The Geoholics

Thank you…thank you…thank you…and thank you again...what a year! The boys take some time to reflect on the past year revisiting a number of highlights along the way. From Episode 064 all the way through Episode 111 and everything in between! If you’ve been a fan from the “point of beginning” or have just started “following our footsteps”, you’re not going to want to miss this “retracement” of The Geoholics in 2021! In addition, some yuuuuugggeee changes are coming for 2022 and you’re going to want to be the first to know. Music for this episode by the Beatles!

We believe that shining a light on safety is the best way possible to kickoff 2022! The guys were joined this week by Brian Owens. Who is Brian Owens you ask...besides being an American hero...he is a husband, father, musician and the author of "Inversion and the Perspective-Based Safety Culture". This is a completely different way of looking at safety that we believe will move you as it did us. Some of the items discussed include avoidable accidents, finding & fixing, risks associated with being reactive vs proactive, the power of perspective-based safety and how it changes habits, pre-employment behavior development, the significance of a compass, and does one-size fit all? PJ reinforces his love for Elon...BS is back in the saddle and DD has holiday brain fog. Brian Owens is quoted. Music for this episode by Pantera!!!

Crypto, Drugs & Rock n Roll...what a way to close out 2021! The guys were joined this week by the one and only Rob Kolar. This was a "bucket list" conversation for DD as he's been a fan of Rob and his band KOLARS for quite some time. This engaging and thought-provoking conversation touched on Rob's unique upbringing & musical journey, ayahuasca & psychedelic exploration, expansion of consciousness, blockchain & crypto currency, NFT's, the metaverse and this thing called life. BS was off this week spending Huddy's college fund in Legoland so Connor O'Gorman, fellow podcaster and all-around great guy, was in the co-pilot seat. Music for this episode by KOLARS!!!

AKA The Geoholics Christmas Episode. Well...I think it's safe to say that when we started this podcast a couple years ago...we never could have dreamt of having an opportunity to talk to a real dinosaur hunter. This week the boys did just that! Tom Hebert is a paleontologist from Wisconsin who you may know from the October 2021 XHYT article by Jeff Thoreson titled "Breaking Old Ground". This article documented how Tom, his daughter and the folks from Carlson Software are incorporating paleontology and surveying to build a GIS based map of findings and dig sites. Little did Tom know, that this passion was going to turn into what is now nearly a fulltime effort known as FossilPedia. We discussed paleontology vs archaeology, how Tom's love for dinosaur hunting began (thanks to his daughter!), the generosity and belief that Carlson Software had in him and his efforts, why the idea of a GIS based map of paleontological dig is important, how Tom determines the location of the next dinosaur hunt and what he has in store for 2022 and beyond. The guys had their annual Geoholics Xmas gift exchange...PJ bought 3 monkeys...BS saw Santa Claus with a tear in his eye and DD says "Don't be a messy Elf." Some touching Santa Claus quotes were shared. Music for this episode by My Chemical Romance!! Merry Christmas Everyone!! Here is how you can support Tom & FossilPedia: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fossilpedia?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Welcome to the Culture Zone! The boys were joined this week by Mike Bontrager. Mike has written a great career story so far having spent over 30 years being a "Culture Warrior" for The Weitz Company and Alston Construction. He has established himself as a "turnaround specialist" having had tremendous success fixing broken companies across the country. The focus was defining corporate culture as establishing what is encouraged, discouraged, accepted, or rejected within a group or team. We talk about where this starts and who is responsible for it, the importance of culture being aligned with strategy and leadership, how leading with culture may be among the few competitive advantages left for companies today and the importance of selecting or developing leaders with a forward-looking strategy and passion for culture. PJ gets analytical...BS gets sick and DD stumps PJ! Gary Vaynerchuk is quoted. Music for this episode by Tom Petty!

You're gonna want to hear about this! The guys sat down this week with Mr. Jason Martschuk the Senior VP of Sales for Prostar (www.prostarcorp.com). ProStar is recognized as a world leader in the development of Precision Mapping Solutions specializing in developing patented cloud and mobile solutions. Their flagship product is PointMan, a mapping solution, proven to significantly enhance the workflow processes and business practices associated with the lifecycle management of critical infrastructure both above and below the Earth’s surface. PointMan provides the ability to precisely capture, record, display, and manage critical infrastructure in real-time, including roads, bridges, railways, pipelines, and utilities. Their clients span from Fortune 500 construction companies, utility owners, and government agencies to smaller entities including engineering & surveying firms, municipalities and universities. Jason was the perfect person to answer all of our questions re: this exciting platform. I can't forget to also mention that Jason "enjoys" taking on food challenges having conquered such things as an 80 oz steak in one sitting!! PJ got into an accident...BS got into an accident...DD was an accident (not really...we don't think)! Kevin Hart was quoted. Music for this episode by Beastie Boys! SPECIAL OFFER: IF YOU MENTION THE "GEOHOLICS", JASON & PROSTAR WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A 6 MONTH FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO POINTMAN!!!

