 105 - Introductions - [1:20]
  • Case History 105 - Overview - [1:58]
  • Unfortunate events of Case History 105- [3:50]
  • Did the client excluding the MSE wall testing services from your scope and fee raise any red flags? – [7:48]
  • Several factors let to shrinkage cracks within the foundation slab– Why was the client & contractor initially unconcerned? - [12:16]
  • Field technician – What could have been done differently during construction? – [15:00]
  • If you were the project manager (PM) what would you have done differently? – [17:25]
  • What are the pitfalls of residential projects? – [19:35]
  • After litigation what did your firm do to prevent this from happening in the future? – [22:22]
  • Could there have been better documentation by your firm, PM, or field tech? – [25:15]
  • Discuss importance of PM and their tasks they should be performing- [26:20]
  • What are some of the things your firm could do to reduce risk? - [28:30]
  • After the lawsuit did your firm continue to work w/ client? – [29:45]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+tcWdBRFd ]]> #86 - Case History - Dream Home or Nightmare instead? https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch86 a32d61f6-31fa-41e7-b76a-0604edefa188 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 23:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #64 where the GBA Member Firm's civil engineer client erred when transferring information from the member's report to a set of plans. Serious problems resulted. 28:42 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #86 - Dream Home or Nightmare instead?

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #86 where the GBA member firm conducted a geotechnical engineering study and performed COMET services during earthwork for a builder on a single family home in an area where expansive shales are interbedded with sandstone. The member firm advised for slope-stability analyses. Eight months after construction was complete, the foundation started to move, creating distress in the slab and some walls. Remediation attempts were unsuccessful and as a result the project went to litigation.

Our Guest

Carrie Foulk, PE, GE – Geotechnical Group Manager/Senior Geotechnical Engineer/BSK Associates (Link to Profile)

Carrie Foulk is a senior geotechnical engineer at BSK Associates in Livermore, California. She has been in this business for about 20 years, and is the geotechnical technical lead for the company, as well as the geotechnical group manager in Livermore. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Washington (1996) and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from University of California at Berkeley (2002). She is professionally licensed as both a civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. She serves as chair of the Geotechnical Business Committee for the GBA and is currently part of the Emerging Leaders Committee. Her career highlights include taking 5 years off when her children were born to be a stay-at-home mom.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Case History 86 background. [1:42 min.]
    • What is Shale? [1:56 min]
    • What are pier foundation? [2:38 min]
    • What are spread foundation? [2:54 min]
  • The difference between pier foundations with a structural slab and spread foundation? [11:45 min]
  • Benefits and drawbacks of a structural slab built on deep pier foundations [12:55 min]
  • Imporatnce of soil removal and replacement (overexcavation). [14:40 min]
  • Differential settlement and causes. [15:40 min]
  • Standard of Care: Statewide vs. Local Standards. [20:04 min]

Lessons Learned:

  • Known risk of residential work. [21:25 min]
  • Providing clients with multiple solutions - How to emphasize the importance of the foundation decision? [ 23:02 min]
  • What went wrong with construction testing? [23:45 min]
  • Why did the slope stability become such a big deal when it initially seemed like it was not? [25:25 min]
  • Smaller projects do not equate to smaller risks. [26:40 min]

Calls-to-action:

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #86 - Dream Home or Nightmare instead?

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #86 where the GBA member firm conducted a geotechnical engineering study and performed COMET services during earthwork for a builder on a single family home in an area where expansive shales are interbedded with sandstone. The member firm advised for slope-stability analyses. Eight months after construction was complete, the foundation started to move, creating distress in the slab and some walls. Remediation attempts were unsuccessful and as a result the project went to litigation.

Our Guest

Carrie Foulk, PE, GE – Geotechnical Group Manager/Senior Geotechnical Engineer/BSK Associates (Link to Profile)

Carrie Foulk is a senior geotechnical engineer at BSK Associates in Livermore, California. She has been in this business for about 20 years, and is the geotechnical technical lead for the company, as well as the geotechnical group manager in Livermore. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Washington (1996) and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from University of California at Berkeley (2002). She is professionally licensed as both a civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. She serves as chair of the Geotechnical Business Committee for the GBA and is currently part of the Emerging Leaders Committee. Her career highlights include taking 5 years off when her children were born to be a stay-at-home mom.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Case History 86 background. [1:42 min.]
    • What is Shale? [1:56 min]
    • What are pier foundation? [2:38 min]
    • What are spread foundation? [2:54 min]
  • The difference between pier foundations with a structural slab and spread foundation? [11:45 min]
  • Benefits and drawbacks of a structural slab built on deep pier foundations [12:55 min]
  • Imporatnce of soil removal and replacement (overexcavation). [14:40 min]
  • Differential settlement and causes. [15:40 min]
  • Standard of Care: Statewide vs. Local Standards. [20:04 min]

Lessons Learned:

  • Known risk of residential work. [21:25 min]
  • Providing clients with multiple solutions - How to emphasize the importance of the foundation decision? [ 23:02 min]
  • What went wrong with construction testing? [23:45 min]
  • Why did the slope stability become such a big deal when it initially seemed like it was not? [25:25 min]
  • Smaller projects do not equate to smaller risks. [26:40 min]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #86 - Dream Home or Nightmare instead?

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #86 where the GBA member firm conducted a geotechnical engineering study and performed COMET services during earthwork for a builder on a single family home in an area where expansive shales are interbedded with sandstone. The member firm advised for slope-stability analyses. Eight months after construction was complete, the foundation started to move, creating distress in the slab and some walls. Remediation attempts were unsuccessful and as a result the project went to litigation.

Our Guest

Carrie Foulk, PE, GE – Geotechnical Group Manager/Senior Geotechnical Engineer/BSK Associates (Link to Profile)

Carrie Foulk is a senior geotechnical engineer at BSK Associates in Livermore, California. She has been in this business for about 20 years, and is the geotechnical technical lead for the company, as well as the geotechnical group manager in Livermore. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Washington (1996) and a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering from University of California at Berkeley (2002). She is professionally licensed as both a civil engineer and geotechnical engineer in California. She serves as chair of the Geotechnical Business Committee for the GBA and is currently part of the Emerging Leaders Committee. Her career highlights include taking 5 years off when her children were born to be a stay-at-home mom.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Case History 86 background. [1:42 min.]
    • What is Shale? [1:56 min]
    • What are pier foundation? [2:38 min]
    • What are spread foundation? [2:54 min]
  • The difference between pier foundations with a structural slab and spread foundation? [11:45 min]
  • Benefits and drawbacks of a structural slab built on deep pier foundations [12:55 min]
  • Imporatnce of soil removal and replacement (overexcavation). [14:40 min]
  • Differential settlement and causes. [15:40 min]
  • Standard of Care: Statewide vs. Local Standards. [20:04 min]

Lessons Learned:

  • Known risk of residential work. [21:25 min]
  • Providing clients with multiple solutions - How to emphasize the importance of the foundation decision? [ 23:02 min]
  • What went wrong with construction testing? [23:45 min]
  • Why did the slope stability become such a big deal when it initially seemed like it was not? [25:25 min]
  • Smaller projects do not equate to smaller risks. [26:40 min]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+Mj_X84T- ]]> #1 - Diversity Equity Inclusion - Pipeline Into the Geoprofessions https://www.gbapodcast.com/dei01 062f70bd-c840-4af1-8bbe-80ac587f60b5 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives. In this episode, we will be discussing the findings presented in the article titled: The Pipeline to Diversity and Inclusion in the Geoprofessions which was published in the 2020 November/December Edition of GeoStrata magazine. Focusing first on diversity reveals that the geosciences are the least diverse of all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the U.S. 52:39 false GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #1 – Pipeline Into the Geoprofessions

Summary

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives.

In this episode, we will be discussing the findings presented in the article titled: The Pipeline to Diversity and Inclusion in the Geoprofessions which was published in the 2020 November/December Edition of GeoStrata magazine. Focusing first on diversity reveals that the geosciences are the least diverse of all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the U.S. (American Community Survey Report, National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics and U.S. Census).

DEI is a concept that affects all of us but it is important to recognize that it affects the bottom line. By limiting the talent pool and accepting high attrition rates from women and other minorities, the geoprofessions are exerting additional and wasted resources on hiring and training, and potentially missing out on growth, profitability, and innovation opportunities.

Our Guests

Jonathan Knudsen, P.E., National Project Executive / Universal Engineering Sciences [Link to Profile]

Rachel Ebner, Development Director / Stevens Construction, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Topics for discussion include:

  • U.S. Pipeline into the Geoprofessions
  • Compensation Inequity
  • GBA’s DEI Survey Results
  • Why is Diversity and Inclusion Important?

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> DEI, diversity, equity, inclusion, GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #1 – Pipeline Into the Geoprofessions

Summary

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives.

In this episode, we will be discussing the findings presented in the article titled: The Pipeline to Diversity and Inclusion in the Geoprofessions which was published in the 2020 November/December Edition of GeoStrata magazine. Focusing first on diversity reveals that the geosciences are the least diverse of all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the U.S. (American Community Survey Report, National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics and U.S. Census).

DEI is a concept that affects all of us but it is important to recognize that it affects the bottom line. By limiting the talent pool and accepting high attrition rates from women and other minorities, the geoprofessions are exerting additional and wasted resources on hiring and training, and potentially missing out on growth, profitability, and innovation opportunities.

Our Guests

Jonathan Knudsen, P.E., National Project Executive / Universal Engineering Sciences [Link to Profile]

Rachel Ebner, Development Director / Stevens Construction, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Topics for discussion include:

  • U.S. Pipeline into the Geoprofessions
  • Compensation Inequity
  • GBA’s DEI Survey Results
  • Why is Diversity and Inclusion Important?

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #1 – Pipeline Into the Geoprofessions

Summary

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a term often used in the workplace, but its meaning is often not well understood. People often mistakenly think that, with the creation of a diverse workplace, inclusion will automatically follow. Yet, inclusion should exist in tandem; it’s the climate where diversity thrives.

In this episode, we will be discussing the findings presented in the article titled: The Pipeline to Diversity and Inclusion in the Geoprofessions which was published in the 2020 November/December Edition of GeoStrata magazine. Focusing first on diversity reveals that the geosciences are the least diverse of all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the U.S. (American Community Survey Report, National Center for Science & Engineering Statistics and U.S. Census).

DEI is a concept that affects all of us but it is important to recognize that it affects the bottom line. By limiting the talent pool and accepting high attrition rates from women and other minorities, the geoprofessions are exerting additional and wasted resources on hiring and training, and potentially missing out on growth, profitability, and innovation opportunities.

Our Guests

Jonathan Knudsen, P.E., National Project Executive / Universal Engineering Sciences [Link to Profile]

Rachel Ebner, Development Director / Stevens Construction, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Topics for discussion include:

  • U.S. Pipeline into the Geoprofessions
  • Compensation Inequity
  • GBA’s DEI Survey Results
  • Why is Diversity and Inclusion Important?

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+jCbCR0HF ]]> #64 - Case History - Good communication is key to a successful project! https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch64 3b00cd92-a737-4a44-94f8-29af057d2947 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #64 where the GBA Member Firm's civil engineer client erred when transferring information from the member's report to a set of plans. Serious problems resulted. 37:35 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #64 - Good communication is key to a successful project!

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #64 where the GBA Member Firm's civil engineer client developed the geotechnical engineering scope of services for exploration on and around an existing landfill, without adequately conveying the project goals to the geotechnical engineer. The civil engineer then erred when transferring information from the member's report to a set of plans. Both the civil engineering firm and Member Firm settled the ensuing claim, but paid more than they believed was merited for their respective involvement.

Our Guest

Eric S. Steinhauser, P.E., Principal and Senior Vice President / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Eric earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University. For over 30 years he has been involved with the design, permitting, and construction of solid waste, remediation, geotechnical, and energy projects throughout New York, New England, and the mid-Atlantic states. Eric has published and presented papers, both nationally and internationally, on engineering topics including innovative uses of geosynthetics, in-situ geotechnical testing, LFG management, solid waste facility design and operations, stormwater management and erosion and sediment control, and bioreactor landfill design and operation.

Eric is a licensed Professional Engineer in 15 states, holds professional certifications in erosion and sediment control and stormwater quality, is a member of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics, is the President and New Hampshire representative for the Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion and Sediment Control Association, and is a member of New Hampshire Chapters of ASCE and NSPE and several Chapters of SWANA. Eric also serves on the City of Concord, NH Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the New Hampshire Waste Management Council.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Introduction to Eric Steinhauser, PE, PCESC, CPSWQ [1:16 min.]
  • Case History 64 background and scope [1:58 min.]
  • Site Location Technical issues, review with Eric Steinhauser [4:23 min.]
  • Project contract background (limitation review) and implications through civil design [5:53 min.]
  • Contractor change order claim, implicating Geotech firm [11:08 min.]
  • Lessons Learned [12:50 min.]
  • Conclusion – Thank you Eric!!! [36:31 min.]

Lessons Learned:

  • Be Alert When Price Is Most Important to Your Client
  • Perform a Complete Professional Service
  • Encourage Effective Communication
  • Conflicts are Often Contagious

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #64 - Good communication is key to a successful project!

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #64 where the GBA Member Firm's civil engineer client developed the geotechnical engineering scope of services for exploration on and around an existing landfill, without adequately conveying the project goals to the geotechnical engineer. The civil engineer then erred when transferring information from the member's report to a set of plans. Both the civil engineering firm and Member Firm settled the ensuing claim, but paid more than they believed was merited for their respective involvement.

Our Guest

Eric S. Steinhauser, P.E., Principal and Senior Vice President / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Eric earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University. For over 30 years he has been involved with the design, permitting, and construction of solid waste, remediation, geotechnical, and energy projects throughout New York, New England, and the mid-Atlantic states. Eric has published and presented papers, both nationally and internationally, on engineering topics including innovative uses of geosynthetics, in-situ geotechnical testing, LFG management, solid waste facility design and operations, stormwater management and erosion and sediment control, and bioreactor landfill design and operation.

Eric is a licensed Professional Engineer in 15 states, holds professional certifications in erosion and sediment control and stormwater quality, is a member of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics, is the President and New Hampshire representative for the Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion and Sediment Control Association, and is a member of New Hampshire Chapters of ASCE and NSPE and several Chapters of SWANA. Eric also serves on the City of Concord, NH Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the New Hampshire Waste Management Council.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Introduction to Eric Steinhauser, PE, PCESC, CPSWQ [1:16 min.]
  • Case History 64 background and scope [1:58 min.]
  • Site Location Technical issues, review with Eric Steinhauser [4:23 min.]
  • Project contract background (limitation review) and implications through civil design [5:53 min.]
  • Contractor change order claim, implicating Geotech firm [11:08 min.]
  • Lessons Learned [12:50 min.]
  • Conclusion – Thank you Eric!!! [36:31 min.]

Lessons Learned:

  • Be Alert When Price Is Most Important to Your Client
  • Perform a Complete Professional Service
  • Encourage Effective Communication
  • Conflicts are Often Contagious

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #64 - Good communication is key to a successful project!

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #64 where the GBA Member Firm's civil engineer client developed the geotechnical engineering scope of services for exploration on and around an existing landfill, without adequately conveying the project goals to the geotechnical engineer. The civil engineer then erred when transferring information from the member's report to a set of plans. Both the civil engineering firm and Member Firm settled the ensuing claim, but paid more than they believed was merited for their respective involvement.

Our Guest

Eric S. Steinhauser, P.E., Principal and Senior Vice President / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Eric earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University. For over 30 years he has been involved with the design, permitting, and construction of solid waste, remediation, geotechnical, and energy projects throughout New York, New England, and the mid-Atlantic states. Eric has published and presented papers, both nationally and internationally, on engineering topics including innovative uses of geosynthetics, in-situ geotechnical testing, LFG management, solid waste facility design and operations, stormwater management and erosion and sediment control, and bioreactor landfill design and operation.

Eric is a licensed Professional Engineer in 15 states, holds professional certifications in erosion and sediment control and stormwater quality, is a member of ASTM Committee D35 on Geosynthetics, is the President and New Hampshire representative for the Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion and Sediment Control Association, and is a member of New Hampshire Chapters of ASCE and NSPE and several Chapters of SWANA. Eric also serves on the City of Concord, NH Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the New Hampshire Waste Management Council.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Introduction to Eric Steinhauser, PE, PCESC, CPSWQ [1:16 min.]
  • Case History 64 background and scope [1:58 min.]
  • Site Location Technical issues, review with Eric Steinhauser [4:23 min.]
  • Project contract background (limitation review) and implications through civil design [5:53 min.]
  • Contractor change order claim, implicating Geotech firm [11:08 min.]
  • Lessons Learned [12:50 min.]
  • Conclusion – Thank you Eric!!! [36:31 min.]

Lessons Learned:

  • Be Alert When Price Is Most Important to Your Client
  • Perform a Complete Professional Service
  • Encourage Effective Communication
  • Conflicts are Often Contagious

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+zOWRN122 ]]> #103 - Case History - Nuked in the Bud! https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch103 58d64435-ee41-46c5-9c20-94b6af97cda8 Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned. This episode in the series explores Case History #103. After three destroyed gauges and numerous other violations, a Member-Firm was facing civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and revocation of their license to own and/or operate nuclear gauges. They paid a $150,000 settlement but more importantly developed a compliance program hailed as “a model for the industry”. Learn from their mistakes and from their commitment to change their culture through immediate action to create, test, launch, and monitor sustainable, institutional controls to address the underling causes of the violations, as well as specific regulatory compliance issues. Every Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) must hear this! 16:00 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #103 - Nuked in the Bud!

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned.

This episode in the series explores Case History #103. After three destroyed gauges and numerous other violations, a Member-Firm was facing civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and revocation of their license to own and/or operate nuclear gauges. They paid a $150,000 settlement but more importantly developed a compliance program hailed as “a model for the industry”. Learn from their mistakes and from their commitment to change their culture through immediate action to create, test, launch, and monitor sustainable, institutional controls to address the underling causes of the violations, as well as specific regulatory compliance issues. Every Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) must hear this!

Topics for discussion include:

  • Introduction to the contents of this podcast. [min. 0:54]
  • What is a “nuke gauge”? [min 1:51]
  • Why are nuke gauges regulated by state and federal governments and what is required of nuke gauge owners? [min. 3:18]
  • Discussion of Case History 103 [min 5:30]
  • What actions did the member firm take to correct their numerous nuke gauge violations? [min 10:05]
  • What can we learn from this case history? [min 11:58]
  • Conclusion and outro [min 13:58]
  • How does a nuke gauge work? [min 14:48]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #103 - Nuked in the Bud!

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned.

This episode in the series explores Case History #103. After three destroyed gauges and numerous other violations, a Member-Firm was facing civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and revocation of their license to own and/or operate nuclear gauges. They paid a $150,000 settlement but more importantly developed a compliance program hailed as “a model for the industry”. Learn from their mistakes and from their commitment to change their culture through immediate action to create, test, launch, and monitor sustainable, institutional controls to address the underling causes of the violations, as well as specific regulatory compliance issues. Every Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) must hear this!

Topics for discussion include:

  • Introduction to the contents of this podcast. [min. 0:54]
  • What is a “nuke gauge”? [min 1:51]
  • Why are nuke gauges regulated by state and federal governments and what is required of nuke gauge owners? [min. 3:18]
  • Discussion of Case History 103 [min 5:30]
  • What actions did the member firm take to correct their numerous nuke gauge violations? [min 10:05]
  • What can we learn from this case history? [min 11:58]
  • Conclusion and outro [min 13:58]
  • How does a nuke gauge work? [min 14:48]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #103 - Nuked in the Bud!

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned.

This episode in the series explores Case History #103. After three destroyed gauges and numerous other violations, a Member-Firm was facing civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and revocation of their license to own and/or operate nuclear gauges. They paid a $150,000 settlement but more importantly developed a compliance program hailed as “a model for the industry”. Learn from their mistakes and from their commitment to change their culture through immediate action to create, test, launch, and monitor sustainable, institutional controls to address the underling causes of the violations, as well as specific regulatory compliance issues. Every Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) must hear this!

