A New Adventure

My first job was with the Department of Agriculture, working on working as a chemical engineer to develop analytical equipment that could perform basic analysis of food products in the field. It should have been stimulating, but the bureaucracy was more than I could bear. I had been working weekends with a small used oil company (Eastern Oil Company), helping them set up a lab back in the early days before 40 CFR 279 (or its predecessor 40 CFR 266) and running the plant as needed. I confirmed that the Eastern Oil job could become full time, gave notice, and soon began my 32-year career in the environmental industry.

As a partner in a small business l learned the ups and downs of oil pricing, writing checks from you own wallet, wearing every hat and solving every problem, since there was no one else to ask. Over time and through many acquisitions, I transitioned from from small company jack of all trades, to a corporate position focused on engineering projects and finance.

It is only when I think back that I realize how varied my career has been:

• Chemist
• Truck driver (never drove much, but did have class-A license)
• Tank cleaner. I didn't do contract work, but like cleaning your own bathroom, we cleaned our own tanks in the beginning.
• Operator, every sort of process.
• Plant manager
• Process engineer
• Engineering manager
• Financial Analyst
• Technical sales
• Inside sales
• Lobbyist
• EHS specialist and trainer
• Owner
• API Tank Inspector

And off the career path:

• Rock climbing, all over the country.
• Ice climbing, anywhere it's cold enough.
• Sailing, both small boats and cruisers.
• Writing for several sailing magazines and writing several books; centered on engineering problems related to sailing, of course.

It all fits together, every experience bringing something to the others, completing my view of this surprisingly complex industry. I love it.

I love the industry and the feel of small business. I love the change. I love that each project is different from the last.