The QBS Express

The QBS Express was joined by ACEC KS President Agnes Otto and Past President Cameron McGown.  Take a listen as we look back at 2024 and look ahead to 2025.  It’s not only a great review of ACEC Kansas activity, but also a chance to learn much more about our fearless leaders as they share their experiences and some nuggets of wisdom!

We will take a deeper look at their unique career journeys, the value of being involved with ACEC, and how the organization benefits its members. From discussing legislative wins and the importance of qualifications-based selection (QBS) to the rewards of participating in the Emerging Leaders Program, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Don't miss out on their personal stories, professional experiences, and a bit of fun. Tune in to learn more about what makes ACEC Kansas a vital organization for engineering professionals.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:19 Agnes Otto's Career Journey

05:29 Cameron McGown's Career Journey

07:37 Legislative Review and Water Issues

12:58 Partnerships and Collaborations

23:49 Qualifications Based Selection (QBS)

27:41 Emerging Leaders Program

29:56 The Power of Partnerships in ELP

30:41 A Heartwarming ELP Success Story

31:44 Personal Journeys to ACEC Board

32:41 The Value of ACEC Board Membership

35:35 Benefits of ACEC for Companies

41:06 ACEC National's Impact and Initiatives

47:11 Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

50:34 Personal Reflections and Fun Questions

Other Resources:

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

ACEC KS members are making a difference in the world with the work they do every day, but they also make amazing contributions outside of their “day job”.  Join us as we visit with Mark Williams, Curt Mader, and Jerry Johnson to learn more about the incredible amount that is given back to communities of need, and the impact it makes on the lives of both those who give and those who receive.

From life-changing water purification projects in impoverished communities overseas to personal tales of giving back, this episode shines a spotlight on the extraordinary altruism within the engineering community. Hear powerful stories about the direct impact these projects have on local populations and how the act of giving has profoundly transformed the volunteers themselves. Join us in celebrating the dedication and heart of engineers making a difference around the world.

00:00 Introduction to the QBS Express Podcast

00:57 Inspiration from Justin Wren's Story

02:21 Meet Jerry Johnson: A Lifetime of Engineering

03:58 Curt Mader's Engineering Journey

06:50 Mark Williams: From Baseball to Engineering

09:39 The Impact of Philanthropy in Engineering

10:23 Curt Mader's Path to Philanthropy

13:29 Mark Williams' Volunteer Journey

15:27 Gerry Johnson's Introduction to Agua Viva

18:36 Agua Viva International: Mission and Growth

25:18 Discussing the Impact of Infrastructure Projects

26:00 Heartwarming Stories of Change

27:53 Personal Transformations from Service

32:40 Challenges and Adaptations During COVID-19

36:41 The Giving Culture in the AEC Community

43:30 How to Get Involved and Make a Difference

46:41 Lightning Round: Getting to Know the Guests

Other Resources:

aguavivainternational.org

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

The ACEC Kansas podcast sits down with Matt Volz, head of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub.  Tune in to learn more about what “The Hub” means for Kansas communities, economic development, public safety, and of course, ACEC KS member firms!

In this episode of the QBS Express, the ACEC Kansas podcast, host Scott Heidner, Executive Director of ACEC Kansas, sits down with Matt Volz to discuss the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. Matt Volz, recently appointed to lead the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, shares his journey from Northern Minnesota to his pivotal role in Kansas. The conversation delves into the origins, funding, and impact of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and the Build Kansas Fund. They discuss the types of projects eligible, the agencies involved, and the significant opportunities for consulting engineering firms. Listen in to learn how this initiative aims to leverage federal dollars to enhance Kansas infrastructure and the ripple effect it has on the economy and local communities.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:57 Matt Volz's Background and Career Journey

02:13 Transition to Kansas DOT and ITS Engineering

05:14 Consulting Career and International Experience

07:35 Return to Kansas and the Infrastructure Hub

08:41 Overview of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub

13:27 Funding and Legislative Support

14:50 Eligibility and Application Process

20:48 Impact on Consulting Engineering Companies

26:19 Success Stories and Future Plans

31:44 Lightning Round: Getting to Know Matt Volz

34:19 Conclusion and Farewell

Other Resources:

kshub.org

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

The QBS Express, the ACEC KS podcast, sat down with key KDOT leaders to discuss alternative delivery and progress on specific projects using alternative delivery processes.  Join us as we discuss the history of state legislation opening up alternative delivery, lessons learned, and more.

