GBA Podcast

By Geoprofessional Business AssociationBusiness News Education Business News

GBA Podcast episodes

December 01, 2025First Word - December 2025
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:
2025 Fall Leadership Summit Wrap-Up & Reflections
Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award
GBA Emerging Leaders Cohort #6
Creative Retention Initiatives for Geoprofessional Firms
State of the Workplace Survey
2026 Annual Conference Info and Registration
7 min
November 11, 2025#82 - Case History - Practice, In Small Claims Court, Makes Perfect? Think About It
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 Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants
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 Rodriguez – COO/BSK Associates
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:
Download Case History #82
Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/
An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms.
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 Episodes
Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Tim Rodriguez – COO/BSK Associates
Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC
15 min
November 05, 2025GeoHeroes - Ryan White
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:
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Breath by James Nestor
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:
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 episodes
Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex
43 min
November 01, 2025First Word - November 2025
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:
2026 Annual Conference Info and Registration
Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award
New Publication: Some General Guidelines for Geotechnical Specifications
NEWSlog Archive
NEWSlog Signup
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Joel Carson
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Guy Marcozzi
2025 Fall Leadership Summit
10 min
October 22, 2025GeoHeroes - Guy Marcozzi
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:
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 episodes
Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex
58 min
October 08, 2025GeoHeroes - Joel Carson
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:
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 episodes
Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex
44 min
October 01, 2025First Word - October 2025
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:
New Business Brief: Using AI & Automation to Solve Geoprofessional Workforce Challenges (Crystal Ball Workshop)
New Business Brief: Insurance Coverage for AI-Related Risks
2025 Photo Contest Winners
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Dan Schaefer
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Steve Wendland
GBA Case History podcast: Case History #110
Early Professional Class Graduates
Early Professional Class Nominations
2025 Fall Leadership Summit Details and Registration
2026 Annual Conference Information
8 min
September 24, 2025GeoHeroes - Steve Wendland
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:
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 episodes
Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex
48 min
September 10, 2025GeoHeroes - Dan Schaefer
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:
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 episodes
Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex
40 min
September 02, 2025#110 - Case History - Suspiciously Variable Test Results? Take a Closer Look...
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 Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants
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 Corbett – Project Consultant/SME.
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:
Download Case History #110
Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/
An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms.
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 Episodes
Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments
Subscribe
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe
This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:
Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME.
Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants
Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC
34 min

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