In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Mike Kennedy, a senior geotechnical engineer at Jacobs, about the booming geotechnical engineering landscape in Columbus, Ohio. They discuss the influx of companies in the region, the growing demand for infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and the skills required for geotechnical engineers to thrive in this evolving market. The conversation also touches on the importance of field experience, the challenges of balancing remote work preferences with the hands-on nature of geotechnical engineering, and the need for mentorship and career growth opportunities in the industry.

✅Ohio is experiencing significant growth in geotechnical engineering.

✅The demand for geotechnical engineers is increasing due to infrastructure projects.

✅Field experience is crucial for effective geotechnical engineering.

✅Renewable energy projects present unique challenges for geotechnical engineers.

✅Mentorship is vital for developing new talent in the industry.

✅Career growth opportunities are abundant in the geotechnical field.

✅Balancing fieldwork with remote work preferences is a challenge.

✅Pigeonholing in one area can lead to career dissatisfaction.

✅Technical and leadership skills are both important for success.

✅The future of geotechnical engineering education is evolving.

Memorable Quotes from Mike Kennedy

🗣️"There's a big push for growth in Ohio."

🗣️"Field experience goes a long way in geotech."

🗣️"Renewable sites bring new challenges for geotech."

🗣️"Geotech is the art of civil engineering."

🗣️"You need both technical and leadership skills."

🗣️"There's a need for mentorship in the industry."

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com

In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Tory Donnelly as she shares her extensive journey from environmental consulting to leading a drilling company. She discusses the importance of building a strong safety culture, the challenges of hiring in the drilling industry, and the innovations brought by sonic drilling technology. Tory also emphasizes the significance of cultural fit in acquisitions, the value of supporting veterans in the workforce, and her involvement with the National Groundwater Association. She concludes with advice for emerging professionals and insights into the future challenges of the drilling industry, particularly regarding work-life balance and the integration of technology.

✅Tory Donnelly transitioned from environmental consulting to drilling operations.

✅Building a safety culture is crucial in the drilling industry.

✅Hiring from trade schools and veterans has proven effective.

✅Sonic drilling technology offers superior core samples.

✅Cultural fit is essential in company acquisitions.

✅Health and safety practices must be prioritized in drilling.

✅Emerging professionals should never stop learning and adapting.

✅The drilling industry faces challenges with an aging workforce.

✅Work-life balance is increasingly important for new employees.

✅AI technology is becoming vital in the drilling and environmental sectors

Memorable Quotes from Tory Donnelly

🗣️"Drilling is high risk, everything we do is high risk."

🗣️"Health and safety is very black and white."

🗣️"The sonic core samples are just incomparable."

🗣️"Never stop learning, keep pushing forward."

🗣️"AI is a great tool to use in our industry."

🗣️"The average age of drillers is well over 50."

🗣️"Work-life balance is important nowadays."

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com

In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Matthew Marcus, Managing Director at Partner Engineering and Science Inc., who shares his extensive experience in geotechnical engineering, seismic resilience, and project management. The conversation covers Matthew's educational background, the importance of understanding seismic hazards in infrastructure projects, and the need for collaboration among geotechnical, civil, and structural engineers. Matthew discusses the challenges faced in managing large infrastructure projects, the significance of effective communication, and the emerging technologies in geotechnical engineering. He also reflects on the future of the field and the importance of nurturing the next generation of engineers.

✅Matthew Marcus has 25 years of experience in geotechnical engineering.

✅Seismic hazards significantly impact infrastructure projects.

✅Integration of geotechnical, civil, and structural engineering is crucial.

✅Communication and collaboration are key to successful project management.

✅Challenges in construction often arise from design inconsistencies.

✅Emerging technologies are slowly being adopted in geotechnical engineering.

✅Concrete testing processes are outdated and cumbersome.

✅The engineering field faces a potential shortage of professionals.

✅Long-term relationships with clients are essential for business success.

✅Creativity is a vital aspect of engineering that is often overlooked

Memorable Quotes from Matt Marcus

🗣️"A lot of problems are exposed during construction."

🗣️"We try to resolve things without having to get lawyers involved."

🗣️"The margins in this industry are really, really small."

🗣️"Being right is not always that great of a place to be."

🗣️"Concrete testing is such a hassle."

🗣️"I think there's a lack of interest in what we do."

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com

In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Patrick Thomas, an engineering geologist with extensive experience in geotechnical investigations. Patrick shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, discussing the importance of hands-on experience, the challenges of working in steep and unstable terrains, and the technological advancements in the field. He emphasizes the significance of collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and offers valuable advice for aspiring geotechnical engineers, highlighting the need for open communication and adaptability in the face of challenges.

✅Patrick's journey into geotechnical engineering began in his family's construction business.

✅Hands-on experience in construction provides valuable insights for geotechnical engineers.

✅Los Angeles presents unique challenges with its steep, unstable hillsides.

✅Technological advancements include deep foundations and slope stabilization techniques.

✅Each project serves as a case study for learning and improvement.

✅Collaboration among consultants, contractors, and engineers is crucial for project success.

✅Effective communication can prevent small issues from escalating into larger problems.

✅Safety is the top priority on construction sites.

✅Maintaining a cool head helps in managing different personalities on teams.

✅Aspiring engineers should keep an open mind and be adaptable to change.

Memorable Quotes from Patrick Thomas

🗣️"I grew up in the engineering construction field."

🗣️"Every project I worked on was its own case study."

🗣️"It's necessary that we all work together."

🗣️"Safety is number one."

🗣️"You have to deal with the hand you've been dealt."

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com

In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Louis Schulte, a senior geotechnical engineer, discussing his extensive experience in the field of geotechnical engineering. They explore the importance of field experience, the innovative design-build model in Ohio, challenges faced in shale plays, the significance of instrumentation, and the need for local expertise. Louis emphasizes the importance of mentoring young engineers and the necessity of practical knowledge in the field. The discussion concludes with insights on overcoming engineering myths and the importance of simplicity in engineering solutions.

✅Field experience is invaluable for engineers.

✅Ohio's design-build model fosters innovation and collaboration.

✅Local knowledge is crucial in geotechnical projects.

✅Instrumentation helps verify engineering work effectively.

✅Overcomplication in engineering can lead to misunderstandings.

✅Mentoring young engineers is essential for their growth.

✅Practical knowledge often trumps theoretical knowledge.

✅Technology should be right-sized for the job at hand.

✅Simple plans are often more effective than complex designs.

✅The engineering field needs to focus on practical solutions

Memorable Quotes from Louis Schulte

🗣️"We break down the infrastructure beneath your feet."

🗣️"I grew up on a farm here in Ohio."

🗣️"You learn how to be around large equipment."

🗣️"We need local expertise in engineering."

🗣️"Instrumentation is crucial to verify your work."

🗣️"We need to focus on simple plans."

🗣️"We need to right-size technology to the job."

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com