Topics for discussion include:

  • Introduction to the contents of this podcast. [min. 0:54]
  • What is a “nuke gauge”? [min 1:51]
  • Why are nuke gauges regulated by state and federal governments and what is required of nuke gauge owners? [min. 3:18]
  • Discussion of Case History 103 [min 5:30]
  • What actions did the member firm take to correct their numerous nuke gauge violations? [min 10:05]
  • What can we learn from this case history? [min 11:58]
  • Conclusion and outro [min 13:58]
  • How does a nuke gauge work? [min 14:48]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+vTkrlJEz ]]> #108 - Case History - Out of Scope Assistance Causes Problem https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch108 37f3cabc-3106-45d8-ace2-609ad6360927 Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #108, where a GBA-Member Firm provided suggested changes to a sewer pipe design in order to keep construction moving forward on a five-story senior-living facility. Four years later, swelling clays caused the sewer line to back-up and the lower-level slab began showing heaving related distress. That good deed with other project related complications resulted in a $25 million claim that required an extensive defense of contract limitations of liability, standards of care, and project documentation. 46:49 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #108 - Out of Scope Assistance Causes Problem

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #108, where a GBA-Member Firm provided suggested changes to a sewer pipe design in order to keep construction moving forward on a five-story senior-living facility. Four years later, swelling clays caused the sewer line to back-up and the lower-level slab began showing heaving related distress. That good deed with other project related complications resulted in a $25 million claim that required an extensive defense of contract limitations of liability, standards of care, and project documentation.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Project background [min. 2:10]
  • What were the major issues and causes of issues on the project? [min 8:00]
  • What was the claim by the client? [min. 9:00]
  • What was limitation of liability on the project? [min. 10:40]
  • What were findings? [min. 11:28]
  • Beginning of interview with Joe Geo. [min. 13:27]
  • Impacts to firm. [min. 18:10]
  • How did daily field reports contribute to this issue? [min. 25:30]
  • Discussion on Colorado law regarding residential work. [min. 27:15]
  • What does firm do differently now because of this case regarding residential work? [min. 29:15]
  • What happens when your insurance company gets involved? [min.30:57]
  • Where can you get a copy of this case history? [min 32:22]
  • Lessons learned. [min. 32:36]
  • Big takeaway. [min. 44:40]

Lessons Learned:

  • No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
  • Prevent Recommendations from Becoming Requirements
  • Do Not Unilaterally Deviate from the Scope of Services
  • It Pays to Be Your Brother’s Keeper
  • Documentation Can Be Your Best Defense
  • Consider Limitation of Liability During Your Go/No-Go Analysis

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #108 - Out of Scope Assistance Causes Problem

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #108, where a GBA-Member Firm provided suggested changes to a sewer pipe design in order to keep construction moving forward on a five-story senior-living facility. Four years later, swelling clays caused the sewer line to back-up and the lower-level slab began showing heaving related distress. That good deed with other project related complications resulted in a $25 million claim that required an extensive defense of contract limitations of liability, standards of care, and project documentation.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Project background [min. 2:10]
  • What were the major issues and causes of issues on the project? [min 8:00]
  • What was the claim by the client? [min. 9:00]
  • What was limitation of liability on the project? [min. 10:40]
  • What were findings? [min. 11:28]
  • Beginning of interview with Joe Geo. [min. 13:27]
  • Impacts to firm. [min. 18:10]
  • How did daily field reports contribute to this issue? [min. 25:30]
  • Discussion on Colorado law regarding residential work. [min. 27:15]
  • What does firm do differently now because of this case regarding residential work? [min. 29:15]
  • What happens when your insurance company gets involved? [min.30:57]
  • Where can you get a copy of this case history? [min 32:22]
  • Lessons learned. [min. 32:36]
  • Big takeaway. [min. 44:40]

Lessons Learned:

  • No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
  • Prevent Recommendations from Becoming Requirements
  • Do Not Unilaterally Deviate from the Scope of Services
  • It Pays to Be Your Brother’s Keeper
  • Documentation Can Be Your Best Defense
  • Consider Limitation of Liability During Your Go/No-Go Analysis

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #108 - Out of Scope Assistance Causes Problem

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #108, where a GBA-Member Firm provided suggested changes to a sewer pipe design in order to keep construction moving forward on a five-story senior-living facility. Four years later, swelling clays caused the sewer line to back-up and the lower-level slab began showing heaving related distress. That good deed with other project related complications resulted in a $25 million claim that required an extensive defense of contract limitations of liability, standards of care, and project documentation.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Project background [min. 2:10]
  • What were the major issues and causes of issues on the project? [min 8:00]
  • What was the claim by the client? [min. 9:00]
  • What was limitation of liability on the project? [min. 10:40]
  • What were findings? [min. 11:28]
  • Beginning of interview with Joe Geo. [min. 13:27]
  • Impacts to firm. [min. 18:10]
  • How did daily field reports contribute to this issue? [min. 25:30]
  • Discussion on Colorado law regarding residential work. [min. 27:15]
  • What does firm do differently now because of this case regarding residential work? [min. 29:15]
  • What happens when your insurance company gets involved? [min.30:57]
  • Where can you get a copy of this case history? [min 32:22]
  • Lessons learned. [min. 32:36]
  • Big takeaway. [min. 44:40]

Lessons Learned:

  • No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
  • Prevent Recommendations from Becoming Requirements
  • Do Not Unilaterally Deviate from the Scope of Services
  • It Pays to Be Your Brother’s Keeper
  • Documentation Can Be Your Best Defense
  • Consider Limitation of Liability During Your Go/No-Go Analysis

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+2eKrdQST ]]> #61 - Case History - Don't lie to yourself about the risk of small projects https://www.gbapodcast.com/ch61 2a2ecb25-c2af-4ef0-a96d-cd539f222336 Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0800 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #61, which stems from an environmental site assessment conducted as part of a property transfer, and that highlights the importance of strong contract language, report limitations, diligent information gathering, professional liability insurance, adequate training, and much more. 31:33 false GBA Case History Series – Case History #61 - Don't lie to yourself about the risk of small projects

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #61, which stems from an environmental site assessment conducted as part of a property transfer, and that highlights the importance of strong contract language, report limitations, diligent information gathering, professional liability insurance, adequate training, and much more.

Our Guest

S. Andrew K. Batson, Esq., Corporate Counsel and Compliance Manager / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are the technical concepts presented in this episode? [min. 2:00]
  • What is the project background? [min. 4:13]
  • What eventually went wrong that led to a lawsuit? [min. 6:40]
  • How did the firm’s professional liability insurance play into this case? [min. 10:00]
  • How did report limitations play an important role? [min. 13:59], [min. 19:02]
  • What is the difference between standard of care and duty of care? [min. 14:50]
  • What are some key lessons learned from this case history? [min. 20:47]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering GBA Case History Series – Case History #61 - Don't lie to yourself about the risk of small projects

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #61, which stems from an environmental site assessment conducted as part of a property transfer, and that highlights the importance of strong contract language, report limitations, diligent information gathering, professional liability insurance, adequate training, and much more.

Our Guest

S. Andrew K. Batson, Esq., Corporate Counsel and Compliance Manager / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are the technical concepts presented in this episode? [min. 2:00]
  • What is the project background? [min. 4:13]
  • What eventually went wrong that led to a lawsuit? [min. 6:40]
  • How did the firm’s professional liability insurance play into this case? [min. 10:00]
  • How did report limitations play an important role? [min. 13:59], [min. 19:02]
  • What is the difference between standard of care and duty of care? [min. 14:50]
  • What are some key lessons learned from this case history? [min. 20:47]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA Case History Series – Case History #61 - Don't lie to yourself about the risk of small projects

Summary

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. This episode in the series explores Case History #61, which stems from an environmental site assessment conducted as part of a property transfer, and that highlights the importance of strong contract language, report limitations, diligent information gathering, professional liability insurance, adequate training, and much more.

Our Guest

S. Andrew K. Batson, Esq., Corporate Counsel and Compliance Manager / Sanborn, Head & Associates, Inc. [Link to Profile]

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are the technical concepts presented in this episode? [min. 2:00]
  • What is the project background? [min. 4:13]
  • What eventually went wrong that led to a lawsuit? [min. 6:40]
  • How did the firm’s professional liability insurance play into this case? [min. 10:00]
  • How did report limitations play an important role? [min. 13:59], [min. 19:02]
  • What is the difference between standard of care and duty of care? [min. 14:50]
  • What are some key lessons learned from this case history? [min. 20:47]

Calls-to-action:

Subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+DmHkJVbI ]]> #11 - Encore Performances - Val Ries https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep11 ab277a48-ff2c-42e3-974b-93167667a3a9 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 15:49 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Val Ries

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Val Ries is a certified leadership trainer and Executive coach supporting organizations, managers and executives. Val understands the daily demands, pressure and challenges one can face in times of stress. She is an expert at helping her clients balance those demands while inspiring productivity with resiliency and strength. Val's relatable approach has been consistently recognized for helping her clients increase bottom-line results by building collaborative teams, engaged employees, customer satisfaction and designing comprehensive on-boarding techniques.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Why is resilience so important? [min. 2:22]
  • Adressing conflict through acknowledgement and validation. [min. 3:55]
  • How to refocus judgement to reduce stress [min. 6:21]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 9:52]
  • What are you focusing your time on now? [min. 11:22]
  • Chief Inspiration Officer (book)
  • www.executive-muse.com (website)
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min. 14:11]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Val Ries

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Val Ries is a certified leadership trainer and Executive coach supporting organizations, managers and executives. Val understands the daily demands, pressure and challenges one can face in times of stress. She is an expert at helping her clients balance those demands while inspiring productivity with resiliency and strength. Val's relatable approach has been consistently recognized for helping her clients increase bottom-line results by building collaborative teams, engaged employees, customer satisfaction and designing comprehensive on-boarding techniques.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Why is resilience so important? [min. 2:22]
  • Adressing conflict through acknowledgement and validation. [min. 3:55]
  • How to refocus judgement to reduce stress [min. 6:21]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 9:52]
  • What are you focusing your time on now? [min. 11:22]
  • Chief Inspiration Officer (book)
  • www.executive-muse.com (website)
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min. 14:11]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Val Ries

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Val Ries is a certified leadership trainer and Executive coach supporting organizations, managers and executives. Val understands the daily demands, pressure and challenges one can face in times of stress. She is an expert at helping her clients balance those demands while inspiring productivity with resiliency and strength. Val's relatable approach has been consistently recognized for helping her clients increase bottom-line results by building collaborative teams, engaged employees, customer satisfaction and designing comprehensive on-boarding techniques.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Why is resilience so important? [min. 2:22]
  • Adressing conflict through acknowledgement and validation. [min. 3:55]
  • How to refocus judgement to reduce stress [min. 6:21]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 9:52]
  • What are you focusing your time on now? [min. 11:22]
  • Chief Inspiration Officer (book)
  • www.executive-muse.com (website)
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min. 14:11]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+bGjE1eW_ ]]> #10 - Encore Performances - Jeff Tobe https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep10 3db150de-d592-4bea-bf25-966403122a62 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 19:15 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Jeff Tobe

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Jeff Tobe is a Certified Speaking Professional and was chosen by readers of Convention & Meetings Magazine as one of the top 15 speakers in North America. He is one of the most dynamic speakers in the world, and prides himself on presenting up-to-the-minute, cutting-edge material as it relates to designing the ideal customer EXPERIENCE by getting your people more ENGAGED at what they do every day.

Jeff is the author of the wildly popular book Coloring Outside The Lines and he is the co-author of the new book, ANTICIPATE: Knowing What Customers Need Before They Do! which is quickly becoming one of the hottest business books on the market today!