00:30 Introducing Today's Guests

01:33 Unveiling Today's Discussion: Alternative Delivery in Kansas

01:59 Guest Backgrounds: Journeys to KDOT

10:27 Exploring the DeSoto Project: A Progressive Design Build Model

14:00 US 69 Express: Kansas' Largest Infrastructure Project

17:03 Comparing Design Build and Progressive Design Build Models

21:54 The Industry's Response to Alternative Delivery Models

24:25 Consultants and Contractors: Adapting to New Delivery Methods

25:53 Local Government and Industry Acceptance of Alternative Delivery

26:35 The Evolution of Alternative Delivery in Construction

27:17 Key Factors for Success in Alternative Delivery Projects

28:50 Unique Requirements and Collaborations in Construction Projects

29:41 Progress and Milestones of the DeSoto Project

30:14 Detailed Update on the DeSoto Project's Progress

34:42 Exploring the 65 Project: Progress and Innovations

38:01 Lessons Learned and the Power of Flexibility

40:23 The Importance of Co-location and Teamwork

46:06 Future of Alternative Delivery with KDOT

49:18 Concluding Thoughts and Appreciation

Other Resources:

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Join the QBS Express as we visit with Grace Lipford, a recent winner of both state and national ACEC Kansas scholarship awards.  Listen in as we visit with Grace about how the scholarship award process provided not just funds but contacts and experience.  We also visit with Grace about what she and graduating colleagues are looking for in an employer, the best ways to grab their attention, and how to be a destination employer for these graduates!

00:52 Introducing Our Special Guest: Grace Lipford

01:48 Grace's Journey to Engineering

02:29 Exploring Pre-College Interests and Inspirations

05:33 Diving Into College Life and Engineering Passion

07:33 The Impact of Scholarships on Grace's Education

10:16 Experiencing the ACEC National Conference

12:31 Reflections on the Scholarship Process

14:17 Insights into Job Preferences Among Engineering Students

16:45 The Role of Internships and Career Fairs in Job Decisions

19:18 Maximizing Impact at Career Fairs: Strategies for Companies

20:26 The Importance of Employer Presence at Career Fairs

21:52 Choosing the Right Representatives: Experience vs. Youth

22:36 Personalizing Recruitment: Beyond the Resume

23:22 Identifying Top Companies: A Candidate's Perspective

23:52 The Role of Dramatic Appeal and Technical Details in Attracting Candidates

25:42 The Significance of Communication Skills in Engineering

27:00 Exploring Company Social Media Presence and Its Impact

30:22 Understanding What Companies Seek in Engineering Graduates

34:20 Getting to Know the Guest: Favorite Books, Movies, and Music

Other Resources:

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

On this episode of the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner engages in a conversation with Brett Letkowski, the past-president and Cameron McGown, the current president of ACEC Kansas. Rightly entailing reflections on their journeys on the board, they discuss the organization's key events in 2023, the year's initiatives, legislative sessions, funding for water and vertical infrastructures, among other key accomplishments. The guests discuss their involvement in various collaborative projects, challenges they faced, and the impact of their service at the state and national levels of the ACEC. They highlight the significance of scholarship opportunities offered by the ACEC, underscoring the benefits to the students and the industry at large. The podcast also features a discussion on their favorite music, movies, and local restaurants, helping listeners know them better personally.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:59 Looking Back at ACEC's Successes in 2023

