The Geoholics

Episode 039 - Michael Pummer, LS

My friends, join us as we share the airwaves with Michael Pummer, LS a 30+ year land survey veteran. To say that Michael has lived an interesting life would be an understatement. He is a self-proclaimed Parrot Head, has captained a sea lion tour boat and booze cruise in Mexico, lost the lower part of his leg due to an infection and is an avid skydiver…all in addition to having a sincere passion for surveying. Michael shares his thoughts about the current state of affairs as it pertains to the profession (land surveyor vs appliance operator) and makes some suggestions on how to move forward. New Geoholics merch has arrived for Fan Club members! Producer Jake gets talked into believing in UFO’s, Big Shoots and Huddy are going magnet fishing and Dilfy Dilf explores going off the grid and how to repurpose old survey equipment. Please continue to support local small businesses. Music for this episode by Jimmy Buffett!   

Episode 038 - Good News!

This is one of those experimental podcasts where we attempt to find another creative way to “add value & make friends”. With so much negativity circulating around us 24/7, the boys were challenged to bring 3 geomatics (some loosely albeit) related stories or topics to the table that contain “good news” from which we all may benefit from. Topics covered include the positive effects that COVID19 is having on the environment, SpaceX, Get Kids Into Survey, ASU’s (forks up!) development of a saliva based COVID19 test, amazing magnet fishing find, 102-year-old land surveyor Bob Vollmer, Jim Coan’s Math for the Surveyor publication, and more! We hope that you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we did recording it! Please continue to support your local small businesses. Music by Carol Pacey & the Honey Shakers!

Episode 037 - Michael Thompson, CAN LS

Join us eh, as we put on our tuques, warm up a double-double, eat some Coffee Crisps and talk all things Canadian land surveying with Michael Thompson, CAN LS. Michael is the President and General Manager of Halma Thompson Land Surveys and the Chair of Professional Surveyors Canada! He has been surveying for the better part of 17 years, is a proud Dino having graduated from the University of Calgary with a BS in Geomatics Engineering and has a plumb bob tattoo! We dive in to the similarities, differences and challenges Canadian and US surveyors are facing currently and into the future. The Beat Lab is awesome and Bob’s your uncle! PJ bought an island. BS has a second grader. DD goes on another FB post rant and plugs the lovely Megan’s concierge biz. Please continue to support your local small businesses. Music for this episode by Big Sugar!

Episode 036 - Rick DeBruhl

Check out our discussion with award-winning television broadcaster and communication expert Rick DeBruhl (www.rickdebruhl.com)!  Rick DeBruhl spent much of the last 30 years covering auto racing for TV networks like ESPN, ABC and NBC including events like the Indy 500. In a world that travels at more than 200 miles per hour, Rick DeBruhl has learned that communication is critical. The right information at the right time not only gives teams a chance to win, it also can avoid a disaster! We talk all things racing, cars, antique maps and the dynamics associated with effective communication in a constantly changing world. We may be changing Producer Jake’s name to “Skipper” as he embarks on a 3 hour tour to Geoholics Island. Big Shoots has haircut envy. Producer Jake lands on DD’s shit-list. Please continue to support your local small businesses. Music for this episode by The Moody Blues!

Geoholics Anonymous / Marketing & Promoting Geomatics

Welcome to this meeting of Geoholics Anonymous! This is a bi-weekly “roundtable” style discussion touching on the current issues affecting the Land Surveying & Mapping professions. This panel was made up of Kent Groh, LS (Host of The Geoholics), Ryan Kelly, CP (Aerotech Mapping AZ), Trent Keenan, LS (Diamondback Land Surveying NV), Bill Swope, CP (Halff Associates, Inc. TX), Todd Bauer, LS, PE (Foresight Consulting, LLC IN), Jay Janisse, LS (Jones I Carter TX), Steve Gangwal (Entrepreneur & Small Business Consultant AZ). The topic of this week’s GA meeting was Marketing & Promoting Geomatics and Mapping Services. We discuss what it takes to be successful even during these unprecedented times. Topics include branding, ethics and the 6 “P’s” of developing a marketing plan.

