There’s a frequently touted quote about business by
networking expert Bob Burg: “All things being equal,
people do business with and refer business to people
they know, like and trust.”
For companies that design, drive or test piles, one of the most
meaningful ways to foster business relationships is by participating
in a local PDCA chapter. Just ask Susheel Kolwalkar, Ph.D.,
P.E., a geotechnical consultant at Insight Group in South Carolina.
Kolwalkar has been an active member of the PDCA of South
Carolina Chapter for four years, and an elected member of the
chapter board for the past three.
“Networking and communication are essential factors in building
long-term professional relationships,” said Kolwalkar. “PDCA
provides a great platform to achieve these attributes and more –
not only for newer piling companies, but also for well established
companies in the driven pile industry.”
Kolwalkar took the time to speak to PileDriver about the ways
in which being part of a local PDCA chapter has been beneficial to
his career.
In what ways do you participate in the PDCA of South
Carolina Chapter?
Susheel Kolwalkar: I’ve been associated with the chapter for four
years now and have been serving as an elected board member for
the past three years. I make it a point to attend all the quarterly
meetings as well as all the scheduled plant visits and technical
seminars. And I never miss an oyster roast! It’s an opportunity for
engineers and pile drivers to discuss the industry in a relaxed setting.
In this environment we can review our successes and challenges
to come together and advance the industry.
Would you say that being part of the chapter has
positively affected business?
SK: It has. Insight Group was started by Reg Christopher a year
ago with the intent of providing consulting services to contractors,
designers and owners. We are a group of engineers and
scientists who have been working together in the lowcountry of
South Carolina and the southeastern U.S. for multiple decades,
and driving piles in Charleston for 30-plus years. For me, when
I attend chapter events, it provides a good networking platform
where I can share and acquire knowledge from other like-minded
individuals who strive to advance the pile driving industry. In the
process, and most importantly, we develop long-lasting relationships
within our industry. That’s the main benefit I get from being
part of the chapter.
CHAPTER CONNECTIONS
L ocal Level PDCA
Susheel Kolwalkar, Ph.D., P.E. talks about his experience
with the PDCA of South Carolina Chapter
By Jill Harris, Lester Publications, LLC
This new section of PileDriver magazine tells the stories of members from PDCA’s local chapters.
Read about their experiences to find out how your local chapter can benefit you!
Photos courtesy of Susheel Kolwalkar and Insight Group
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