04:29 Partnerships and Collaborations

16:02 Scholarships and Opportunities

18:40 In-Person Meetings and Conferences

23:42 Promoting Qualifications Based Selection

26:23 Emerging Leaders Program

28:48 Journey to the Board and Benefits of Involvement

33:37 Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration

35:41 The Role of the Board in Industry Events and Activities

36:06 The Board's Influence on Legislation and Policy

38:25 Reflections on Serving on the Board

40:46 How to Get Involved with the Board

42:26 Looking Ahead: Priorities and Challenges for the Year

49:08 The Board's Relationship with ACEC National

Other Resources:

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

In this engaging conversation on the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner is joined by Calvin Reed, Kansas Secretary of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, and Greg Shieber, the Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer for the state of Kansas. Both guests share a glimpse of their personal backgrounds, their journeys into the realm of civil engineering, and their experiences working with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). They provide valuable insights into KDOT's broad mission, stressing its significant roles beyond the design and paving of roads and building of bridges. The conversation also highlights the agency's vital partnerships at the state, federal, and local level, the challenges and opportunities lying ahead for KDOT, and the critical role of the workforce in the future of engineering and infrastructure projects.

00:09 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:02 Guest Background: Greg Schieber

06:45 Guest Background: Calvin Reed

15:17 Understanding KDOT's Role and Responsibilities

23:57 Interactions with Policymakers at State and Federal Level

32:33 Appreciation for Agency Partners

33:07 Working with Local Units and Government

34:13 Building Relationships with Local Authorities

34:34 Challenges in Local Infrastructure Maintenance

34:59 Investing in Local Bridge Improvement Program

36:13 Developing a Local Bridge Planning Tool

36:42 Future Challenges in Local System Investment

37:07 The Role of KDOT in Supporting Local Governments

37:37 Creation of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub

38:31 Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for KDOT

38:52 Delivering the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program

39:25 Future Funding for Transportation

41:09 Workforce Challenges in the Industry

42:30 Innovation and Changing Technologies in Infrastructure

43:15 Managing Inflation in Local Projects

44:12 Future of Preservation and Modernization of Infrastructure

Other Resources:

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan.  On this episode we discuss:

• A family heritage of farming since 1868
• Growing up on the farm and the influence of 4H
• How farming has transformed over the years
• Working in the private sector
• Running for office to fix the underfunded pensions
• Making systems like KPERS work for Kansans
• The criticality of staff to make the legislature work
• Partnering with Kathy Wolfe Moore to work on the pension system
• The breadth of responsibility at the treasurer's office
• Helping Kansans find unclaimed property
• Supporting education savings through the Kansas Learning Quest program
• The ABLE Savings Plan

Other Resources:

The Office of the Treasurer

Kansas Able Savings Plan

KPERS

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Being involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem.  On this episode we discuss:

• Growing up in Halstead
• Being ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows)
• Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita State
• The value of the Eagle Scout achievement
• Becoming interested in politics
• Starting as a freshman legislator right out of college
• Growing into leadership roles and the associated time commitment
• The internship program
• Blake’s podcast, The Kansas Briefing
• Proposing on the cliffs of Ireland

Other Resources:

Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and Associates

Blake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st District

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Minority Leader Vic Miller.  They examine his life from the one room schoolhouse to his love for fantasy sports, as well as his involvement in politics beginning with his time at Emporia State as student body president.  On this episode we discuss:

• Growing up in a one room schoolhouse
• The impact of his father’s involvement
• The role of Associated Students of Kansas and the act they got passed
• The importance of having attorneys (at least a few) in the legislature
• Starting out young as an elected official
• Trying to balance service and a public practice
• How serving in property valuation gave him an in-demand skill
• The fraught challenge of drawing district lines
• Influence and responsibility
• Getting young people involved in public service
• A love of fantasy sports

Other Resources:

Learn more about ACEC Kansas

Vic Miller, Kansas State Representative, 58th District

This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  

This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net