All we can say is WOW...these ladies are amazing! The boys were joined this week by Claire Buxton & Roshni Sharma. Claire is a Party Chief, Project Manager, and CAD Coordinator at Underhill Geomatics and theLead of the Volunteer Community Surveyor Program or VCSP (a FIG Young Surveyors Network initiative). Roshni is a Project Manager and Geospatial Analyst for FrontierSI and the Communications and Marketing Lead of the VCSP. If you are like we were before we had this conversation, you are going to come away from it humbled and hopefully motivated to support these ladies and this group of committed and passionate individuals. We discussed the mission of the VCSP, how personally rewarding and character building it is, the positive impact this group is making and how folks just like you can get involved. Claire, Roshni and the VCSP are truly making the world a better place while promoting geomatics around the globe! PJ was in the 'Dale, BS was in the Nerdery and DD was in Sin City. Jim Carrey was quoted. Music for this episode by Gueen!

Talk about an all-star cast of characters...this one did not disappoint! The boys were joined this week by Steve Gangwal, Owner of Gangwal Enterprises, Inc., Nolan Mark LS, Owner of On The Mark Land Surveying LLC, Michael Thompson LS, President at Halma Thompson Land Surveys Ltd., and Will Wing, LS Owner Operator\CEO at Infinity Land Surveying, LLC. If you can maneuver your attention around all that was going on throughout this episode there was some amazing content shared by this group that everyone will be able to related to. We had this same general conversation on Episode 101 from a larger company perspective and we believe you will find the views these small business owners to be equally intriguing. PJ told us about DART/FART, BS had TK envy and DD got bit by Lucy the street dog. Steve Jobs & Tony Robbins were quoted. Music for this episode by J. Roddy Walston & The Business. Happy (U.S.) Thanksgiving everyone...be safe!

Ahoy Geoholics! The boys took a 1-hour tour this week with off-shore surveyor Landon Jakse. Landon is not only an intelligent (fellow SIU-C grad...Go Salukis!), handsome man that can cook and rebuild Triumphs, he is also a PM in the offshore survey and positioning operations for Oceaneering. This was such an interesting conversation about a survey "discipline" that is rarely talked about. Some items discussed included Offshore geoscience, AUV's, ROS', oil & gas, Roy Frank, the crazy challenges of this type of surveying and the fact that offshore surveying is a Geoholics wet dream! Ladon shares details about some career defining projects that he has worked on as well as how offshore surveying may would be a great career path for anyone looking for a new challenge and to do something completely different. PJ geeks out...BS freaks out and DD nearly broke his ankle. Jacques Cousteau was quoted. Music for this episode by Turnpike Troubadours!

Well, this was fun! The boys were joined this week by Rich Antonio, VP of Business Development at Alta Southwest, Dorina Bustamante, Director of Business Development at Ritoch-Powell and Associates, and Bill Swope, Geospatial & Survey Business Development Manager at Halff Associates, Inc. It goes without saying that this week's topic is Business Development! We had a great conversation with these three BD professionals touching on business development vs marketing vs sales, how to craft a business development plan, various business development strategies/tactics and the importance of community involvement. Music for this episode by Bob Schneider!

Whether you say Shlosser or Slossher...this father and son survey team is one of a kind! We were joined this week by Dave & Nik Schlosser from Northstar Surveying, Inc. in Corvallis, Oregon. We kicked the show off with a toast of Benchmark whiskey which was recommended by the surveying Schlosser's and the rest is history. From what I remember, we talked about their military service (thank you!), pros & cons of having a family business, ways to transition ownership, risk of not having an exit plan, the importance of making time to educate and challenge your employees, overcoming the obstacle of finding & retaining survey staff, education vs experience and the importance of family! You're going to want to be adopted by the Schlosser's after this one! William Shatner is quoted. PJ is smart. BS tries to be and DD gets groped. Music for this episode by Pixies!

