Public Works Podcast

Randy is the Water Production Manager at G. Robert House Jr. Water Treatment Facility in Suffolk Virginia. Randy and I chat about his time in the industry and how he keeps up with changes in the industry. Attention to detail and Math have been skillsets that have helped him in his career so far. Make sure you listen to the episode and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals. Become...

Dan is the Sales and Business Development Leader at CrewPlex. Dan and I chat about what problem he is solving with CrewPlex and how entering the Public Works industry is is going so far. We also cover topics like wearables, Silve Tsunami and unique use cases for CrewPlex. Make sure you give this episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals. For more info: http://www...

Shellie is the Water Quality Division Director at Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. In this episode we chat with The Water Queen about how 16oz of bottled water is $1-3 dollars and tap water is $.002 per gallon. We also cover topics like her knack for joining and ascending in associations throughout her career. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Profes...

In this enlightening episode, join me as I sit down with Clayton, the Mapping Administrator at Eastern Municipal Water District and IEGIS User Group Coordinator, hailing from sunny Southern California. Clayton's passion for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is palpable, and his drive to excel in his craft is evident throughout our conversation. We delve into the fascinating world of cartography...

In this captivating episode, join me as I sit down with April, the Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs at Eastern Municipal Water District in California. April generously shares insights into the dynamic realm of her role, overseeing communications and public affairs in a vast operation covering 558 square miles. With three decades of dedicated service, April offers a treasure...

In this enriching episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sean, the Street Operations Manager at the City of Sunnyvale in California. While I may use a surplus of baseball analogies, Sean and I engaged in a fantastic conversation encompassing all aspects of personal development and the significance of non-transactional conversations. Throughout our discussion, Sean highlighted the pivotal rol...

In this captivating episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Ryan, the Wastewater Collection System Supervisor at the City of San Luis Obispo in California. Our conversation unfolds into the intricacies of Ryan's role, shedding light on the responsibilities and challenges that come with being a Wastewater Supervisor in this dynamic city. We delve into the evolving landscape of the workforce, p...

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Mike, the Owner/Operator of MRG Presentations, who is on a mission to elevate Municipal Professional Development to new heights. Together, we delve into the challenges he identifies within current organizations and explore tactical strategies through role-play to address common workplace dichotomies. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversatio...

In this engaging episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Hillary, the Water Education and Program Coordinator for Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hillary is not just good; she's the best. Our conversation delves into her expertise, where she discusses the art of "Job Crafting" and her instrumental role in shaping the workforce program for the future of water management in Grand Rapids. Hillary's pass...

Join us in this episode as we engage in a fascinating conversation with James, the Utility Systems Manager at Inboden Environmental Services and the President of Virginia Rural Water Association. Delve into the nuances that make rural water systems distinct from their larger city counterparts. James provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by rural systems and explains why they...

Micah is a Local Gov Expert on Leveraging ChatGPT & Gen AI | Local Government Executive | Creator of the first course on using AI in the Public Sector. In this special edition we talk about all things AI and CHatGPT. We also do a live demo on how anyone in government can leverage ChatGPT to speed through miniscule tasks. Find more about Micah here

Join us for an insightful conversation with Charles, the NorCal Vice President PM/CM at Jacobs. Charles takes us on a unique journey through his path into the engineering industry, a narrative that may differ from the conventional route but resonates deeply with many. We delve into Charles's profound "why" that underpins his career choices. Explore with us as Charles shares his refreshing perspect...

Join us in this lively episode as we sit down with Jenny, the Assistant Manager of Community Outreach at the City of Port St. Lucie in Florida. Not only does Jenny excel in her professional role, but she also dons the cape as the one and only Water Woman, the coolest superhero this side of the Milky Way! We explore how Jenny's background in News Video and her innate curiosity about water have infu...

Sergio is the Commissioner at the City of Albany in New York. We chat about what he does from day-to-day and how his time in the industry has given him insight on dealing with all different types of people in his organization. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Wroks Professionals.

Meet Marvin, our guest on today's episode, who currently holds the position of Wastewater Plant Operator III at Kern Sanitation Authority in Taft, California. In our conversation, Marvin opens up about his transformative journey, leaving his past behind, and finding fulfillment in his rewarding career. We delve into the challenges he faced, including obtaining a Wastewater Certification while in p...

Jessica, serving as the Training Coordinator for The City of Houston, Texas, joins us in this episode to delve into her pivotal role within the LEAP Academy. As a valuable member of the new-hire orientation team, she actively contributes to shaping individual journeys for every incoming employee. Throughout our conversation, Jessica generously shares insights into her personal journey and the ince...

Dustin is the City Administrator for the City of Ellsworth in Kansas. Dustin is in the process of rejuvenating a Public Works Department within Ellsworth and he is the right person for the job. We chat about all things Workforce Development and culture. We also cover "Ctitizenship Academy" a concept that is new to me and how it can help bridge the knowledge gap with the City and its constituents....

John is the Wastewater Collections Supervisor in the City of Wentzville Missouri. John and I talked about his start as a factory worker to him becoming a collectins supervisor. We also chat about the best way to show thanks to a Public Works Operator in the field. John has a some great stories and a anecdotes who are working with multiple generations in the same department. Give the show a listen...

Vineet is the Construction Project Superintendent at the City of Columbia in Missouri. Vineet and I chat about his career path from roofing, to being an operator and now a Superintendent. We also cover topics like weightlifting for mental health and also his succesfull completion of APWA's Emerging Leaders Academy. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Janice is the Principal of Janice Allen Jackson & Associates LLC. Janice has spent many years in the Public Sector before using her gift/skills/talents helping municipalites navigate the waters of current day. We discuss an interesting concept of "Startup Cities" and what it entails. We also chat about her Local Matter Podcast of Georgia. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local...

Franky is the Assistant Director of Recreation and Parks in Boynton Beach Florida. We use a healthy amount of Baseball analogies in discussing his career path and what he currently does for the city. We also chat about how Adaptability and Transparency keeps a healthy department. Franky wants us all to Aim High in all we do. Make sure to give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Publ...

Jamie is the Director of Public Works for the City of Boulder City in Nevada. Jamie and I chat about how parenting has helped him tremendously with being a director and also we talk about his path from being a Crane Mechanic to the position he is currently in. We cover tipics like love and hugs in the workplace and why patience is powerful. GIve the show a listen and remember to thank your local P...

Chris is the Co-Founder of PWD Roundtable, Executive Coordinator of FPPC and also a Technical Representative at Pavement Technology, Inc. We chat about the great work he has done over the years for APWA and how he achieved the Top 10 award for his service. We also cover topics like how to use associations to network and also why giving is the best way to receive in business. Give the show a listen...

Ray is the THRIVE Director for the City of Houston in Texas. He gives us the rundown on what his position dose and why he is the "Culture Mechanic." We talk about his background from being a mechanic and having a checkered past to how he was able to ascend within the city's ranks. We also talk about workplace culture and what to look for within your own department for red flags or praise-points. G...

Andrea is an Administrative Assistant at the City of Houston in Texas. Andrea and I chat about what she does for the city and how she adds value to her portion of the 4,000 employees the city has. We also cover topics like LinkedIN Learning and why organizational skills help her keep on top of her fast-paced position. Give the show a listen and remember to thank your local Pulbic Works Professiona...