The Public Works Hot Seat Podcast

Latest Episodes:

You were paid to work and not think! Feb 07, 2023

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In episode 16, we had the opportunity to talk to Steven Hernandez, who is the utility superintendent at Jurupa Community Services District. He has a wealth of experience in public works and has faced various challenges throughout his career. Steve has developed an online water operator education and training system called waterwisepro.com.

As a Utility Superintendent, what tasks are Steven responsible for?

Steve is in charge of managing and overseeing the daily operations of a utility company, which includes water, gas, electric, or waste management systems. The specific duties of a utility superintendent may include:

Supervising and managing a team of utility workers and technicians.
Encouraging the efficient and effective operation of the utility systems, including maintenance, repair, and upgrades.
Developing and implementing policies and procedures to improve the quality and reliability of utility services.
Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
Managing budgets, purchasing, and procurement of equipment and supplies.
Developing and implementing training programs for utility workers and technicians.
Communicating with customers and stakeholders to address concerns, resolve disputes, and provide information about utility services.
Developing and implementing plans for system expansion and upgrades.
Collaborating with other departments and agencies to coordinate the delivery of utility services.
Conducting regular assessments of the utility systems to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes.

What does it take to start your own infrastructure business? Jan 24, 2023

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In episode 14 Chris MacDonald shares how he got into the pressure pipe industry and how he was able to identify the need for a new type of product in the market. He also talks about the challenges he faced in bringing his product to market and how he overcame them.

Chris also shares his insights on the importance of customer service and how it has helped him build a successful business. He also talks about the future of the pressure pipe industry and how he sees it evolving in the coming years.

Overall, Chris's story is a great example of how innovation and customer service can lead to success in any industry. His passion for his business and his willingness to take risks to make him a true disruptor in the pressure pipe space. It was a pleasure to speak with Chris and I look forward to seeing how his business continues to grow and evolve.

Industry knowledge and expertise: It is essential to have a deep understanding of the infrastructure manufacturing industry, including the products, services, and trends.
Strong relationships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and clients is key to success in this industry.
Business plan: Developing a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections is essential for securing funding and staying on track.
Capital: Starting an infrastructure manufacturing representative business requires a significant investment in inventory, equipment, and marketing.
Marketing and sales skills: You will need to be able to effectively market and sell your products and services to potential clients.
Compliance and regulations: Adhering to local, state, and federal laws and regulations is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding legal issues.
Networking and outreach: Building a network of contacts and industry connections is important for staying informed about new products, trends, and opportunities.
Strong organizational and time management skills: You will need to be able to effectively manage your time, resources, and inventory to ensure that you are able to meet the needs of your clients.
Licensing and insurance: You will need to obtain the necessary licenses and insurance to operate your business legally and protect yourself and your clients.
A strong team: As the business grows, it will be important to have a team of experienced and dedicated employees to help manage and grow the business.

We are actually running out of water Jan 17, 2023

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In episode 13 we talk to Allison Swisher, the Director of Public Utilities at the City of Joliet, IL. Allison is the 2023 APWA Chicago chapter president and she is very active with other local organizations. Allison is a great leader and brings innovation to her city which has been dealing with a lot of infrastructure problems.

The no water no hockey approach to managing infrastructure Jan 03, 2023

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In Episode 11 utility superintendent Brian Jack talks about his career moving up through the ranks of public works. We discuss water shortages, procurement struggles, and his passion for no water no hockey. Brian is an active member of the IL section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). He is also the utility superintendent for the village of Lombard, IL. He has 20 + years of managing streets, water, and sewer infrastructure.

Becoming a leader in public works Dec 20, 2022

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In episode 10 we speak to Josh Gajewski who is the utility director at Lake Geneva, WI. Josh has almost 20 years of experience in public works and has moved up through the ranks. What does it take to move up into a leadership role in public works?

Get a degree in a relevant field: Many public works leaders have a degree in civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field. These programs often include coursework on topics like infrastructure design, construction management, and public policy, which can be helpful for someone interested in a leadership role in public works.
Gain experience: Another way to become a leader in public works is to gain experience in the field. This could involve working as a public works employee or intern, or volunteering on projects related to public works. By gaining hands-on experience, you can learn valuable skills and make connections in the industry that can help you advance to leadership positions.
Network and seek out leadership opportunities: Building a network of contacts in the public works industry and actively seeking out leadership opportunities can also be helpful in advancing your career. This might involve joining professional organizations, attending conferences and events, and seeking out mentors who can provide guidance and support as you develop your leadership skills.
Get certified: Some public works organizations may require or prefer candidates who have professional certifications. For example, the American Public Works Association (APWA) offers a Certified Public Works Manager (CPWM) program, which involves completing a series of courses and exams to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.

Overall, becoming a leader in public works may involve a combination of education, experience, networking, and professional development.

Going from Reactive to Proactive! Dec 13, 2022

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In episode 9 we interview Sean O'Dell who is the vice president at Baxter & Woodman. Sean has over 20 years of experience as an engineer, particularly in water and sewer. Sean and I discuss all aspects of what it takes to maintain and manage infrastructure. Sean leads a group of four departments and over 30 professionals. Sean is responsible for superior client service, production management, quality control, training, further development of our standards and procedures, and the development of new business. This change will provide an opportunity for enhanced cross-training, improved work-sharing, and better coordination between the Departments in the Group.

What are the best engineering companies to work for? Dec 06, 2022

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In Episode 8 our guests Ted Bennett and Chad Smeltzer discuss the need for engineering firms to diversify their businesses. Technology is making infrastructure more efficient and engineering firms will have fewer billable hours. How will they overcome the changes technology is bringing?

Our guest Ted Bennett is focused on engineering excellence and professionalism in the projects and solutions he provides. His experience working as an engineer for public agencies and private consultants has given me some unique insight into the areas of municipal water distribution and wastewater collection/pumping.
I take a hands-on approach to the problem - solving, visiting your site and meeting with you to learn the problem that you need to solve. Using that knowledge I can develop strategies for addressing the water infrastructure solutions that work for you.

Do we upgrade the wastewater treatment plant or collection system? Nov 29, 2022

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In episode 7 Eric Dupre and I discuss the cost to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant versus the collection system. The wastewater industry is entering an era where utility owners and operators are facing a double whammy, funding shortfalls, and increasing debt service costs. To remain solvent in a tightening fiscal environment, wastewater infrastructure providers will have to examine their collection, treatment, and disposal systems. Utilities may need to make crucial decisions regarding which systems are paramount and must be upgraded first. In doing so, they will have to find ways to compensate for the vast amount of missing funding that once supported the industry.

The military taught me how to become an engineer. Nov 22, 2022

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David began his career in the United States Marine Corps and graduated as an engineer from The University of Texas at Arlington. David has vast knowledge and experience in sewer condition assessment. He and his Garver team are making a difference by bringing more technologies to their customers. Enjoy!

How do you fix the $2.59 TRILLION dollar infrastructure gap? Nov 15, 2022

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In Episode 5 we talk to Will Lake who is the VP of Sales for the Aegion Corporation. Will has over 9 years of experience as an engineer and construction manager. He is a demonstrated leader in construction management, positioning projects and businesses to increase profitability by setting clear expectations and executing objectives. Leverages experience from companies at the top of their respective fields; spurring growth by making timely decisions that increase market share while finding solutions to reduce cost. Effective in challenging situations focused on maximizing productivity while maintaining a safe work environment.

Will manages a team of business development reps in the central United States covering 22 states.

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