Next stop...the Netherlands! The boys were joined this week by Mr. Raymond "Ray" Woering the CEO at APGLOS (Advanced Positioning GLObal Software). Ray and his team of survey wizards are making a significant impact on the mapping world. They have developed the "easiest land survey app" aptly named...you got it...Survey Wizard! This is an absolute gamechanger for their 1000's of users from around the globe. Point being, listen to this episode so you're not the last to know about it. We discussed what makes Survey Wizard different from any other survey app currently on the market, its applications including mapping, stake out, drafting and calculating, and how their clients are simplifying their lives by using it. In addition, the APGLOS team works out of a castle that dates back to 700 AD...sounds like a great place to record an upcoming Geoholics episode! A little-known fact...one-third of the Netherlands is under sea level! PJ is going green with his only means of transportation being via bike or sailboat. BS went to the zoo! DD is on the wagon...kinda...sort of! Music for this episode by The King!

Do not miss the first part of a multi-show series focusing on The Business of Land Surveying! "It has been my experience that surveyors as a group exhibit poor business practices. There are certainly exceptions, but my opinion is that poor business management has been the only reason that land surveying has not risen to the level of other professions in eyes of the public. There is no reason, after all, why surveyors should be considered with less regard than engineers, lawyers, or dentists, except for one thing – money. Engineers, lawyers, and dentists are all regarded, in general, as being better off financially than we are, and are therefore placed higher in the social stratum of society. If surveyors were perceived as being as well off, they would, over time, be held with similar esteem. We have only ourselves to blame for this fate, and good, common sense business decisions can help us elevate ourselves." - Daniel E. Beardslee. Music for this episode by AC/DC!!!

We are not worthy! Welcome to the start of the next Geoholics century! The boys were honored to be joined this week by Narelle Underwood the Surveyor General of New South Wales (NSW) and Peta Cox the National Training & Development Manager at Consulting Surveyors National and host of the Defining Boundaries Podcast. These two ladies are beyond impressive. Some of the items discussed include the state of land surveying in Australia, the responsibilities of the NSW Surveyor General, the Surveyor General Inn...yes, it's a real place, the most effective ways to promote this great profession, common global challenges, and the fact that Australia has three times more sheep than people! PJ is a jetsetter; 14 Traits of a Truly Good Person were shared, and DD saw Hamilton! Music for this episode by INXS!

Wait until you hear about this! As our good friend Roger Daltrey said..."I don't want to cause no fuss, but now I've got my "Geo" Bus". We could not have asked for a better guest for the last show of the first Geoholics century! The boys were joined this week by Dr. Timothy "Tim" Hawthorne, Associate Professor of GIS at UCF, GeoBus Founder, Explorer, Leader, Innovator & Optimist! Ironically, Dr. Tim's passion is "driving science’s next generation". Why is this ironic you ask?. He along with UCF support and that of several public partners and Lynx, a local bus company, have built the nation’s first GeoBus™! On GeoBus™ science’s next generation steps into a memorable, immersive learning lab with cool STEAM technology tools. They provide hands-on science and technology learning in maps, apps, and drones. As Dr. Tim says science is about "We vs. Me". PJ goes off the grid...again...Huddy has allergies and DD is happy to be alive. Warren Buffet's 5/25 Rule was discussed. Music for this episode by Garth Brooks!

Check this out! The Geoholics got a last-minute invitation to join our new best friends Bruno Krenski (Brazil) & Lennart Preuss (Germany) at INTERGEO 2021! These guys are crazy! Bruno is a land surveyor and entrepreneur being the Owner of Top Terra & Measuring Masters. Lennart is a BMX pro, Kaufmann für Marketingkommunikation bei Hinte Marketing & Media and an all-around great guy. We had a blast talking about all things land surveying and so much more. Heck, we made such a good impression that they invited The Geoholics to make a personal appearance at next year's event! We will make this a stop on the 2022 Geohoics World Tour. Please submit your resume and application for Tour Manager to [email protected]'re hiring!

Talk about bringing the passion...holy cow this girl did it! We were joined this week by a fellow "Chicagoan" Juliana McMillan-Wilhoit and yes DD struggled with that mouthful! Juliana is the Principal Consultant at Tabulae Spatial Services. She likes to refer to herself as a “cartographer of change for both people and organizations.” Juliana is committed to bridging the gap and breaking down any barriers that exist between the various professions that make up the geospatial community. Some of the topics covered include discussing her unique career path, the challenge of "pivoting", the overwhelming demand for geospatial experts, leveraging geospatial technology and expertise to help mission driven organizations and why a portfolio is important. She is also passionate about career coaching and hosting networking events for the geospatial community including a virtual Mappy Hour. You'll have to listen to receive the secret invite to this awesome weekly event. BS hosts a super soft birthday party for Huddy, DD attempts to make up for his horrible lock of the week and Zig Ziglar was quoted. Music for this episode by none other than The Blues Brothers!

