Last Word – A Love Letter to the Trenchless Industry
I started going to trenchless industry conferences, events and trainings very early in my career. My purpose for attending was to become a better designer.
I attended technical presentations to learn and better understand design strategies and lessons learned. I walked expo floors to discover new products available in the trenchless marketplace and how they could best be applied. I started volunteering for industry organizations to further forward my career. My efforts paid off and, as I expected, I learned a lot.
What I wasn’t expecting were the personal connections I was going to make. Reflecting on my time volunteering for and attending industry events, the thing that stands out to me as the most surprising benefit of all of my efforts is the people that I met along the way.
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I remember the down to earth guy who I could talk to about pretty much anything who just happened to be the president of a multi-million dollar corporation, the really great dancer who was also a high-powered sales representative, the adventurous traveler who loved to scuba dive with whom I’ve shared many stories of adventure and travel who was also a well-respected utility technology manager, the witty and playful guy who never failed to make me laugh (and laugh and laugh) who was also a successful executive director, the kind man who listened and cared as well as he created and prospered as the owner of a thriving consultancy, the trusted friend who also became a great client, the savvy guy who taught me how to work a room as well as tackle tricky trenchless projects who was a college professor at a respected University, the big softy with a heart of gold who gave me great career advice and was also an international heavy machinery manufacturer’s representative, the kind and generous woman who owns her own thriving trenchless business and inspired me by consistently garnering respect in every room she walked into, the world-renowned technical expert who was always and still is willing to answer any and all of my design questions, the wonderful women who were willing to collaborate with me and makes fools of themselves in an effort to win the annual auction costume contest, and all the rest of the hundreds of wonderful men and women who look forward to greeting each other every year with genuine joy and happiness.
Attending conferences and volunteering for professional organizations is, of course, about learning the technical “stuff.” However, it is also so much more than that. It is about the people…the relationships that you develop, the conversations that you engage in, the trusted advisors you gain, the technical experts you learn to rely on, and the lifelong friendships you make.
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It’s about those you meet who inspire you, lift you up, and support you throughout your career. It’s about the people that make you not only a better engineer, but also a better person for having known them. It’s about the hard work, the debates, and the differing points of view. It’s about the laughter and the fun.
For those of you out there who are wondering, “Why would I bother going to that conference?” or are asking yourself, “Is it worth taking the time to travel to that event and be away from the office for a couple of days when I have so much work to do?” just remember that making the time now is an investment in your future.
Make time for these events. It may change your life. It did mine.
Wouldn’t it be great to know who to call when you have a technical question or are struggling with a particular aspect of a challenging project? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a mentor who inspires you and is well-respected in the trenchless industry? You meet these folks at industry events.
To commemorate Valentine’s Day this month, this is a love letter to the trenchless industry and all that it has given me over the last 25 years. For all you trenchless lovers out there:
- Make the effort to attend industry events
- Build relationships
- Offer your assistance and volunteer
If you make the effort now, the trenchless industry and all those involved will give it all back and then some. During my 25-year long love affair with the trenchless industry, I am grateful for all that it has given me, and I hope I was able to give back in kind. I can’t wait to be back together again in person in Minneapolis. It has been way too long.
Happy Valentine’s Day! XOXO.
