WGI Unleashed Podcast Por WGI arte de portada

WGI Unleashed

WGI Unleashed

De: WGI
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A podcast about the people, the projects, and the culture of WGI. We sit down with our team members to see what they do on a daily basis to chase their passions and help our clients become successful. Economía
Episodios
  • Scott Jones, Technical Geospatial Solutions Manager

    Scott Jones, Technical Geospatial Solutions Manager
    Mar 18 2026
    At WGI, every associate brings a unique story to the table, but few start on a remote fishing island in Alaska and end up leading cutting-edge geospatial solutions across the country. In this episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, Dan and Katie sit down with Scott Jones, Technical Solutions Manager on our Geospatial + Land Surveying team, to talk about a career path shaped by adventure, curiosity, and a willingness to solve problems in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. A Childhood Built for Adventure Scott's story begins in Petersburg, Alaska, a small fishing community where getting anywhere requires a boat or a plane and where imagination fills the gaps between long winters and remote living. His introduction to surveying came through a high school class that quickly turned into something much bigger. One of his first projects involved surveying a glacier by helicopter, an experience that sparked a lifelong interest in the field and set the tone for everything that followed. From Screenwriting Dreams to Surveying Reality Surveying wasn't always the plan. Scott originally pursued creative writing in college with the goal of becoming a screenwriter. That changed after landing an internship with the Alaska Department of Transportation, where he spent his summers traveling across the state collecting geospatial data. What started as a job quickly became a turning point. The combination of travel, technical work, and real-world impact pulled him away from writing and into a career in geomatics. Surveying at the Edge of the World Before joining WGI, Scott built his experience in environments that most people would never encounter on the job. Working in Alaska meant navigating extreme terrain, unpredictable conditions, and projects that required constant adaptation. One of the most memorable was a remote "Road to Nowhere" survey effort that pushed crews deep into the wilderness for months at a time. From coordinating helicopter access to dealing with wildlife and harsh conditions, the work demanded resilience, creativity, and a strong understanding of the field. Bringing That Experience to WGI Today, Scott applies that same mindset at WGI, where no two days look the same. As a Technical Solutions Manager, he moves between projects, helping teams identify challenges, develop workflows, and find practical solutions that keep work moving forward. His role spans aerial operations, Lidar processing, GIS support, and everything in between. What sets his approach apart is a focus on execution. Big ideas matter, but for Scott, success comes from turning those ideas into real, actionable results. Projects That Push Boundaries Scott has been involved in several standout projects during his time with WGI, including a highly coordinated Grand Canyon mapping effort that required extensive planning across multiple agencies and airspace approvals. Another favorite took him to White Sands National Park, where Lidar technology was used to help identify prehistoric sloth footprints. It's a perfect example of how WGI's work blends advanced technology with unique, real-world applications. Why WGI? For Scott, it comes down to the people. He highlighted the value of working with teams that take pride in what they do and hold themselves to a high standard. That shared mindset creates an environment where collaboration is strong and the work is meaningful. It also opens the door for growth. At WGI, associates aren't limited to one role or skill set. There are constant opportunities to expand, learn, and contribute in new ways. Life Outside the Office While his days of fishing in Alaska may be behind him, Scott hasn't lost his sense of adventure. In Huntsville, he's traded ocean waters for kayaking, discovered a passion for caving, and continues to explore the outdoors in new ways. It's a different landscape, but the same mindset that has guided his career from the beginning. Final Thoughts Scott's journey is a reminder that there's no single path to success. From creative writing aspirations to leading technical solutions at WGI, his story is built on adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to take on new challenges. And like many of the stories featured on WGI Unleashed, it reinforces what makes WGI unique—the people, the experiences, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger. Tune In If you are looking for a story that blends adventure, innovation, and real-world impact, this episode is one you will not want to miss. Listen to this episode of WGI Unleashed on your favorite podcast platform and stay tuned for more conversations highlighting the people, projects, and culture that define WGI. Visit your favorite podcast app now and subscribe to WGI Unleashed to receive alerts every time a new episode drops. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
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    43 m
  • Jason Alvarez, Senior Operations Manager