Topics for discussion include:

  • Why do we need to embrace change now and get past our old ways of doing things to stay relevant? [min. 2:38]
  • The three R's - Retool, Rethink, Reimagine [min. 4:28]
  • How can our listeners look through our customers lenses and creatively increase value for customers now? [min. 5:15]
  • What are the main principles or tenets that leaders or prospective leaders have to keep in mind during turbulent times? [min. 8:23]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 13:05]
  • What are you focusing your time on now? [min. 14:39]
  • Every other Wednesday - eowednesday.com [min. 15:38]
  • What Comes After the But (book) [min. 15:50]
  • Where can listeners connect with you? [min. 16:48]
  • Email Jeff Tobe, subject line "Free Book" to receive a PDF copy of his book [min. 16:59]
  • jefftobe.com (website) [min. 17:00]
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min. 17:46]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Jeff Tobe

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Jeff Tobe is a Certified Speaking Professional and was chosen by readers of Convention & Meetings Magazine as one of the top 15 speakers in North America. He is one of the most dynamic speakers in the world, and prides himself on presenting up-to-the-minute, cutting-edge material as it relates to designing the ideal customer EXPERIENCE by getting your people more ENGAGED at what they do every day.

Jeff is the author of the wildly popular book Coloring Outside The Lines and he is the co-author of the new book, ANTICIPATE: Knowing What Customers Need Before They Do! which is quickly becoming one of the hottest business books on the market today!

Topics for discussion include:

  • Why do we need to embrace change now and get past our old ways of doing things to stay relevant? [min. 2:38]
  • The three R's - Retool, Rethink, Reimagine [min. 4:28]
  • How can our listeners look through our customers lenses and creatively increase value for customers now? [min. 5:15]
  • What are the main principles or tenets that leaders or prospective leaders have to keep in mind during turbulent times? [min. 8:23]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 13:05]
  • What are you focusing your time on now? [min. 14:39]
  • Every other Wednesday - eowednesday.com [min. 15:38]
  • What Comes After the But (book) [min. 15:50]
  • Where can listeners connect with you? [min. 16:48]
  • Email Jeff Tobe, subject line "Free Book" to receive a PDF copy of his book [min. 16:59]
  • jefftobe.com (website) [min. 17:00]
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min. 17:46]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Jeff Tobe

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Jeff Tobe is a Certified Speaking Professional and was chosen by readers of Convention & Meetings Magazine as one of the top 15 speakers in North America. He is one of the most dynamic speakers in the world, and prides himself on presenting up-to-the-minute, cutting-edge material as it relates to designing the ideal customer EXPERIENCE by getting your people more ENGAGED at what they do every day.

Jeff is the author of the wildly popular book Coloring Outside The Lines and he is the co-author of the new book, ANTICIPATE: Knowing What Customers Need Before They Do! which is quickly becoming one of the hottest business books on the market today!

Topics for discussion include:

  • Why do we need to embrace change now and get past our old ways of doing things to stay relevant? [min. 2:38]
  • The three R's - Retool, Rethink, Reimagine [min. 4:28]
  • How can our listeners look through our customers lenses and creatively increase value for customers now? [min. 5:15]
  • What are the main principles or tenets that leaders or prospective leaders have to keep in mind during turbulent times? [min. 8:23]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 13:05]
  • What are you focusing your time on now? [min. 14:39]
  • Every other Wednesday - eowednesday.com [min. 15:38]
  • What Comes After the But (book) [min. 15:50]
  • Where can listeners connect with you? [min. 16:48]
  • Email Jeff Tobe, subject line "Free Book" to receive a PDF copy of his book [min. 16:59]
  • jefftobe.com (website) [min. 17:00]
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min. 17:46]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+54ur4gLB ]]> #09 - Encore Performances - Bob Kelleher https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep09 97b6f964-9951-4d4b-b772-cd01db71a6d0 Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 35:58 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Bob Kelleher

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Bob Kelleher is a best-selling author, international keynote speaker, and consultant who travels the globe sharing his insights on employee engagement, leadership, and workforce trends. Bob is the author of the recently released I-Engage: Your Personal Engagement Roadmap, the best-selling book, Louder Than Words: 10 Practical Employee Engagement Steps That Drive Results, and Creativeship: An Engagement and Leadership Fable, Employee Engagement for Dummies.

Bob can be seen or heard on national media (most recently on CNBC, CBS, NBC News, Business Week, Forbes, Training Magazine, Yahoo, and Fortune), and is a frequent guest writer and contributing editor on many national publications.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How has the impact of this crisis (covid-19) affected employee engagement and what should leaders be doing to address workplace engagement? [min 03:26]
  • What should leaders be doing to pay attention to the long term impact on employee productivity and work place engagement? [min 07:13]
  • The importance of empathy in leadership. [min 09:58]
  • Importance of communication. [min 15:35]
  • How is this merging of our professional and personal lives going to impact the future of our business? [min 17:20]
  • The silver lining in all of this is……? [min 23:12]
  • Where are you and the Employee Engagement Group focusing your time on right now? [min 25:20]
  • Where/how can our members reach out to you? [min 29:58] https://employeeengagement.com
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min 34:06]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Bob Kelleher

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Bob Kelleher is a best-selling author, international keynote speaker, and consultant who travels the globe sharing his insights on employee engagement, leadership, and workforce trends. Bob is the author of the recently released I-Engage: Your Personal Engagement Roadmap, the best-selling book, Louder Than Words: 10 Practical Employee Engagement Steps That Drive Results, and Creativeship: An Engagement and Leadership Fable, Employee Engagement for Dummies.

Bob can be seen or heard on national media (most recently on CNBC, CBS, NBC News, Business Week, Forbes, Training Magazine, Yahoo, and Fortune), and is a frequent guest writer and contributing editor on many national publications.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How has the impact of this crisis (covid-19) affected employee engagement and what should leaders be doing to address workplace engagement? [min 03:26]
  • What should leaders be doing to pay attention to the long term impact on employee productivity and work place engagement? [min 07:13]
  • The importance of empathy in leadership. [min 09:58]
  • Importance of communication. [min 15:35]
  • How is this merging of our professional and personal lives going to impact the future of our business? [min 17:20]
  • The silver lining in all of this is……? [min 23:12]
  • Where are you and the Employee Engagement Group focusing your time on right now? [min 25:20]
  • Where/how can our members reach out to you? [min 29:58] https://employeeengagement.com
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min 34:06]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Bob Kelleher

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Bob Kelleher is a best-selling author, international keynote speaker, and consultant who travels the globe sharing his insights on employee engagement, leadership, and workforce trends. Bob is the author of the recently released I-Engage: Your Personal Engagement Roadmap, the best-selling book, Louder Than Words: 10 Practical Employee Engagement Steps That Drive Results, and Creativeship: An Engagement and Leadership Fable, Employee Engagement for Dummies.

Bob can be seen or heard on national media (most recently on CNBC, CBS, NBC News, Business Week, Forbes, Training Magazine, Yahoo, and Fortune), and is a frequent guest writer and contributing editor on many national publications.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How has the impact of this crisis (covid-19) affected employee engagement and what should leaders be doing to address workplace engagement? [min 03:26]
  • What should leaders be doing to pay attention to the long term impact on employee productivity and work place engagement? [min 07:13]
  • The importance of empathy in leadership. [min 09:58]
  • Importance of communication. [min 15:35]
  • How is this merging of our professional and personal lives going to impact the future of our business? [min 17:20]
  • The silver lining in all of this is……? [min 23:12]
  • Where are you and the Employee Engagement Group focusing your time on right now? [min 25:20]
  • Where/how can our members reach out to you? [min 29:58] https://employeeengagement.com
  • What message would you like to leave us with? [min 34:06]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+QNLGUyN_ ]]> #08 - Encore Performances - Nancy Watt https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep08 2380edba-8b9e-4292-9794-faca1e9f19ce Tue, 08 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 30:00 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Nancy Watt

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Nancy Watt is President of NANCY WATT COMMUNICATIONS, a specialized consulting and creative agency that works with all sectors exploring the social science of collaboration, communication and connection. Using a ‘Pracademic’ approach, Nancy Watt elucidates evidence-based research in an engaging and entertaining way using the tools and techniques of improv honed from her days at The Second City Conservatory in Toronto. This form of experiential learning has been used in diverse setting with a wise swath of clients from marginalized populations to the judiciary, medical school faculty and law societies.

In order to capture effective experiential learning, she builds a camaraderie-filled ensemble where the participants learn while laughing.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Accepting the reality of the other [min 2:16]
  • Adaptability Quotient (AQ) [min 5:00]
  • Fostering an organization of trust and transparency [min. 12:50]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 21:11]
  • What are you doing now that you don't have the opportunity to speak at conferences in person? [min. 24:05]
  • AQAI (website) use code NWC4 to receive 50% off 10 assessments [min. 26:00]
  • www.nancywattcomm.com (website)

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Nancy Watt

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Nancy Watt is President of NANCY WATT COMMUNICATIONS, a specialized consulting and creative agency that works with all sectors exploring the social science of collaboration, communication and connection. Using a ‘Pracademic’ approach, Nancy Watt elucidates evidence-based research in an engaging and entertaining way using the tools and techniques of improv honed from her days at The Second City Conservatory in Toronto. This form of experiential learning has been used in diverse setting with a wise swath of clients from marginalized populations to the judiciary, medical school faculty and law societies.

In order to capture effective experiential learning, she builds a camaraderie-filled ensemble where the participants learn while laughing.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Accepting the reality of the other [min 2:16]
  • Adaptability Quotient (AQ) [min 5:00]
  • Fostering an organization of trust and transparency [min. 12:50]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 21:11]
  • What are you doing now that you don't have the opportunity to speak at conferences in person? [min. 24:05]
  • AQAI (website) use code NWC4 to receive 50% off 10 assessments [min. 26:00]
  • www.nancywattcomm.com (website)

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Nancy Watt

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Nancy Watt is President of NANCY WATT COMMUNICATIONS, a specialized consulting and creative agency that works with all sectors exploring the social science of collaboration, communication and connection. Using a ‘Pracademic’ approach, Nancy Watt elucidates evidence-based research in an engaging and entertaining way using the tools and techniques of improv honed from her days at The Second City Conservatory in Toronto. This form of experiential learning has been used in diverse setting with a wise swath of clients from marginalized populations to the judiciary, medical school faculty and law societies.

In order to capture effective experiential learning, she builds a camaraderie-filled ensemble where the participants learn while laughing.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Accepting the reality of the other [min 2:16]
  • Adaptability Quotient (AQ) [min 5:00]
  • Fostering an organization of trust and transparency [min. 12:50]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min. 21:11]
  • What are you doing now that you don't have the opportunity to speak at conferences in person? [min. 24:05]
  • AQAI (website) use code NWC4 to receive 50% off 10 assessments [min. 26:00]
  • www.nancywattcomm.com (website)

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+jUndN5qh ]]> #07 - Encore Performances - Brent Gleeson https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep07 d6a19667-f607-496a-994a-540a862a5d9b Tue, 01 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 28:29 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Brent Gleeson

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran with combat tours to Iraq and Africa. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and acclaimed speaker and consultant on topics ranging from leadership and building high-performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.

Brent is the Founder and CEO of TakingPoint Leadership, a progressive leadership and management consulting firm with a focus on business transformation and building high-performance cultures. Brent holds a degree in finance with a minor in economics from Southern Methodist University, certificates in English and History from Oxford University in England and a graduate business degree from the University of San Diego. He is the bestselling author of TakingPoint: A Navy SEAL’s 10 Fail Safe Principles for Leading Through Change, which was a #1 New Release on Amazon in Organizational Change and Business Structural Adjustment. Please help me welcome Brent Gleeson.

Topics for discussion include:

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Brent Gleeson

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran with combat tours to Iraq and Africa. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and acclaimed speaker and consultant on topics ranging from leadership and building high-performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.

Brent is the Founder and CEO of TakingPoint Leadership, a progressive leadership and management consulting firm with a focus on business transformation and building high-performance cultures. Brent holds a degree in finance with a minor in economics from Southern Methodist University, certificates in English and History from Oxford University in England and a graduate business degree from the University of San Diego. He is the bestselling author of TakingPoint: A Navy SEAL’s 10 Fail Safe Principles for Leading Through Change, which was a #1 New Release on Amazon in Organizational Change and Business Structural Adjustment. Please help me welcome Brent Gleeson.

Topics for discussion include:

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Brent Gleeson

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran with combat tours to Iraq and Africa. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, and acclaimed speaker and consultant on topics ranging from leadership and building high-performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.

Brent is the Founder and CEO of TakingPoint Leadership, a progressive leadership and management consulting firm with a focus on business transformation and building high-performance cultures. Brent holds a degree in finance with a minor in economics from Southern Methodist University, certificates in English and History from Oxford University in England and a graduate business degree from the University of San Diego. He is the bestselling author of TakingPoint: A Navy SEAL’s 10 Fail Safe Principles for Leading Through Change, which was a #1 New Release on Amazon in Organizational Change and Business Structural Adjustment. Please help me welcome Brent Gleeson.

Topics for discussion include:

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+RH9Dfzb3 ]]> #06 - Encore Performances - Jonathan Edison https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep06 692b168d-9379-4c1f-9527-4def88e84ff5 Tue, 25 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 30:01 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Jonathan Edison

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Jonathan Edison is a modern day Alchemist. Facing many hardships growing up in the city of Detroit he could have given up on life from the very beginning. His mother was removed from his home for abusing drugs and alcohol. His father left when he was 7 and his grandmother that took on the task of raising him, died from breast cancer when he was 14. Now faced with homelessness, despair and uncertainty, Jonathan graduated from high school with a 1.6 grade point average. Then he went on to complete his first year of college with a 0.82 before dropping out completely. Today, Jonathan is an International Motivational Speaker, a 3-time college graduate, C.E.O of two successful companies, an author of 5 best selling books and a student at Harvard University studying Psychology. This expertise in life and in business allows Jonathan to deliver innovative and content-driven presentations that have practical application in Sales, Leadership, Change and Personal Motivation.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to stay positive and excited about life [min 3:15]
  • How do we adjust, in this current world, to meet the people where they are? [min 9:56]
  • Reverend Eikerenkoetter (Wikipedia) [mn 13:50]
  • How can we see ourselves doing more during these challenging times? [min 14:42]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 18:40]
  • What are you doing now that you don't have the opportunity to inspire audiences in person? [min 22:32]
  • jonathanedison.com (website) [min 26:50]
  • Survival Mode (book)
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 27:55]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Jonathan Edison

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Jonathan Edison is a modern day Alchemist. Facing many hardships growing up in the city of Detroit he could have given up on life from the very beginning. His mother was removed from his home for abusing drugs and alcohol. His father left when he was 7 and his grandmother that took on the task of raising him, died from breast cancer when he was 14. Now faced with homelessness, despair and uncertainty, Jonathan graduated from high school with a 1.6 grade point average. Then he went on to complete his first year of college with a 0.82 before dropping out completely. Today, Jonathan is an International Motivational Speaker, a 3-time college graduate, C.E.O of two successful companies, an author of 5 best selling books and a student at Harvard University studying Psychology. This expertise in life and in business allows Jonathan to deliver innovative and content-driven presentations that have practical application in Sales, Leadership, Change and Personal Motivation.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to stay positive and excited about life [min 3:15]
  • How do we adjust, in this current world, to meet the people where they are? [min 9:56]
  • Reverend Eikerenkoetter (Wikipedia) [mn 13:50]
  • How can we see ourselves doing more during these challenging times? [min 14:42]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 18:40]
  • What are you doing now that you don't have the opportunity to inspire audiences in person? [min 22:32]
  • jonathanedison.com (website) [min 26:50]
  • Survival Mode (book)
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 27:55]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Jonathan Edison

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Jonathan Edison is a modern day Alchemist. Facing many hardships growing up in the city of Detroit he could have given up on life from the very beginning. His mother was removed from his home for abusing drugs and alcohol. His father left when he was 7 and his grandmother that took on the task of raising him, died from breast cancer when he was 14. Now faced with homelessness, despair and uncertainty, Jonathan graduated from high school with a 1.6 grade point average. Then he went on to complete his first year of college with a 0.82 before dropping out completely. Today, Jonathan is an International Motivational Speaker, a 3-time college graduate, C.E.O of two successful companies, an author of 5 best selling books and a student at Harvard University studying Psychology. This expertise in life and in business allows Jonathan to deliver innovative and content-driven presentations that have practical application in Sales, Leadership, Change and Personal Motivation.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to stay positive and excited about life [min 3:15]
  • How do we adjust, in this current world, to meet the people where they are? [min 9:56]
  • Reverend Eikerenkoetter (Wikipedia) [mn 13:50]
  • How can we see ourselves doing more during these challenging times? [min 14:42]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 18:40]
  • What are you doing now that you don't have the opportunity to inspire audiences in person? [min 22:32]
  • jonathanedison.com (website) [min 26:50]
  • Survival Mode (book)
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 27:55]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+B5qKit5G ]]> #05 - Encore Performances - Patrick Schwerdtfeger https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep05 a5bdf919-9148-4f7e-b7f7-d211d7bc0b51 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 22:06 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Patrick Schwerdtfeger

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Patrick Schwerdtfeger is a business futurist specializing in technology trends including big data, artificial intelligence, Fintech and blockchain. He’s the author of “Pandemic, Inc.: 8 Forces Driving Business Failure or Fortune in the Post-COVID-19 Economy” (2020, Authority Publishing) as well as five other books, and has lectured at numerous academic institutions including Purdue and Stanford Universities. He is also a regular speaker for Bloomberg TV, founder of Trend Mastery Inc., and host of the Strategic Business Insights video blog (with over 28,000 subscribers and six million views on YouTube). Patrick has spoken about business trends, technology and digital marketing at hundreds of conferences all around the world.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Trends in data analytics [min 02:33]
  • Optimization and virtual planning [min 04:25]
  • What technologies are pushing us forward as a result of the current disruption [min 07:02]
  • What technologies should we be aware of in light of remote work? [min 10:00]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 13:40]
  • How are you reaching your audience during the pandemic? [min 16:30]
  • Pandemic, Inc. (book) [min 18:30]
  • Anarchy, Inc. (book)
  • patrickschwerdtfeger.com (website) [min 18:56]
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 19:52]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Patrick Schwerdtfeger

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Patrick Schwerdtfeger is a business futurist specializing in technology trends including big data, artificial intelligence, Fintech and blockchain. He’s the author of “Pandemic, Inc.: 8 Forces Driving Business Failure or Fortune in the Post-COVID-19 Economy” (2020, Authority Publishing) as well as five other books, and has lectured at numerous academic institutions including Purdue and Stanford Universities. He is also a regular speaker for Bloomberg TV, founder of Trend Mastery Inc., and host of the Strategic Business Insights video blog (with over 28,000 subscribers and six million views on YouTube). Patrick has spoken about business trends, technology and digital marketing at hundreds of conferences all around the world.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Trends in data analytics [min 02:33]
  • Optimization and virtual planning [min 04:25]
  • What technologies are pushing us forward as a result of the current disruption [min 07:02]
  • What technologies should we be aware of in light of remote work? [min 10:00]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 13:40]
  • How are you reaching your audience during the pandemic? [min 16:30]
  • Pandemic, Inc. (book) [min 18:30]
  • Anarchy, Inc. (book)
  • patrickschwerdtfeger.com (website) [min 18:56]
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 19:52]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Patrick Schwerdtfeger

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Patrick Schwerdtfeger is a business futurist specializing in technology trends including big data, artificial intelligence, Fintech and blockchain. He’s the author of “Pandemic, Inc.: 8 Forces Driving Business Failure or Fortune in the Post-COVID-19 Economy” (2020, Authority Publishing) as well as five other books, and has lectured at numerous academic institutions including Purdue and Stanford Universities. He is also a regular speaker for Bloomberg TV, founder of Trend Mastery Inc., and host of the Strategic Business Insights video blog (with over 28,000 subscribers and six million views on YouTube). Patrick has spoken about business trends, technology and digital marketing at hundreds of conferences all around the world.

Topics for discussion include:

  • Trends in data analytics [min 02:33]
  • Optimization and virtual planning [min 04:25]
  • What technologies are pushing us forward as a result of the current disruption [min 07:02]
  • What technologies should we be aware of in light of remote work? [min 10:00]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 13:40]
  • How are you reaching your audience during the pandemic? [min 16:30]
  • Pandemic, Inc. (book) [min 18:30]
  • Anarchy, Inc. (book)
  • patrickschwerdtfeger.com (website) [min 18:56]
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 19:52]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+t_tsshpA ]]> #04 - Encore Performances - Eric Saperston https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep04 b0e25259-c29a-4b42-852a-dd3206e9f387 Tue, 11 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn form their journey, they are American heroes, best selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 31:11 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Eric Saperston

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Eric Saperston leverages his 25 years of experience studying the common traits of extraordinary achievers to help your leaders overcome obstacles, break performance barriers, and maximize team performance.

Topics for discussion include:

  • When you previously gave us the definition of “wonder” it was as if you didn’t know what was going to happen next. How has the unanticipated crisis impacted you? [min 03:36]
  • How has your past experiences applied to your recent experience in todays times? [min 08:54]
  • Is there anything else we should remember about that “power” we all have inside of us? [min 17:10]
  • If you could tell your 21 year old self three things you learned in this life , what would the three things be? [min 21:15]
  • How can you audience reach out? [min 24:26]
  • Live in Wonder (book)
  • The Journey (movie)
  • The “Three Things Card Game”… [min 28:19]
  • The Three Things Game

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Eric Saperston

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Eric Saperston leverages his 25 years of experience studying the common traits of extraordinary achievers to help your leaders overcome obstacles, break performance barriers, and maximize team performance.