We were honored to have a true American hero join us for this month's Geoholics Anonymous. Mr. Patrick McDonald is an Army Veteran...in 1991 he was injured while traveling in an armored personnel carrier that rolled over resulting in severe injuries to his mid chest and lower back. During this time, he flatlined for nearly 5 minutes. Patrick is a Paralympian representing Team USA in the sport of curling. Patrick is also a competitive golfer holding the World Record for the longest drive in a wheelchair...358 yards. Patrick is also a cancer survivor. Most importantly for Patrick and what he is most proud of is being a husband to an amazing wife and a father to two amazing children. To say he is the epitome of persistence and resilience is an understatement. Neighbor Billy joined the boys for this one and did not disappoint. Music for this episode by The Mamas & The Papas!

Color us intrigued! After a well-deserved week off, we were joined this week my Mr. Rex Parry. Rex is a licensed title officer, general contractor, mortgage banker, host of the Business-to-Business radio show and passionate entrepreneur! His focus outside of his daily responsibilities is helping developing countries fight corruption and create collateral through cadastres and digital land survey records. It’s no secret that well-defined land rights are considered fundamental to growth for many reasons. Land, because of its fixed and immobile nature and the ease at which it can be transferred, is considered ideal collateral. In theory, better land rights and improved land titling should catalyze greater economic growth & stability. Most importantly, land surveyors are and have been an integral part of making this happen. BS & DD sing a duet, DD is tanner (maybe more tan?) than PJ and George Washington is quoted! Music for this episode by Chicago!!

The boys were joined this week by the one and only Swedish Dirt Guy...Dr. Martin Persson. Martin hails from Sweden where he attended the University of Gothenburg and earned an undergrad degree and PhD in Environmental Geology specializing in quick clays, GIS and landslides. He also has a hobby farm where he grows tilapia, veggies, and chickens. We learned that geophysics + hydrogeology + geology = geotechnical engineering and there are a ton of exciting opportunities for folks working in these disciplines. In fact, Martin talked about a career defining project that he is currently involved with that includes building a peninsula in a river in urban Gothenburg and construction of 100m tall buildings on 120 meters of soft clay. Beer is the unanimous drink of choice. PJ made it back (thank goodness) from his trip of a lifetime....BS forgot the coffee....DD wants a Tesla Bot and a Tesla so he'll never have to leave the house again...and the 5 dysfunctions of a team were mentioned. Music for this episode by Social Distortion!!!

Stop the presses! Anna Rios & Lauren Holland joined the boys this week to talk about the outcome of their individual surveys intended to shine a light on sexism and harassment specifically in the STEM careers. Before you say, "here we go again", be clear that this is NOT just a men vs women issue. The data was collected over the course of the last 8 months and the results that they shared are, to say the least, disturbing. We are certain that you will agree. If you're reading this, then you should listen because it means that you're curious if nothing else. It's no doubt that men and women are different and experience things differently. All people are different, communication and actions impact people in different ways. Ultimately this conversation was about "intention vs impact" and surveyors supporting surveyors creating an environment that welcomes and nurtures new workforce regardless of gender, race, background, etc. PJ is headed to Gilligan's Island. BS is back and better than ever. DD says, "get your asses in shape" and Dolly Parton is quoted. Music for this episode by Creedence Clearwater Revival!

Strap in folks! We were joined on this Geoholics Anonymous episode by Aaron Machado. Aaron is an American patriot having served the country as a US Marine, an aspiring author, a husband, father, and host of the Wetdown Podcast. Needless to say, he's got an amazing perspective on current events and life in general. Some topics discussed included Afghanistan and what it's like to be under the control of the Taliban, the ripple effects the pandemic is having on society, homelessness and a common thread, how wokeness is backfiring, effective leadership, importance of lifelong mentoring, challenges of being an entrepreneur and so much more. PJ is sailing off to make lifelong memories. Neighbor Billy co-hosted his sophomore show and did not disappoint. DD drank spotted cow. Music for this episode by Collective Soul!

“Americans never quit.” – General Douglas MacArthur. We were joined this week by two survey warriors. Tyler LaPointe (ARNG Technical Engineer NCO/HQ Squad Leader) & Keegan Lumley (USAF Engineering Journeyman), both military and civilian surveyors, took time out of their busy schedules to share their unique career paths and experiences. Topics of discussion included...economic status is a mindset, 12Tango, Captain Cain, historical roles of military surveyors, military vs civilian survey training and challenges, benefits of serving your country, specialized training received, influential mentors, deployment stories, path to licensure, and life/work balance. BS was out this week adulting. In his stead, Instagram "influencer" and subject of the recently published xyHt article titled "Generation S(urveyor)", Mr. Will Wing, LS was in the hot seat this week. Music for this episode by Red Hot Chili Peppers!