The QBS Express

Join the QBS Express as we visit with Grace Lipford, a recent winner of both state and national ACEC Kansas scholarship awards.  Listen in as we visit with Grace about how the scholarship award process provided not just funds but contacts and experience.  We also visit with Grace about what she and graduating colleagues are looking for in an employer, the best ways to grab their attention, and how to be a destination employer for these graduates!00:52 Introducing Our Special Guest: Grace Lipford01:48 Grace's Journey to Engineering02:29 Exploring Pre-College Interests and Inspirations05:33 Diving Into College Life and Engineering Passion07:33 The Impact of Scholarships on Grace's Education10:16 Experiencing the ACEC National Conference12:31 Reflections on the Scholarship Process14:17 Insights into Job Preferences Among Engineering Students16:45 The Role of Internships and Career Fairs in Job Decisions19:18 Maximizing Impact at Career Fairs: Strategies for Companies20:26 The Importance of Employer Presence at Career Fairs21:52 Choosing the Right Representatives: Experience vs. Youth22:36 Personalizing Recruitment: Beyond the Resume23:22 Identifying Top Companies: A Candidate's Perspective23:52 The Role of Dramatic Appeal and Technical Details in Attracting Candidates25:42 The Significance of Communication Skills in Engineering27:00 Exploring Company Social Media Presence and Its Impact30:22 Understanding What Companies Seek in Engineering Graduates34:20 Getting to Know the Guest: Favorite Books, Movies, and MusicOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

On this episode of the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner engages in a conversation with Brett Letkowski, the past-president and Cameron McGown, the current president of ACEC Kansas. Rightly entailing reflections on their journeys on the board, they discuss the organization's key events in 2023, the year's initiatives, legislative sessions, funding for water and vertical infrastructures, among other key accomplishments. The guests discuss their involvement in various collaborative projects, challenges they faced, and the impact of their service at the state and national levels of the ACEC. They highlight the significance of scholarship opportunities offered by the ACEC, underscoring the benefits to the students and the industry at large. The podcast also features a discussion on their favorite music, movies, and local restaurants, helping listeners know them better personally.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:59 Looking Back at ACEC's Successes in 202304:29 Partnerships and Collaborations16:02 Scholarships and Opportunities18:40 In-Person Meetings and Conferences23:42 Promoting Qualifications Based Selection26:23 Emerging Leaders Program28:48 Journey to the Board and Benefits of Involvement33:37 Importance of Teamwork and Collaboration35:41 The Role of the Board in Industry Events and Activities36:06 The Board's Influence on Legislation and Policy38:25 Reflections on Serving on the Board40:46 How to Get Involved with the Board42:26 Looking Ahead: Priorities and Challenges for the Year49:08 The Board's Relationship with ACEC NationalOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

In this engaging conversation on the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner is joined by Calvin Reed, Kansas Secretary of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, and Greg Shieber, the Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer for the state of Kansas. Both guests share a glimpse of their personal backgrounds, their journeys into the realm of civil engineering, and their experiences working with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). They provide valuable insights into KDOT's broad mission, stressing its significant roles beyond the design and paving of roads and building of bridges. The conversation also highlights the agency's vital partnerships at the state, federal, and local level, the challenges and opportunities lying ahead for KDOT, and the critical role of the workforce in the future of engineering and infrastructure projects.00:09 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:02 Guest Background: Greg Schieber06:45 Guest Background: Calvin Reed15:17 Understanding KDOT's Role and Responsibilities23:57 Interactions with Policymakers at State and Federal Level32:33 Appreciation for Agency Partners33:07 Working with Local Units and Government34:13 Building Relationships with Local Authorities34:34 Challenges in Local Infrastructure Maintenance34:59 Investing in Local Bridge Improvement Program36:13 Developing a Local Bridge Planning Tool36:42 Future Challenges in Local System Investment37:07 The Role of KDOT in Supporting Local Governments37:37 Creation of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub38:31 Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for KDOT38:52 Delivering the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program39:25 Future Funding for Transportation41:09 Workforce Challenges in the Industry42:30 Innovation and Changing Technologies in Infrastructure43:15 Managing Inflation in Local Projects44:12 Future of Preservation and Modernization of InfrastructureOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan.  On this episode we discuss:A family heritage of farming since 1868Growing up on the farm and the influence of 4HHow farming has transformed over the yearsWorking in the private sectorRunning for office to fix the underfunded pensionsMaking systems like KPERS work for KansansThe criticality of staff to make the legislature workPartnering with Kathy Wolfe Moore to work on the pension systemThe breadth of responsibility at the treasurer's officeHelping Kansans find unclaimed propertySupporting education savings through the Kansas Learning Quest programThe ABLE Savings PlanOther Resources:The Office of the TreasurerKansas Able Savings PlanKPERSLearn more about ACEC KansasThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Being involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything.  He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem.  On this episode we discuss:Growing up in HalsteadBeing ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows)Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita StateThe value of the Eagle Scout achievementBecoming interested in politicsStarting as a freshman legislator right out of collegeGrowing into leadership roles and the associated time commitmentThe internship programBlake’s podcast, The Kansas BriefingProposing on the cliffs of IrelandOther Resources:Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and AssociatesBlake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st DistrictThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Minority Leader Vic Miller.  They examine his life from the one room schoolhouse to his love for fantasy sports, as well as his involvement in politics beginning with his time at Emporia State as student body president.  On this episode we discuss:Growing up in a one room schoolhouseThe impact of his father’s involvementThe role of Associated Students of Kansas and the act they got passedThe importance of having attorneys (at least a few) in the legislatureStarting out young as an elected officialTrying to balance service and a public practiceHow serving in property valuation gave him an in-demand skillThe fraught challenge of drawing district linesInfluence and responsibilityGetting young people involved in public serviceA love of fantasy sportsOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasVic Miller, Kansas State Representative, 58th District This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Majority Leader Chris Croft.  They talk about his life and military career that eventually brought him to Kansas and led him to taking on his current role in state government.  On this episode we discuss:The role his mother played in his life and finding role models for himGrowing up outsideJoining the Army and seeing the worldHow he met his wifeWhat he learned from Popeye’s Fried ChickenJumping out of the first plane he rode onThe value of mentors in his lifeWorking at the Pentagon and military mobility equipmentFinding a home in KansasA vision for transportation infrastructure in the stateGetting started in public serviceTaking on the house majority leader mantleGoing out on Black Friday and Christmas EveOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasChris Croft, Kansas State Representative, 8th District This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner meets with the previous and current ACEC presidents in Jeff McKerrow and Brett Letkowski to discuss the latest developments and the opportunity that lies ahead for the organization.  On this episode we discuss: Transportation funding situation Stopping some legislation is just as important Moving back to in-person meetings Legislative leadership and the upcoming governor race Keeping the train on the tracks (figuratively speaking) Increasing college scholarships Bringing back the emerging leaders program The partnership with KSPE How to be involved with ACEC Other Resources:Learn more about ACEC Kansas Brett Letkowski, TranSystems, ACEC Kansas PresidentJeff McKerrow, Kimley-Horn, ACEC Kansas Past President This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.   This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

