GBA Podcast

By Geoprofessional Business AssociationBusiness News Education Business News

GBA Podcast episodes

September 01, 2025First Word - September 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:
Bridging the Skillset Gaps of Entry Level Geoprofessionals
The Power of Words: Inclusive Language in the Geoprofessions
Navigating the Forest of Federally Listed Bat Issues
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Matt Moler
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Rich Johnson
GBA Case History podcast: Case History #107
New GBA Member The Riley Group
New GBA Member ATC Williams
New GBA Staff Member Kelley Versteegh
Meet the GBA Staff
Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series Registration
GBA Early Professional Class (Career Continuum)
GBA Photo Contest
2025 Fall Leadership Summit Details and Registration
9 min
August 27, 2025GeoHeroes - Rich Johnson
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:
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
37 min
August 20, 2025#107 - Case History - Engage Human Resources Professionals Early On!
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 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:
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:
Download Case History #107
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
23 min
August 13, 2025GeoHeroes - Matt Moler
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:
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
August 01, 2025First Word - August 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:
Best Practices for Crane Pad and Working Platform Design and Inspection
Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series (July) with ConeTec
Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series Registration
First Early Professional Class Graduation
GBA Career Continuum
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Leo Titus
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guests Tom and Grace Blackburn
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Ken Johnston
GBA Podcast
GBA Emerging Leaders Program Information and Nominations
2024-25 Annual Report
2025 Annual Financial Survey
August Book Club Meeting
GBA Photo Contest
2025 Fall Leadership Summit
Sign up for NEWSlog
8 min
July 28, 2025GeoHeroes - Ken Johnston
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
Favorite Book: A Cruel and Shocking Act by Philip Shenon, Good to Great by Jim Collins, The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni, One Second After by William R. Forstchen
Optimism index: 4 out of 5 - "don't have time to be negative"
Proudest accomplishments:
Family (son is West Point grad/Black Hawk pilot, talented daughter)
$300,000+ raised for cancer research through 36 years of Pan Mass Challenge bike rides
Career at GZA
What he'd change: Would have been lighter, less serious at work
Advice for young professionals: Find passion, work hard, don't worry about money initially
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:
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
39 min
July 16, 2025GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn
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:
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
45 min
July 02, 2025GeoHeroes - Leo Titus
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:
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
July 01, 2025First Word - July 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:
Safety Resource Roundup
Crystal Ball Workshop
GBA Podcast
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Rick Heckel
GeoHeroes podcast episode with guest Jesse Kropelnicki
Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series (June) with BoreDM
Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series Sign Up
GBA Photo Contest -- Email [email protected] for information
2025 Annual Financial Survey -- Email [email protected] for information
2026 Annual Conference Call for Abstracts
2025 Fall Leadership Summit
7 min
June 18, 2025GeoHeroes - Jesse Kropelnicki
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:
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
35 min

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