Topics for discussion include:

  • When you previously gave us the definition of “wonder” it was as if you didn’t know what was going to happen next. How has the unanticipated crisis impacted you? [min 03:36]
  • How has your past experiences applied to your recent experience in todays times? [min 08:54]
  • Is there anything else we should remember about that “power” we all have inside of us? [min 17:10]
  • If you could tell your 21 year old self three things you learned in this life , what would the three things be? [min 21:15]
  • How can you audience reach out? [min 24:26]
  • Live in Wonder (book)
  • The Journey (movie)
  • The “Three Things Card Game”… [min 28:19]
  • The Three Things Game

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Eric Saperston

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Eric Saperston leverages his 25 years of experience studying the common traits of extraordinary achievers to help your leaders overcome obstacles, break performance barriers, and maximize team performance.

Topics for discussion include:

  • When you previously gave us the definition of “wonder” it was as if you didn’t know what was going to happen next. How has the unanticipated crisis impacted you? [min 03:36]
  • How has your past experiences applied to your recent experience in todays times? [min 08:54]
  • Is there anything else we should remember about that “power” we all have inside of us? [min 17:10]
  • If you could tell your 21 year old self three things you learned in this life , what would the three things be? [min 21:15]
  • How can you audience reach out? [min 24:26]
  • Live in Wonder (book)
  • The Journey (movie)
  • The “Three Things Card Game”… [min 28:19]
  • The Three Things Game

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+nAwbkaUG ]]> #03 - Encore Performances - Michael Allosso https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep03 d2d8570b-c724-4a7d-967a-97a10a14b37f Tue, 04 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn form their journey, they are American heroes, best selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 30:09 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Michael Allosso

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Michael Allosso, master communications expert who coaches CEO's, teams and individuals in day to day communications, dynamic presentations, as well as leadership excellence.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How we continue to have our best day (when working from home) during these times? [min 03:00]
  • Great leaders have reinvented themselves through this process by using technology they initially resisted because they felt it was impersonal. Have you seen some of that inspiration yourself though this process? [min 10:20]
  • How do you engage with people today? [min 12:55]
  • With today’s set ups everyone becomes a television star……. [min 14:00]
  • Flexibility is very important now…… [min 16:52]
  • What can we do to make this time an opportunity? [min 20:27]
  • What you are doing these days now that you can’t travel around? [min 23:15]
  • The silver lining in all of this is? [min 28:30]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Michael Allosso

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Michael Allosso, master communications expert who coaches CEO's, teams and individuals in day to day communications, dynamic presentations, as well as leadership excellence.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How we continue to have our best day (when working from home) during these times? [min 03:00]
  • Great leaders have reinvented themselves through this process by using technology they initially resisted because they felt it was impersonal. Have you seen some of that inspiration yourself though this process? [min 10:20]
  • How do you engage with people today? [min 12:55]
  • With today’s set ups everyone becomes a television star……. [min 14:00]
  • Flexibility is very important now…… [min 16:52]
  • What can we do to make this time an opportunity? [min 20:27]
  • What you are doing these days now that you can’t travel around? [min 23:15]
  • The silver lining in all of this is? [min 28:30]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Michael Allosso

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Michael Allosso, master communications expert who coaches CEO's, teams and individuals in day to day communications, dynamic presentations, as well as leadership excellence.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How we continue to have our best day (when working from home) during these times? [min 03:00]
  • Great leaders have reinvented themselves through this process by using technology they initially resisted because they felt it was impersonal. Have you seen some of that inspiration yourself though this process? [min 10:20]
  • How do you engage with people today? [min 12:55]
  • With today’s set ups everyone becomes a television star……. [min 14:00]
  • Flexibility is very important now…… [min 16:52]
  • What can we do to make this time an opportunity? [min 20:27]
  • What you are doing these days now that you can’t travel around? [min 23:15]
  • The silver lining in all of this is? [min 28:30]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+iH3sse5u ]]> #02 - Encore Performances - Eric Kaufmann https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep02 8ad7d7c2-7515-43eb-aa02-8d92ba810417 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 26:53 false Encore Performances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Eric Kaufmann

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Eric Kaufmann has been coaching and training leaders and executives since 2000. His earliest lessons in leadership and coaching, though, were in the water, not in the office – he was a Scuba Diving Instructor in his college days. It’s there that he refined the ability to organize and influence people to learn new skills, work together, venture into the unknown, and have fun in a process that can also be dangerous.

20 years ago Eric left his corporate role as a marketing Director at Corning Clinical Labs to establish an executive development consultancy, and work with leaders to think more creatively, decide more effectively, and relate more wholeheartedly. In fact, he describes his work as an unrelenting commitment to results with an unyielding regard for the human spirit. His clients include Facebook, Verizon, Sony, Dr. Bronner’s, Sunpower Corporation, Navitas Organics, and Petco.

Eric is the author of Four Virtues of a Leader. He’s also a Fellow and an official Thought Leader at Harvard’s Institute of Coaching, a former Vistage Chair and Speaker, and a speaker for TEDx.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to keep going in tough times like we are in right now? [min 03:22]
  • The importance of “Grit” in 2020 ? [min 06:45]
  • Reminder of the value of meditation, especially during these times. [min 12:19]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 16:52]
  • What are you doing these days now that you are not having to travel? [min 20:55]
  • Where can people get copies of our book (erickaufmann.com, The Four Virtues of a Leader: Navigating the Hero's Journey Through Risk to Results (Book))? [min 24:00]
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 25:35]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Performances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Eric Kaufmann

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Eric Kaufmann has been coaching and training leaders and executives since 2000. His earliest lessons in leadership and coaching, though, were in the water, not in the office – he was a Scuba Diving Instructor in his college days. It’s there that he refined the ability to organize and influence people to learn new skills, work together, venture into the unknown, and have fun in a process that can also be dangerous.

20 years ago Eric left his corporate role as a marketing Director at Corning Clinical Labs to establish an executive development consultancy, and work with leaders to think more creatively, decide more effectively, and relate more wholeheartedly. In fact, he describes his work as an unrelenting commitment to results with an unyielding regard for the human spirit. His clients include Facebook, Verizon, Sony, Dr. Bronner’s, Sunpower Corporation, Navitas Organics, and Petco.

Eric is the author of Four Virtues of a Leader. He’s also a Fellow and an official Thought Leader at Harvard’s Institute of Coaching, a former Vistage Chair and Speaker, and a speaker for TEDx.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to keep going in tough times like we are in right now? [min 03:22]
  • The importance of “Grit” in 2020 ? [min 06:45]
  • Reminder of the value of meditation, especially during these times. [min 12:19]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 16:52]
  • What are you doing these days now that you are not having to travel? [min 20:55]
  • Where can people get copies of our book (erickaufmann.com, The Four Virtues of a Leader: Navigating the Hero's Journey Through Risk to Results (Book))? [min 24:00]
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 25:35]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Performances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Eric Kaufmann

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Eric Kaufmann has been coaching and training leaders and executives since 2000. His earliest lessons in leadership and coaching, though, were in the water, not in the office – he was a Scuba Diving Instructor in his college days. It’s there that he refined the ability to organize and influence people to learn new skills, work together, venture into the unknown, and have fun in a process that can also be dangerous.

20 years ago Eric left his corporate role as a marketing Director at Corning Clinical Labs to establish an executive development consultancy, and work with leaders to think more creatively, decide more effectively, and relate more wholeheartedly. In fact, he describes his work as an unrelenting commitment to results with an unyielding regard for the human spirit. His clients include Facebook, Verizon, Sony, Dr. Bronner’s, Sunpower Corporation, Navitas Organics, and Petco.

Eric is the author of Four Virtues of a Leader. He’s also a Fellow and an official Thought Leader at Harvard’s Institute of Coaching, a former Vistage Chair and Speaker, and a speaker for TEDx.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How to keep going in tough times like we are in right now? [min 03:22]
  • The importance of “Grit” in 2020 ? [min 06:45]
  • Reminder of the value of meditation, especially during these times. [min 12:19]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 16:52]
  • What are you doing these days now that you are not having to travel? [min 20:55]
  • Where can people get copies of our book (erickaufmann.com, The Four Virtues of a Leader: Navigating the Hero's Journey Through Risk to Results (Book))? [min 24:00]
  • What message would you like to leave with us? [min 25:35]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+xRwC3zKu ]]> #01 - Encore Performances - Vincent Boles https://www.gbapodcast.com/ep01 dc4dd8fd-c978-4d39-bfb0-5169d5cf247e Tue, 28 Jul 2020 16:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association GBA is known for engaging with amazing speakers at our conferences and in this series we reconnect with past keynotes that have become old friends of GBA to see where life has taken them and learn from their journey, they are American heroes, best-selling authors, business leaders, executive coaches, all experts in their fields and brilliantly engaging. 17:18 false Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Vincent Boles

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Major General (Retired) Vincent Boles was commissioned from the ARMY ROTC program at Niagara University as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1976.He has served in a variety of assignments over a 33 year career, to include Command at every possible level and a number of combat deployments.

His final Army assignment was as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G4 on the Army Staff in the Pentagon, where he oversaw Logistics Operations and Readiness for the 1.1 million Soldier force to include the surges into Iraq and Afghanistan.

Retiring in 2009 to Madison, Alabama, he established Vincent E. Boles, Inc. A leadership and logistics consulting practice, speaking and working with corporate and association groups around the nation and overseas on the subject of Leaders and their team’s “Best Getting Better”. His audiences have included: Deloitte; Fidelity; USAA; Ernst and Young; AIG; The United States Secret Service; The Boy Scouts of America and The American College.

He is the author of “4-3-2-1 Leadership…What America’s Sons and Daughters Taught Me on the Road from 2d Lieutenant to 2 Star General” Now in it’s 3rd printing.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How do leaders need to adapt in 2020? [min 01:30]
  • How can leaders reduce stress for their employees during these (covid) times? [min 04:15]
  • Even with all your experience, have you learned or relearned something in this reality you can share? [min 07:12]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 10:20]
  • What are you doing now? What is your audience requesting for future events? [min 11:36]
  • Other ways your company/business has adjusted in this crisis? [min 12:28]
  • Where can our members find your book, and how can they reach out to you for virtual presentations and/or executive coaching? [min 14:03]
  • 4-3-2-1 Leadership (Book)
  • What message would you like to leave us all with today? [min 15:18]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Vincent Boles

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Major General (Retired) Vincent Boles was commissioned from the ARMY ROTC program at Niagara University as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1976.He has served in a variety of assignments over a 33 year career, to include Command at every possible level and a number of combat deployments.

His final Army assignment was as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G4 on the Army Staff in the Pentagon, where he oversaw Logistics Operations and Readiness for the 1.1 million Soldier force to include the surges into Iraq and Afghanistan.

