Publisher’s Message – Changes in Trenchless Technology Magazine’s Leadership
Krzys
We launched Trenchless Technology magazine in 1992. At the time, the term trenchless technology was virtually unknown.
When it was explained as the construction of new or renewal of utilities services with minimal disruption to the surface, people had their doubts. We are now 30 years later and the doubts about our industry are gone. We are a multi-billion industry and trenchless is a commonly practiced construction discipline.
As the industry has grown, it has been something to see how it has developed into a close-knit group of construction professionals. Perhaps, it is due to the fact that younger people embraced trenchless technology and have grown up within the industry. We have been pleased to be part of that process and the conduit to promoting this industry for these 30 years. We have developed many friends — and even personal and family events.
As the industry has evolved and everyday life has been dramatically affected by technology, we likewise have evolved from a strictly print publication (or brand as we prefer to say now) to various digital media platforms, including Webinars, Enewsletters, Special Reports, videos, podcasts — as well as sharing all of the news and stories via the social media outlets, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Between our print and digital editions, we are, in 2022, reaching each month more than 38,000 subscribers vs. 12,500 way back in 1992. Additionally, our monthly digital network includes 33,000 readers through our Enewsletters, website and social media.
I say all of this to set the stage for some exciting news. I have been the publisher of Trenchless Technology from the start. After 30 years at the helm of this incredible brand, I have decided that now is the time to turn over the leadership reins to our talented and veteran staff, who literally have trenchless technology in their blood.
I am pleased to announce our “new” leadership staff, whom are no strangers to this special industry:
Publisher: Kelly (Dadich) VanNatten
Editor: Sharon M. Bueno
Trenchless Ambassador: Dan Sisko
I say “new,” but each of these individuals have been in the trenchless industry and our brand for more than 20 years. Kelly has led our sales/conferences teams, served as Associate Publisher and has been visible at many events and exudes a welcoming personality.
RELATED: Kelly VanNatten Promoted to Publisher of Trenchless Technology
Sharon has held the position of managing editor for many years and has been more of a background person delving into projects, special focus subjects, the primary editor of our cover stories and, most recently, outstanding podcasts.
Dan, the leader of our sales team, is an outgoing person, eager to meet and engage people to talk about the industry and fun stuff, too. Many of you already know these individuals. Please extend to them your congratulations as they settle and thrive in their new roles.
As for me, I am certainly not going away. You will still see me at industry events and I will be serving as an advisor to this leadership group. I look forward to seeing you at the NASTT No-Dig Show in Minneapolis in April.
A “Titanic (movie) moment,” sailing with Paul Nicholas in the British Virgin Islands.
The show will be extra special for me as my good friend Paul Nicholas, AECOM, will be inducted into the NASTT Hall of Fame.
I met Paul in 1988 in the U.K. when he was with a manufacturer in which he focused on microtunneling, specifically the Soltau Microtunneling system; and I was marketing/selling Soltau in the U.S. and Canada.
It’s a relief as we leave 2021 and the up-and-down aspects of the COVID-19 virus. 2022 certainly looks a lot brighter, as the trenchless industry has been booming.
With the recent passage of the $1.2 trillion U.S. federal infrastructure bill, there is much enthusiasm to start construction on much-needed infrastructure work.
Our January issue, is a special How to Guide, offering trenchless professionals invaluable information to take on trenchless projects as we start this New Year.
I wish you all a healthy, safe and prosperous new year.
(now former) Publisher
