The Geoholics

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!