Retiring in 2009 to Madison, Alabama, he established Vincent E. Boles, Inc. A leadership and logistics consulting practice, speaking and working with corporate and association groups around the nation and overseas on the subject of Leaders and their team’s “Best Getting Better”. His audiences have included: Deloitte; Fidelity; USAA; Ernst and Young; AIG; The United States Secret Service; The Boy Scouts of America and The American College.

He is the author of “4-3-2-1 Leadership…What America’s Sons and Daughters Taught Me on the Road from 2d Lieutenant to 2 Star General” Now in it’s 3rd printing.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How do leaders need to adapt in 2020? [min 01:30]
  • How can leaders reduce stress for their employees during these (covid) times? [min 04:15]
  • Even with all your experience, have you learned or relearned something in this reality you can share? [min 07:12]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 10:20]
  • What are you doing now? What is your audience requesting for future events? [min 11:36]
  • Other ways your company/business has adjusted in this crisis? [min 12:28]
  • Where can our members find your book, and how can they reach out to you for virtual presentations and/or executive coaching? [min 14:03]
  • 4-3-2-1 Leadership (Book)
  • What message would you like to leave us all with today? [min 15:18]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Encore Perfromances, Connecting with Friends of GBA - Vincent Boles

Our Host and Guest

Joel Carson host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile

Major General (Retired) Vincent Boles was commissioned from the ARMY ROTC program at Niagara University as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1976.He has served in a variety of assignments over a 33 year career, to include Command at every possible level and a number of combat deployments.

His final Army assignment was as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G4 on the Army Staff in the Pentagon, where he oversaw Logistics Operations and Readiness for the 1.1 million Soldier force to include the surges into Iraq and Afghanistan.

Retiring in 2009 to Madison, Alabama, he established Vincent E. Boles, Inc. A leadership and logistics consulting practice, speaking and working with corporate and association groups around the nation and overseas on the subject of Leaders and their team’s “Best Getting Better”. His audiences have included: Deloitte; Fidelity; USAA; Ernst and Young; AIG; The United States Secret Service; The Boy Scouts of America and The American College.

He is the author of “4-3-2-1 Leadership…What America’s Sons and Daughters Taught Me on the Road from 2d Lieutenant to 2 Star General” Now in it’s 3rd printing.

Topics for discussion include:

  • How do leaders need to adapt in 2020? [min 01:30]
  • How can leaders reduce stress for their employees during these (covid) times? [min 04:15]
  • Even with all your experience, have you learned or relearned something in this reality you can share? [min 07:12]
  • The silver lining in all of this is …….? [min 10:20]
  • What are you doing now? What is your audience requesting for future events? [min 11:36]
  • Other ways your company/business has adjusted in this crisis? [min 12:28]
  • Where can our members find your book, and how can they reach out to you for virtual presentations and/or executive coaching? [min 14:03]
  • 4-3-2-1 Leadership (Book)
  • What message would you like to leave us all with today? [min 15:18]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+Vea6r8my ]]> #05 - COVID Concerns - GBA Member Plans to Return Employees to the Office https://www.gbapodcast.com/cc05 9d8c3cda-32ba-4c0b-a97b-9fa61411be9a Fri, 22 May 2020 10:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. 59:59 false COVID Concerns - GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for May 22, 2020 - GBA Member Plans to Return Employees to the Office

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings over the last couple months in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

GBA addresses its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are member firms doing to prepare employees for an eventual return to the office? [min 3:30]
  • What are member firms doing to prepare their facilities to ensure they are safely prepared to reopen? [min 12:25]
  • What are member firms hearing from their employees and their desire to go back to the office? [min 21:31]
  • How do you come up with a companywide plan to open back up when you have offices across the United States? [29:28]
  • What changes do you see in the long term, past Covid-19 that may change what geo professional firms will do in the future? [min 36:55]
  • Cont… How might this effect office leases? [42:25]
  • How do you continue to stress covid safe behavior with your work force especially when they may see difference behaviors on job sites, around their community, and they themselves may have different views on the topic? [min 46:20]
  • The big silver lining in all of this…? [min 50:35]
  • How are you handling travel, both business and personal? [min 54:25]
  • What are you member firms doing about conference rooms? [min 55:56]

Calls-to-action:

  • Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for more information about Covid-19 resources and/or to become a member
  • Visit the GBA Website for training resources and reference material for professional development that could be helpful during a slow time.
  • Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
  • Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> COVID, COVID-19, return to work, GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering COVID Concerns - GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for May 22, 2020 - GBA Member Plans to Return Employees to the Office

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings over the last couple months in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

GBA addresses its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are member firms doing to prepare employees for an eventual return to the office? [min 3:30]
  • What are member firms doing to prepare their facilities to ensure they are safely prepared to reopen? [min 12:25]
  • What are member firms hearing from their employees and their desire to go back to the office? [min 21:31]
  • How do you come up with a companywide plan to open back up when you have offices across the United States? [29:28]
  • What changes do you see in the long term, past Covid-19 that may change what geo professional firms will do in the future? [min 36:55]
  • Cont… How might this effect office leases? [42:25]
  • How do you continue to stress covid safe behavior with your work force especially when they may see difference behaviors on job sites, around their community, and they themselves may have different views on the topic? [min 46:20]
  • The big silver lining in all of this…? [min 50:35]
  • How are you handling travel, both business and personal? [min 54:25]
  • What are you member firms doing about conference rooms? [min 55:56]

Calls-to-action:

  • Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for more information about Covid-19 resources and/or to become a member
  • Visit the GBA Website for training resources and reference material for professional development that could be helpful during a slow time.
  • Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
  • Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> COVID Concerns - GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for May 22, 2020 - GBA Member Plans to Return Employees to the Office

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings over the last couple months in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

GBA addresses its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are member firms doing to prepare employees for an eventual return to the office? [min 3:30]
  • What are member firms doing to prepare their facilities to ensure they are safely prepared to reopen? [min 12:25]
  • What are member firms hearing from their employees and their desire to go back to the office? [min 21:31]
  • How do you come up with a companywide plan to open back up when you have offices across the United States? [29:28]
  • What changes do you see in the long term, past Covid-19 that may change what geo professional firms will do in the future? [min 36:55]
  • Cont… How might this effect office leases? [42:25]
  • How do you continue to stress covid safe behavior with your work force especially when they may see difference behaviors on job sites, around their community, and they themselves may have different views on the topic? [min 46:20]
  • The big silver lining in all of this…? [min 50:35]
  • How are you handling travel, both business and personal? [min 54:25]
  • What are you member firms doing about conference rooms? [min 55:56]

Calls-to-action:

  • Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for more information about Covid-19 resources and/or to become a member
  • Visit the GBA Website for training resources and reference material for professional development that could be helpful during a slow time.
  • Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
  • Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+2O9I-D65 ]]> #04 - COVID Concerns - GBA Emerging Leaders - Experience Dealing with the Pandemic https://www.gbapodcast.com/cc04 5a6a0195-3172-450e-9d9c-f21bf94ab8d7 Fri, 08 May 2020 10:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. 56:32 false COVID Concerns Episode 4 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for May 8, 2020 - GBA Emerging Leaders - Experience Dealing with the Pandemic

GBA Members from the Emerging Leaders Class have been invited to attend this Pop-Up Town Hall meeting hosted by Executive Director Joel Carson in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on geo-professional firms. In this episode, GBA’s newest leaders discuss COVID Concerns with Joel to cover its impact with co-workers, supervisors, and clients.

GBA addresses its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What’s been the biggest challenge for you with the new “work from home” situation? [min 3:54]
  • What guidance do you (Tiffany) have for people working from home? [min 7:28]
  • Now that you (Abby & Ryan) have been working from home exclusively, will your “work from home” habits change post-COVID? [min 11:15]
  • What communication methods are being used to reach your supervisor, co-workers, and those that report to you? [min 14:45]
  • How have you adapted to your client’s needs? [min 23:51]
  • Are you seeing tension between your client’s senior members and their project managers? [min 30:15]
  • Recognizing that most of our audience is mostly geo-professional leaders, what changes do you see happening to the way firms do business post-COVID? [min 33:45]
  • What do you miss most about going into the office? [min 39:00]
  • The big silver lining in all of this (COVID) is ? [min 43:47]
  • Do you have any clients that are slowing down their spending, aka using this pandemic as an opportunity to not pay? [min 47:25]
  • What are some challenges of on-boarding new employees? [min 50:56]

Calls-to-action:

  • Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for more information about Covid-19 resources and/or to become a member
  • Visit the GBA Website for training resources and reference material for professional development that could be helpful during a slow time.
  • Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
  • Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> COVID, COVID-19, GBA, ELC, emerging leaders, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering COVID Concerns Episode 4 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for May 8, 2020 - GBA Emerging Leaders - Experience Dealing with the Pandemic

GBA Members from the Emerging Leaders Class have been invited to attend this Pop-Up Town Hall meeting hosted by Executive Director Joel Carson in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on geo-professional firms. In this episode, GBA’s newest leaders discuss COVID Concerns with Joel to cover its impact with co-workers, supervisors, and clients.

GBA addresses its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What’s been the biggest challenge for you with the new “work from home” situation? [min 3:54]
  • What guidance do you (Tiffany) have for people working from home? [min 7:28]
  • Now that you (Abby & Ryan) have been working from home exclusively, will your “work from home” habits change post-COVID? [min 11:15]
  • What communication methods are being used to reach your supervisor, co-workers, and those that report to you? [min 14:45]
  • How have you adapted to your client’s needs? [min 23:51]
  • Are you seeing tension between your client’s senior members and their project managers? [min 30:15]
  • Recognizing that most of our audience is mostly geo-professional leaders, what changes do you see happening to the way firms do business post-COVID? [min 33:45]
  • What do you miss most about going into the office? [min 39:00]
  • The big silver lining in all of this (COVID) is ? [min 43:47]
  • Do you have any clients that are slowing down their spending, aka using this pandemic as an opportunity to not pay? [min 47:25]
  • What are some challenges of on-boarding new employees? [min 50:56]

Calls-to-action:

  • Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for more information about Covid-19 resources and/or to become a member
  • Visit the GBA Website for training resources and reference material for professional development that could be helpful during a slow time.
  • Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
  • Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> COVID Concerns Episode 4 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for May 8, 2020 - GBA Emerging Leaders - Experience Dealing with the Pandemic

GBA Members from the Emerging Leaders Class have been invited to attend this Pop-Up Town Hall meeting hosted by Executive Director Joel Carson in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on geo-professional firms. In this episode, GBA’s newest leaders discuss COVID Concerns with Joel to cover its impact with co-workers, supervisors, and clients.

