GeoHeroes - Jesse Kropelnicki About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Jesse Kropelnicki (https://www.linkedin.com/in/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...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min
A Look Into the Crystal Ball Workshop The geoprofessional industry is at a crossroads. With a shrinking workforce, increasing retirements, and fewer students entering geoscience and engineering fields, firms are struggling to meet rising service demands. At the same time, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries worldwide, presenting a generational opportunity for geoprofessionals to increase efficiency, productivity, and service quality. To address this critical c...
Jun 09, 2025•17 min
GeoHeroes - Rick Heckel About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Rick Heckel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-heckel-37ab5a31b/), PE, D.GE, Chief Engineer at TTL, Inc. (https://www.ttlusa.com/) who shares his remarkable 40+ year journey. Rick "stumbled" into geotechnical engineering, building his career through persistence rather than natural talent, and navigating roles from branch manager to CEO to solo practitioner. Learn ...
Jun 04, 2025•39 min
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: GBA Membership Information (https://www.geoprofessional.org/membership/) GBA President’s Letter to Membership (https://www.geoprofessional.org/news/gba-presidents-letter-to-membership/) GBA’s 2027...
Jun 01, 2025•6 min
GeoHeroes - David Lourie About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews David Lourie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lourie-pe-dge/), PE, D.GE, F.GBA , CEO of Lourie Consultants (https://www.lourieconsultants.com/) where he discusses his journey in the geoprofession. Early interests in building and the space program led him to engineering. An ankle injury shifted his path from mechanical engineering and Navy ROTC to civil enginee...
May 21, 2025•55 min
GeoHeroes - Saiid Behboodi About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Saiid Behboodi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/saiid-behboodi-p-e-g-e-583541b/), PE, GE, F.GBA, Principal / Geotechnical Engineer at PBS Engineering and Environmental (https://www.pbsusa.com/) an Apex Company (https://apexcos.com/). Saiid's path was shaped by his cultural background and personal journey. His parents instilled a strong philosophy emphasizing educa...
May 07, 2025•48 min
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 Annual Conference Recap Video (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/geoprofessional-business-association_geoprofessionals-guardiansoftheearth-geoprofessional-activity-7323326252885430272-1eeO?utm_s...
May 02, 2025•5 min
GeoHeroes - Laura Register About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Laura Register (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurareinbold//), P.E., F.GBA, the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors at Terracon (https://www.terracon.com/). Laura shares insights into her professional journey, starting with her childhood and early influences, including her father's engineering and entrepreneurial spirit. She recounts her experience...
Apr 23, 2025•45 min
GBA Case History Series – Case History #55 - Clients looking for the lowest cost have high expectations! Summary An auto parts manufacturer hires a GBA member-firm to develop remediation recommendations for the contaminated area where underground storage tanks leaked. The client did not accept the recommendations of the consultant and pressed for a quicker alternative. When the contaminant was discovered in a larger area, the client accused the consultant of breach of conduct. Our Hosts: Elizabe...
Apr 16, 2025•17 min
GeoHeroes - Vic Donald About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Vic Donald Vic Donald (https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-donald-58a0b7b/), a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 46 years of experience. Vic shares his journey from the Deep South to becoming an engineer with a passion for geotechnical innovation. He discusses his educational background at LSU, early career experiences, and the formative influence of mentors...
Apr 09, 2025•48 min
GBA Case History Series – Case History #50 - You can do the right thing, but it can still go wrong! Summary An environmental consultant performed a remedial investigation and feasibility study for a state water commission on a Superfund site. When the approval process and project start date gets delayed, the new project manager makes modifications on the proposals and procedures but fails to obtain proper approvals. To avoid a litigation with water commission, the principal in charge offers to c...
Apr 02, 2025•24 min
GeoHeroes - Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-foulk-rodriguez-pe-ge-ab108533/), Geotechnical Group Leader at BSK Associates, who shares her inspiring journey from a youth spent moving around the U.S. to becoming a leading figure in the geotechnical industry. Carrie discusses her early life, education, and varied career path, highlighti...
Mar 26, 2025•51 min
GeoHeroes - Jay Martin About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Jay Martin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymartin615/), retired Senior Vice President at WSP, to discuss his long and varied career in geotechnical engineering. Jay shares his personal background, moving from Louisville to Nashville, and his path through various roles and mentorships within the field. They explore the cultural adjustments, the evolution of the geo...
Mar 12, 2025•38 min
GeoHeroes - Kent Bannister About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Kent Bannister (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-bannister-846686121/) president and CEO of TREK Geotechnical. The discussion traces Bannister's life, starting with his childhood in Winnipeg and his early work experiences, such as his memorable stint at McDonald's and a job at the Royal Bank of Canada. The conversation explores his academic journey, leading to...
Feb 26, 2025•41 min
GeoHeroes - Teresa Peterson About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Teresa Peterson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresapeterson//), a vice president at Gannett Fleming TranSystems (https://www.gannettfleming.com/) and incoming president of GBA. The conversation traces Peterson's career path, highlighting her academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania, her early interests in environmental engineering, and her subsequen...
Feb 12, 2025•40 min
GeoHeroes - Kurt Fraese About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Kurt Fraese (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-fraese-l-g-955a4a17/), exploring Fraese's career journey, from his childhood interests to his leadership roles at various firms, including his time as CEO of GeoEngineers. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, preparedness, and a long-term vision. Fraese also discusses the future of the geoprofessi...
