What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
One of the biggest misconceptions within our industry is that it solely involves drilling and soil testing. While those are important aspects, the field is much broader and encompasses various disciplines like geology, geotechnical engineering, hydrology, environmental science, and more. Firms like F&R also play critical roles in project site selection, infrastructure design, foundation design, environmental conservation, hazardous materials assessments, and development of mitigation plans. This misconception can underestimate the complexity and importance of the work performed by firms like F&R. Another common misconception centers on Special Inspections. Some believe that Special Inspections are unnecessary or redundant with standard building inspections. However, they serve a critical role in ensuring the safety and integrity of construction projects, particularly for complex or critical structures. Unlike standard inspections, which focus on general compliance with building codes, special inspections involve detailed oversight of specific materials, components, and construction methods that are critical to the project's structural integrity and safety. Special Inspections help identify and address potential issues early in the construction process, reducing the risk of costly delays, failures, or safety hazards later. Therefore, understanding the importance and scope of special inspections is essential for maintaining high standards of construction quality and safety to the public in general.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Staffing and being able to deliver our services efficiently and effectively; balancing workloads; addressing the challenges inherent in managing economic trends. While I am not directly responsible for hiring, I'm always on the lookout for quality candidates for both field services and professional engineering.
What project is your company most proud of?
Froehling & Robertson was integrally involved in all three phases of the development of the historic, $500 million museum celebrating African American history and culture. F&R was retained to perform a full geotechnical literature review, a complete geotechnical study, and a complete Phase I and Phase II environmental assessment with full geotechnical and environmental reports.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Our membership provides excellent networking opportunities that allow us to meet other individuals and companies operating within the construction industry. These interactions ultimately lead to new business for F&R. Our membership also provides learning and growth opportunities for our staff, allowing them to get needed training as well as providing opportunities to grow their careers. Simply put, our membership in ABC helps grow our business and our people.
What do you look forward to each day?
Meetings with clients.
What are you like to work for?
No one reports directly to me now, but when I was in that role, I was pretty demanding.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Contracts attorney.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
During the 1980's, I was a professional runway model.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
A better question for me is, what’s your favorite franchise? Star Trek. I’ll catch episodes of Next Generation, but still prefer the original series. And all the Star Trek movies.
What do you do for fun?
I like to golf. Fortunately, I’m also able to play for work in the ABCMW outing, as well as other industry events throughout the season. I'm also a big gardener/landscaper at my property.
What book are you currently reading?
I went to Alaska last fall, so I’m currently reading “Alaska” by James Michener.
What was your first job?
My first industry related job was marketing coordinator for a GC. In high school during the 70's, I was a cashier at the Bay Bridge McDonalds.