“Never compromise quality.
Any time you do that, it
hurts the entire industry.”
– Harry Robbins
APF Timber
Uplift Connector
Model TC-7612
Sheet Pile
Connector
Timber Uplift
Connector Galvanized
Model TC-7612
Provides tension
capacity of 12 tons
Box 1264 Clifton, NJ 07012-1264
NEW
Tel. 973-773-8400/800-526-9047 / Fax. 973-773-8442
Email: apf@associatedpile.com Website: www.associatedpile.com
253 DRUM POINT RD. • BRICK, NJ 08723
CAREER STORY
Never sell your soul for a job
Not surprisingly, Robbins has a lot of great tips for people who
are entering or are looking to advance their career in the pile
driving industry.
For those starting out, he says, the biggest thing is be patient
and stick with it, because it takes a while to learn the business.
And if you’re looking to take your pile driving business to the
next level, he recommends that you get to know structural and
geotechnical engineers in your area.
“They the ones who design what you do. By having a relationship
with them, you can stay in touch with what’s coming your
way,” said Robbins.
Another important piece of advice? Never sell your soul for
one job.
Robbins maintains too many project managers make the
mistake of thinking that success can be measured by a willingness
to do whatever it takes to get a job done.
“Really, it ought to be about being fair with everybody on
every job and being loyal to your suppliers, and expect the same
from them,” he said. “And finally, I would say never compromise
quality. Any time you do that, it hurts the entire industry.”
In Robbins’ mind, the toughest obstacle the pile driving
industry needs to surmount in the future is a familiar adversary.
“I think the biggest challenge is to overcome the proliferation
of alternatives to the driven pile. That will always be with
us,” he said.
Robbins encourages others to take up the mantle of championing
pile driving, and he has a favorite story he likes to share
about how one can be an effective advocate for the driven pile.
“As a Citadel alumnus, I am especially pleased that Palmetto
Pile Driving has driven piles for most of the newer buildings on
campus. I knew that the Citadel was planning to demolish the
old football stadium and rebuild. Knowing that, I stayed in touch
with my Citadel contacts, anxious to know when the plans might
be completed,” said Robbins. “One day, I received a phone call
with bad news. The new stadium was designed, but it was with
ground modification, not driven piles. I did my research and
called the designer to plead my case that driven piles would be a
more cost-effective solution. The designer reviewed that information
and agreed. The plans were released for pre-cast driven piles,
and as it turned out, we were the successful bidder.
“So now when I sit in the stands and cheer on my Citadel
Bulldogs, I just smile. But the point is: pay attention to what’s
going on in your area. Really do your homework and use whatever
resources you have, and don’t give up.” t
62 | ISSUE 6 2020 www.piledrivers.org
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