Jan 29, 2025•54 min
GeoHeroes - Stewart Osgood About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Stewart Osgood (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-osgood-2b161b16/), the former president and CEO of Dowl (https://www.dowl.com/). Osgood recounts his career journey, starting from his upbringing on a Vermont dairy farm to his unexpected path into engineering and his eventual leadership of a significantly grown company. He discusses his approach to retiremen...
Jan 15, 2025•36 min
GeoHeroes - Ed Alizadeh About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Ed Alizadeh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-alizadeh-p-e-892991/), a Director at UES and former CEO of Geotechnology, Inc. The conversation covers his career journey, from his upbringing with engineer parents to his leadership roles in prominent firms and the eventual sale of Geotechnology. Alizadeh discusses the challenges and rewards of his profession, includin...
Jan 01, 2025•40 min
GeoHeroes - Elizabeth Clarke About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Elizabeth Clarke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-clarke-571198b/), CEO of Structures Group, who recounts her non-traditional career path. Starting with a childhood in a close-knit Italian-Portuguese family, she shares her varied early interests and experiences, including a stint on Star Search and time as a police dispatcher. Clarke details her unexpe...
Dec 18, 2024•41 min
GeoHeroes - Charlie Head About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Charlie Head (https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliehead1/), a co-founder of the geo-environmental firm Sanborn Head & Associates. The conversation covers his career journey, including his educational background, professional experiences, and the challenges and rewards of building a successful company. Head also discusses his current semi-retired status, focusi...
Dec 11, 2024•37 min
GeoHeroes - Mark Kramer About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-marcozzi-b12744a/) interviews Mark Kramer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markkramerpe/), a successful geotechnical engineer and CEO of SME. The conversation explores Kramer's career path, including his childhood experiences and educational background, highlighting the influence of his father and a pivotal college professor. He discusses the challenges and rewards of the geotechnical engineering...
Nov 27, 2024•32 min
Management Best Practices - Professional Goal Setting About This Episode In the second episode of the Management Best Practices series Craig Hill interviews Marcus Dudley, a program manager at Kleinfeld. They discuss effective goal-setting strategies for managers and employees. Dudley emphasizes the importance of "stretch goals" that push individuals outside their comfort zones, promoting growth. He differentiates between long-term career goals and short-term performance goals, suggesting the la...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Leadership Lounge - Inspiring Leaders to Bring Out the Best in Their Teams About This Episode Tiffany and Ryan interview Val Ries, founder of Executive Muse, which offers individual and group coaching and training programs focused on leadership development and author of the book "Chief Inspiration Officer." She emphasizes the importance of communication, acknowledging and validating, and understanding different communication styles through DISC assessments. Ries highlights the significance of se...
Oct 23, 2024•52 min
Leadership Lounge - Building the People and the Teams that Build Your Projects About This Episode In this episode, we interview with Sydney Jacques, a business coach who specializes in leadership and team development, particularly within the engineering and construction industries. Jacques discusses her career journey, her coaching philosophy, and several frameworks she uses to improve team communication, address conflict, and foster a positive work environment. Series Summary In the Leadership ...
Oct 16, 2024•37 min
GBA Case History Series – Case History #114 - Geophysics Provides the Confidence to Build Summary In this episode, we explore how Siemens Associates turned an “unbuildable” site into a construction-ready plot using advanced geophysical exploration. Initially, a school’s building plan hit a roadblock when a non-GBA member firm’s study flagged variable surface conditions and air-filled voids, rendering the site unfeasible. However, the drilling method used was unreliable, causing uncertainties. En...
Jun 11, 2024•20 min
Leadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator About This Episode In this episode, we learn from a master negotiator about how to communicate more effectively through building cultures founded on emotional communication, active listening, and relationship-based negotiations. It doesn't matter if you are left-brain dominant, you can learn the right-brained skills necessary to become a better communicator. Dan talks about how every conversation is a negotiation, why storytelling ...
Feb 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Management Best Practices - How to Have Tough Conversations About This Episode If tough conversations have the power to bring about positive change, why are they often associated with feelings of discomfort? Join GBA’s Jennifer Sanborn and Leadership Development Coach Jen Bell as they explore how to facilitate better one-on-one discussions. “Our aversion to difficult conversations comes from the inherent potential for conflict associated with corrective actions,” Bell says. “But through a well-p...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 6 min
GBA Case History Series – Case History #93 - $150M Near Miss Summary The GBA-Member Firm’s CEO and the developer’s CEO had worked together successfully on numerous projects for more than 15 years, establishing a friendship based on mutual respect and trust. This project was the developer’s most ambitious to date, by virtue of its size, local prominence, and complexity. Among other things, the project plan called for four levels of parking beneath 2½ city blocks and adjoining streets. As the exca...
Mar 29, 2023•18 min
GBA Case History Series – Case History #109 - We Were Hacked Summary Member Firm with multiple offices became the victim of foreign hacking enterprise. It started when an employee of the firm innocently opened an email from an unsuspected contact and clicked on a link allowing the hackers to access the Member Firm’s management systems. Unbeknownst to anyone, the infiltrators spent months learning about the Member Firm’s operations, information storage and data. After obtaining and securing the i...
Jan 10, 2023•19 min
GBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series – Episode #3 – Allies in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summary In this episode of the DEI series, we will be discussing allies in diversity, equity, and inclusions. Allies can be essential to drive systemic improvements to workplace policies, practices, and culture. But what does it mean to be an ally? How can allies impact the recruitment process? What effect does allyship have on the retention of employees? And what can we do to create more allies...
Oct 20, 2021•56 min