GBA addresses its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What’s been the biggest challenge for you with the new “work from home” situation? [min 3:54]
  • What guidance do you (Tiffany) have for people working from home? [min 7:28]
  • Now that you (Abby & Ryan) have been working from home exclusively, will your “work from home” habits change post-COVID? [min 11:15]
  • What communication methods are being used to reach your supervisor, co-workers, and those that report to you? [min 14:45]
  • How have you adapted to your client’s needs? [min 23:51]
  • Are you seeing tension between your client’s senior members and their project managers? [min 30:15]
  • Recognizing that most of our audience is mostly geo-professional leaders, what changes do you see happening to the way firms do business post-COVID? [min 33:45]
  • What do you miss most about going into the office? [min 39:00]
  • The big silver lining in all of this (COVID) is ? [min 43:47]
  • Do you have any clients that are slowing down their spending, aka using this pandemic as an opportunity to not pay? [min 47:25]
  • What are some challenges of on-boarding new employees? [min 50:56]

Calls-to-action:

  • Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for more information about Covid-19 resources and/or to become a member
  • Visit the GBA Website for training resources and reference material for professional development that could be helpful during a slow time.
  • Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes
  • Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+G8QHnPu6 ]]> #03 - COVID Concerns - Communication ‘Best Practices’ During and Post Pandemic https://www.gbapodcast.com/cc03 1ec94f09-08af-4c05-a16e-4c0597256d3d Fri, 17 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. 1:10:10 false Covid Concerns Episode 3 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 17, 2020 – Communication ‘Best Practices’ During and Post Pandemic

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are communication best practices. [min 3:45]
  • Are strategic plans still applicable or should member firms go back to the drawing board? [min 11:16]
  • What should leaders be doing differently now, both to cope with the current situation and to plan to thrive past the pandemic? [min 22:15]
  • What will employee engagement be post covid-19? [min 38:23]
  • What do you believe will be the most significant work place changes past covid-19? [min 46:04]
  • Opportunities/services member firms can be providing to clients? [min 57:12]
  • The big silver lining in all of this is what? [min 1:01:35]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> COVID, COVID-19, Pandemic, communication, GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Covid Concerns Episode 3 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 17, 2020 – Communication ‘Best Practices’ During and Post Pandemic

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are communication best practices. [min 3:45]
  • Are strategic plans still applicable or should member firms go back to the drawing board? [min 11:16]
  • What should leaders be doing differently now, both to cope with the current situation and to plan to thrive past the pandemic? [min 22:15]
  • What will employee engagement be post covid-19? [min 38:23]
  • What do you believe will be the most significant work place changes past covid-19? [min 46:04]
  • Opportunities/services member firms can be providing to clients? [min 57:12]
  • The big silver lining in all of this is what? [min 1:01:35]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Covid Concerns Episode 3 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 17, 2020 – Communication ‘Best Practices’ During and Post Pandemic

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

Topics for discussion include:

  • What are communication best practices. [min 3:45]
  • Are strategic plans still applicable or should member firms go back to the drawing board? [min 11:16]
  • What should leaders be doing differently now, both to cope with the current situation and to plan to thrive past the pandemic? [min 22:15]
  • What will employee engagement be post covid-19? [min 38:23]
  • What do you believe will be the most significant work place changes past covid-19? [min 46:04]
  • Opportunities/services member firms can be providing to clients? [min 57:12]
  • The big silver lining in all of this is what? [min 1:01:35]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+E9NpqrpY ]]> #02 - COVID Concerns - Health and Safety Best Practices https://www.gbapodcast.com/cc02 b0709e5f-e4bc-41e0-9f13-592ee299001e Fri, 10 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. 1:02:42 false Covid Concerns Episode 2 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 10, 2020 – Health and Safety Best Practices

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

  • Joel Carson (host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile)
  • Richard “Rick” Ecord, Senior Vice President of Health, Safety and Learning (GZA) - LinkedIn Profile
  • Paula Loht, Corporate Director of Safety (Gannett Fleming) - LinkedIn Profile
  • James “Jim” Wright, Director of Safety and Health (Terracon) - LinkedIn Profile

Topics for discussion include

  • What are member firms “Plans in place to respond to crisis and risk management for unplanned events”. [min 3:45]
  • What have been some of the biggest challenges caused by this pandemic. [min 9:30]
  • Are firms requiring face masks in the office? [min 18:52]
  • What communication methods are being used to reach employees? [min 21:35]
  • What changes to soil laboratories are being made during this time? [min 30:35]
  • What are the biggest challenges your clients are having right now? [min 35:06]
  • What opportunities have firms identified to provide clients new services (or services already being provided) in response to this pandemic? [min 41:10]
  • Communication with subcontractors and what requirements are being put on them (i.e. face masks, gloves, etc.)? [min 46:35]
  • What companies are doing to help in their local communities. [min 51:48]
  • Recommendations for employees who work with health care workers. [min 55:10]
  • Social distancing with drill crews (driller and helper). [min 56:45]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> COVID, COVID-19, Pandemic, health and safety, GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Covid Concerns Episode 2 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 10, 2020 – Health and Safety Best Practices

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

  • Joel Carson (host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile)
  • Richard “Rick” Ecord, Senior Vice President of Health, Safety and Learning (GZA) - LinkedIn Profile
  • Paula Loht, Corporate Director of Safety (Gannett Fleming) - LinkedIn Profile
  • James “Jim” Wright, Director of Safety and Health (Terracon) - LinkedIn Profile

Topics for discussion include

  • What are member firms “Plans in place to respond to crisis and risk management for unplanned events”. [min 3:45]
  • What have been some of the biggest challenges caused by this pandemic. [min 9:30]
  • Are firms requiring face masks in the office? [min 18:52]
  • What communication methods are being used to reach employees? [min 21:35]
  • What changes to soil laboratories are being made during this time? [min 30:35]
  • What are the biggest challenges your clients are having right now? [min 35:06]
  • What opportunities have firms identified to provide clients new services (or services already being provided) in response to this pandemic? [min 41:10]
  • Communication with subcontractors and what requirements are being put on them (i.e. face masks, gloves, etc.)? [min 46:35]
  • What companies are doing to help in their local communities. [min 51:48]
  • Recommendations for employees who work with health care workers. [min 55:10]
  • Social distancing with drill crews (driller and helper). [min 56:45]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Covid Concerns Episode 2 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 10, 2020 – Health and Safety Best Practices

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

  • Joel Carson (host and GBA Executive Director – Link to Profile)
  • Richard “Rick” Ecord, Senior Vice President of Health, Safety and Learning (GZA) - LinkedIn Profile
  • Paula Loht, Corporate Director of Safety (Gannett Fleming) - LinkedIn Profile
  • James “Jim” Wright, Director of Safety and Health (Terracon) - LinkedIn Profile

Topics for discussion include

  • What are member firms “Plans in place to respond to crisis and risk management for unplanned events”. [min 3:45]
  • What have been some of the biggest challenges caused by this pandemic. [min 9:30]
  • Are firms requiring face masks in the office? [min 18:52]
  • What communication methods are being used to reach employees? [min 21:35]
  • What changes to soil laboratories are being made during this time? [min 30:35]
  • What are the biggest challenges your clients are having right now? [min 35:06]
  • What opportunities have firms identified to provide clients new services (or services already being provided) in response to this pandemic? [min 41:10]
  • Communication with subcontractors and what requirements are being put on them (i.e. face masks, gloves, etc.)? [min 46:35]
  • What companies are doing to help in their local communities. [min 51:48]
  • Recommendations for employees who work with health care workers. [min 55:10]
  • Social distancing with drill crews (driller and helper). [min 56:45]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+sQljRk7m ]]> #01 - COVID Concerns - Operational Leadership https://www.gbapodcast.com/cc01 8434526f-7249-49c0-9a52-9e80f602cb5a Fri, 03 Apr 2020 05:30:00 -0700 rymann@gmail.com (Geoprofessional Business Association) full Geoprofessional Business Association Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. 52:03 false Covid Concerns Episode 1 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 3, 2020 – Operational Leadership

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Future Outlook: backlog, revenue, and profit. [min 3:40]
  • What tools are being used to analyze and track business volume and billability during this time? [min 10:49]
  • What business opportunities are there during this Covid-19 crisis? [min 20:25]
  • How the CARES Act Provision, mostly the SBA payroll protection, can provide aid to GBA member firms. [min 27:25]
  • Families First Leave Act discussion [min 32:35]
  • Cutting cost: What are you doing to decide between reduced hours vs. pay cuts? [min 38:20]
  • Can employee refuse a pay/salary cut? [min 40:58]
  • PTO donation and extended leave. [min 46:04]
  • Have any of you had employees contract Covid-19 and what are you doing about it? [min 48:46]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> COVID, COVID-19, Pandemic, leadership, GBA, Geoprofessional, GBA Podcast, geotechnical, environmental, geotechnical engineer, comet, case histories, civil engineering Covid Concerns Episode 1 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 3, 2020 – Operational Leadership

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Future Outlook: backlog, revenue, and profit. [min 3:40]
  • What tools are being used to analyze and track business volume and billability during this time? [min 10:49]
  • What business opportunities are there during this Covid-19 crisis? [min 20:25]
  • How the CARES Act Provision, mostly the SBA payroll protection, can provide aid to GBA member firms. [min 27:25]
  • Families First Leave Act discussion [min 32:35]
  • Cutting cost: What are you doing to decide between reduced hours vs. pay cuts? [min 38:20]
  • Can employee refuse a pay/salary cut? [min 40:58]
  • PTO donation and extended leave. [min 46:04]
  • Have any of you had employees contract Covid-19 and what are you doing about it? [min 48:46]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> Covid Concerns Episode 1 – GBA Pop-Up Town Hall Meeting for April 3, 2020 – Operational Leadership

Senior leaders of GBA Member firms have been invited to attend Pop-Up Town Hall meetings each of the past three weeks in response to the dynamic events related to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss issues that impact geoprofessional firms. Panels of experts have discussed operational issues, health and safety, and leadership through these unprecedented times. GBA hopes to address its members questions and concerns by sharing experiences and challenges in the hopes to learn and help each other during this trying time.

Our Panel:

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Future Outlook: backlog, revenue, and profit. [min 3:40]
  • What tools are being used to analyze and track business volume and billability during this time? [min 10:49]
  • What business opportunities are there during this Covid-19 crisis? [min 20:25]
  • How the CARES Act Provision, mostly the SBA payroll protection, can provide aid to GBA member firms. [min 27:25]
  • Families First Leave Act discussion [min 32:35]
  • Cutting cost: What are you doing to decide between reduced hours vs. pay cuts? [min 38:20]
  • Can employee refuse a pay/salary cut? [min 40:58]
  • PTO donation and extended leave. [min 46:04]
  • Have any of you had employees contract Covid-19 and what are you doing about it? [min 48:46]

Calls-to-action:

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

]]> https://fireside.fm/player/v2/IY5NBfeH+nN6dnNSh ]]>