    Jason Alvarez, Senior Operations Manager
    Feb 18 2026
    On the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed Podcast, we travel to WGI's Huntsville, Alabama, office to sit down with Jason Alvarez, Senior Operations Manager for our Geospatial + Land Surveying group. In this episode, hosts Dan and Katie explore Jason's 23-year journey at WGI, from starting in the field as a rod person to leading operations in one of the firm's growing offices. His story highlights persistence, curiosity, and the impact of saying yes to opportunity. From Florida Roots to Geospatial Leadership Jason grew up in Central and South Florida, including time in Lake Wales, where he balanced football and marching band. Yes, marching band. And yes, there were kilts involved. Before surveying ever entered the picture, Jason thought he might become a computer programmer. He built computers in high school and enjoyed working with technology, but he quickly realized that sitting behind a screen all day was not for him. He wanted something that blended tech with the outdoors. Enter surveying. Through a family connection, Jason got his first exposure to the field. What began as data entry and CAD work turned into a genuine interest in geospatial technology. When an opportunity at WGI opened up, he took it and started as a rod person on a survey crew. And that is where it all began. Building a Career by Saying Yes Jason did not map out a 20-plus-year plan. Instead, he leaned into every opportunity that came his way. He asked to learn new equipment. He stepped into office production. He volunteered for projects. He even spent two years working in IT to expand his technical skill set before returning to Geospatial. If someone asked, "Can you do this?" Jason's answer was usually, "Sure." That mindset helped shape his career. Over time, field experience turned into project management. Project management turned into operational leadership. Today, he oversees geospatial operations in Huntsville, bringing both technical expertise and years of institutional knowledge to the table. Lessons from Brightline and Beyond One of Jason's most memorable projects was supporting the Brightline construction effort. Managing multiple crews operating seven days a week required coordination, adaptability, and the integration of advanced technology, including robotic total stations and monitoring systems. It was a demanding assignment, but one that pushed him to grow both technically and as a leader. Implementing new technologies, coordinating teams, and navigating the pace of construction taught him lessons that continue to shape how he leads today. Watching WGI Grow After 23 years, Jason has had a front-row seat to WGI's evolution. What started as a smaller firm focused primarily on land development has grown into a multidisciplinary powerhouse offering transportation, lidar, planning, architecture, and more. With that growth has come expanded opportunities, new technologies, and a broader range of projects. Through it all, Jason says two things have remained constant: opportunity and people. He credits WGI's collaborative culture and the willingness of associates to help one another as the biggest reasons he has stayed. Whether learning a new system, tackling a complex project, or transitioning into leadership, there has always been someone willing to share knowledge and support the team. Fun Facts and Family Time Outside of work, Jason is a self-proclaimed big kid at heart. These days, most of his free time is spent with his two-and-a-half-year-old son building Lego sets and playing with toy trains. He also shared a few memorable facts during the episode: He does not drink tea. Under any circumstances. He has never used the restroom on an airplane. Not even on a 14-hour international flight. Despite attending a Scottish-themed high school, he did not play the bagpipes. You will have to tune in to hear the full stories behind those... Tune In Jason's journey is a reminder that careers are not one-size-fits-all. Growth can happen through curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to step up when opportunity knocks. If you are looking for a story about starting at the ground level and building a career through determination and adaptability, this episode is for you. Listen to this episode of WGI Unleashed on your favorite podcast platform and stay tuned for more conversations with the people, projects, and culture that define WGI. Visit your favorite podcast app now and subscribe to WGI Unleashed to receive alerts every time a new episode drops. You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
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    39 m
  • Maria Acosta, Video Multimedia Editor

    Maria Acosta, Video Multimedia Editor
    Jan 20 2026

    On the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we head back to WGI's corporate headquarters in West Palm Beach to sit down with Maria Acosta, Video Multimedia Editor!

    In this episode, hosts Dan and Katie take listeners behind the camera to spotlight Maria's creative journey, the role she plays in shaping WGI's multimedia content, and the passion she brings to telling stories through video. From her early artistic roots to her role producing podcasts, training videos, and campaign visuals, Maria's story shows how curiosity, resilience, and creativity can lead to an exciting and impactful career at WGI.

    Early Creativity and Artistic Beginnings

    Maria's passion for art began at a young age while growing up just down the road from her current residence in Delray Beach, FL. From drawing in sketchbooks to exploring perspective and composition, she always gravitated toward creative expression. That foundation pushed her to explore graphic design in school and shaped her aspirations as a visual storyteller.

    Her childhood interests weren't just hobbies. They became the building blocks for a career focused on creativity, design, and communication, a path that would eventually bring her to WGI.

    Finding Her Place in Design and Multimedia

    After earning her associate degree in graphic design, Maria worked in various design and marketing roles where she sharpened her skills. But she knew she wanted impactful mentorship and collaboration within a creative team — something she didn't always find earlier in her career.

    That realization helped guide her decision to join WGI shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. She was drawn to a culture that fostered teamwork, continuous learning, and opportunities to experiment with new creative mediums.

    Jumping Into Video Production at WGI

    Once on the Creative Services team, Maria found herself quickly stepping into video production. Within weeks of joining, she was producing and editing content across formats — from internal training videos and podcasts to dynamic marketing pieces and campaign visuals.

    Maria credits her willingness to "learn as she goes" and her curiosity for mastering new tools and workflows. Taking on challenges with confidence and grit has helped her grow her skill set and expand her creative reach at WGI.

    Creative Freedom and Impactful Collaboration

    One of Maria's favorite parts of working at WGI is the trust placed in her to contribute ideas and shape visual content. She thrives on the creative freedom the role offers and enjoys collaborating with teams across the firm.

    Whether she's supporting YES Week with vibrant visuals, crafting cinematic proposal videos, or producing the recordings you hear on WGI Unleashed, Maria embraces projects that allow her to blend creativity with purpose.

    Life Outside the Editing Desk

    When she's not editing or designing, Maria is immersed in the things she loves most: playing video games, engaging in Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, and caring for her growing collection of plants.

    Her sense of humor and vibrant personality come through in every conversation, offering listeners a genuine look at the person behind the camera.

    Tune In for a Creative Conversation

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the creative process, the art of storytelling through video, and what it's like to build a multimedia career in a collaborative environment.

    Grab your headphones, tune in, and get ready to learn more about Maria's path, her work at WGI, and the imaginative way she brings stories to life one frame at a time. So, tune in, and as always, stay curious, stay driven, and keep unleashing your full potential!

    Visit your favorite podcast app now and subscribe to WGI Unleashed to receive alerts every time a new episode drops.

    You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
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    44 m
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