Episode 035 - Paul Rowlandson, LS & Michelle Blicavs, CAE

Do not miss the first Geoholics episode from “down under”! Paul Rowlandson, LS is the President of Consulting Surveyors National in Australia.  Paul has been a registered surveyor for many, many, many years and was awarded Professional Surveyor of the Year in 2018 for his commitment to the land surveying profession. Michelle Blicavs, CAE is the CEO of the Association of Consulting Surveyors.  This association brings together surveyors from across Australia for training, leadership and advocacy. Through Michelle’s leadership, the Surveying Industry in Australia has a seat at the important tables of government where decisions are made and she is making sure the voice of surveyors is heard in the halls of government. We “throw a shrimp on the barbie” and talk all things surveying with these two Australian influencers! DO NOT enter manholes without taking proper precaution! Producer Jake graduates and puts the boys on the spot re: COVID19. Big Shoots needs to get a baseball fix before he completely loses what’s left of his mind. DD gloats about now having two college graduate daughters and his magnet fishing and coin pusher obsession. Please continue to support your local small businesses. Music for this episode by INXS!

Episode 034 - Matthew (Matt) Vielbaum, PLS

Matthew (Matt) Vielbaum, PLS is a Project Surveyor/Certified Crew Chief at Towill, Inc. in Concord, CA. He is not only an Eagle Scout and Professional Land Surveyor but his high school locker was seen in the 80’s classic Footloose (DD is jealous!)! Without regret, Matt has taken the long way to becoming a PLS having taken many college level courses related to architectural drafting and ultimately working his way up the ranks via the Northern California Surveyors Joint Apprenticeship. The NCSJAC was established in 1975 as a labor-management committee by the Operating Engineers Local Union 3 and the CA and NV Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors Association, Inc. You may remember the John Rector episode when this fruitful program was discussed in detail. Producer Jake & Big Shoots would rather hit a game winning home run while Dilfy Dilf would rather make an over the wall, home run saving, game winning catch…what does that tell you…anything? Please support your local restaurants and small businesses while appreciating first responders and healthcare workers. Music for this episode by our good friends Outlaw Inlaws!

Geoholics Anonymous / 3D Scanning/Modeling

Welcome to this meeting of Geoholics Anonymous! This is a bi-weekly “roundtable” style discussion touching on the current issues affecting the Land Surveying & Mapping professions. This panel was made up of Kent Groh, LS (Host of The Geoholics), Michael Tartaglia (SITECH Southwest), Marco Cecala (Takeoff Professionals), Robert Beck (Building Point West) and Ted Mort (ZELUS). The topic of this week’s GA meeting was 3D Scanning/Modeling. We discuss what is needed to acquire accurate 3D data, machine control applications, BIM modeling, best practices and procedures, AI/VR, and the future of this awesome technology.

Episode 033 - Zach “Indiana” Gooch, CST

Zach “Indiana” Gooch, CST is an archaeologist turned surveyor in addition to being a Geoholics superfan. He spent the early part of his career traveling around the country performing cultural surveys and uncovering ancient artifacts for various projects. Zach has a great perspective on mentoring, educational requirements, what it takes to be a good surveyor and SEC football. He spends his days surveying and his nights programming calculators for fun. We also learned that an online mentoring program is something we need to pursue. The Safety Apparel Safety Share touches on the 7 traits of a true safety leader. Producer Jake is purging, turning 22, and wants a parade with a fire truck. Big Shoots records from the nerdery, likes to cuddle and has had enough of quarantining. Dilfy Dilf records from the DD studio and stresses about the new “normal”. Please continue to support your local restaurants and small businesses while appreciating first responders and healthcare workers. Music for this episode by our good friends Carol Pacey & the Honey Shakers!

Episode 032 - Melissa Boyles

Melissa Boyles’ passion for helping out small and disadvantaged businesses has resulted in her being a trailblazer in the transportation industry. She is committed to and actively involved in promoting the professional advancement of women by leading the Woman in Transportation Mentorship Program. In her free time, Melissa is a VP at Jacobs managing the Arizona transportation client portfolio. A little known fact that was revealed about Melissa is that she has a “thing” for men in kilts! The Safety Apparel Safety Share touches on COVID-19 and active construction sites. Producer Jake has another big announcement…sorry I can’t wait…we hit the 9K listener mark! Big Shoots is going to watch Ozark and Dilfy Dilf provides updates on his fasting and Instacarting adventures! Please support your local restaurants and small businesses while appreciating first responders and healthcare workers. Music for this episode by The Black Moods!