The latest episode of The QBS Express features co-host Sara Clark with TranSystems and guest Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort.  Listen in as we get an in-depth account of how SmartPort came to be, who it serves, what part of the market occupies its time and resources, and how Chris's interest in this industry was sparked by collecting beer cans at a young age!

The latest episode of The QBS Express features co-host Jeff Keller with Burns and McDonnell and KDHE Director of the Bureau of Water Tom Stiles. Listen in as we learn about his interest in water quality from a young age, how he found his way to the engineering field, the services he provides to members, and the interaction that involves with ACEC member firms.

The QBS Express is happy to welcome co-host Shawn Turner with Transystems and Representative Richard Proehl to the show! Tune in as we learn about Representative Proehl's interest in veterinary science and agriculture, his time in the 101st Airborne Division, working as a rodeo clown and bull rider, and most importantly the importance of good infrastructure investment!

The QBS Express welcomes Chad Bristow, Director of Facilities for the Kansas Board of Regents, to the show!  Join us as we discover how a farm kid from Leavenworth County found his way from art to the world of facilities and design, the many ways Chad and the Board of Regents team partner with ACEC member firms, and some very interesting recent developments regarding the funding of university infrastructure!

Join us as we visit with Keith Browning, the Local Road Engineer for the Kansas Association of Counties!  Listen in as we discuss how he found his way to the engineering field, the services he provides to members, and the interaction that involves with ACEC member firms.  Stay with us to the end and you may find out something you didn’t know about what Keith does in his free time!

The QBS Express visits with Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) CEO Steve Hewitt.  Join as we learn about the KTA’s mission, the customers it serves, partnerships with other states, aligned certain services with KDOT, and how technology is driving change.  And if you stay with us to the end, you may or may not learn about Mr. Hewitt being part of a dynamic 80s/90s grunge cover band…..

The QBS Express visits with KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz and KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock to discuss the recently announced Kansas Supersonic Flight Corridor!  Learn the exciting story of how KDOT and partners all around the state proactively created and pitched this program, the opportunities and challenges that were met along the way, and what the future of this project means to Kansas business, the aerospace industry, scientific/academic fields of study, and much more.

Five time all-star.  1980 American League Championship Series MVP.  World Series Champion.  An incredible eight gold gloves.  The ACEC Kansas QBS Express podcast series is delighted to bring you our interview with Jackson County Executive and former Kansas City Royal Frank White.  We hope you enjoy listening at least a fraction as much as we enjoyed the conversation!

Join ACEC KS Executive Director Scott Heidner on this episode of the QBS Express as we visit with Gary Janzen, City Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Wichita. We convince Gary to tell us the full story of his journey into engineering and public works, what changes he has seen through his long career with the City of Wichita, what challenges and opportunities he sees ahead, and what he does on the odd chance he winds up with some free time!

ACEC Executive Director Scott Heidner joins the Deans of the three Kansas Engineering Colleges for a discussion on the University Engineering Initiatives Act (UEIA).  Learn more about how this initiative was born, the substantial requirements placed on universities in order to be a beneficiary, and the incredible success metrics as we near the ten year mark of the program.  Nobody knows more about it than the Deans! 

The QBS Express welcomes Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to the show. Listen in as we discuss life in a military family, the many places she’s lived along the way, why playing for the Yankees was her first career choice, and some of the best opportunities that come with being the Governor of Kansas. We also discuss issues near and dear to ACEC and her support for several of those issues through the years.

The QBS Express welcomes Jerry Stump, President & CEO of Volkert Inc and a Past Chairman of ACEC National.  Join us as we discuss the future opportunities and challenges of the industry, what traits are found in good leaders, the most important political issues to our businesses, and the joys of hearing Merle Haggard music on the radio as a child!