GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn
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.
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.
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 coupleTom & Grace Blackburn, founders of Blackburn Consulting (26 years)Based in CaliforniaBoth active in GBA (Tom - former president, Grace - active in committees)Early Life and Education
Grew up in St. Louis, Missouri on 12 acresFather was iron worker who started own steel erection firmFirst in family to attend college (along with sister)University of Missouri at Rolla (now Missouri S&T)Discovered passion for geotechnical engineering junior yearMentored by Professor Norbert SchmidtGrew up in Stockton, CaliforniaFather died when she was 8, raised by Japanese motherMother's motto: "Remember you're of the samurai. Don't bring shame on your family"CalPoly San Luis Obispo - Industrial Engineering degreeHigh school counselor encouraged engineering careerWon scholarship from ArcoCareer Path
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 DallasFormation of Blackburn Consulting (1998):
Leadership
Quality over quantity - "willing to turn work down"Community engagement (worked on school bond issues)"Good work for good people"Employee and community impact focusedGrace handled administrative, financial, legal, marketing functionsTom focused on technical work and business developmentFamily-centered approach (brought kids to GBA conferences)Emphasis on treating people with dignity and respectThe Geoprofessional Landscape
Private equity and larger firms entering the marketShift from medium-sized firms to profit-focused operationsAdvanced tools for exploration and analysisDecline in writing skills among new graduatesAI and machine learning as major disruptorsComparison to Industrial Revolution impact on manufacturingMachines will handle white collar tasks (soil recognition, foundation recommendations)Data management becoming crucial differentiatorPeople skills remain essentialNeed for creative, out-of-the-box thinkingFundamental soil mechanics understanding still requiredImportance of relationships and treating people well Life Advice
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 worldThink creatively and look for better solutionsTreat people with dignity and respectBuild genuine relationships, not just phone interactionsFocus on soft skills and people interactionDon't rely solely on computers - understand the outputImprove writing skillsEmbrace challenges as learning opportunitiesSpeed Round
Favorite Book: Grace - Bible Tom - Stephen CoveyOptimism index: 5 out of 5 - natural optimistsBiggest impact: Both: Their firm and its positive impact on employees/communityTom: Montecito debris flow project for CaltransGrace: First $6M Caltrans contract managementWhat Would You Change: Both: Would change nothing - hardships were necessary for growthAdvice for New Professionals: Persevere through difficultiesDevelop people skillsThink out of the boxTreat others with dignity and respectFinal Thoughts
Tom: "Hard work and perseverance" - wants to be a role modelGrace: Focus on making things better and helping peopleBoth emphasize impact on others' lives over personal recognitionIncredible support when starting their firm"Some of the best people on earth"Offered financial and administrative assistanceEncouraged them to start their own businessSuccess depends on employees, clients, and professional relationshipsFamily approach to business and lifeImportance of working with others and building lasting relationshipsCalls-to-action:
Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future podcast episodesContact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or commentsSubscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribeThis episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex
