While perhaps not ideal, that first
position would allow Boyd to enter the
International Operating Engineers Local
147 as an apprentice operator. It also
provided him with a magical realization
that few of us have experienced in
our careers.
“I knew the first day on that floating
pile rig that this was what I wanted to do,”
said Boyd.
Boyd stayed with Tidewater (which was
later purchased by Skanska) for a dozen
years, leaving in 1999 to join Balfour Beatty
Infrastructure as a marine superintendent
– his last position with Tidewater as well
HARTMAN
ENGINEERING 1.716.759.2800 | www.hartmanengineering.com
4910 Ransom Road, Clarence, NY 14031-2141
Our firm has many years experience taking on the challenges of difficult design problems in the
specialized area of cofferdams, retaining walls, foundation support, and damaged structures
– on the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge
in the Outer Banks of North Carolina;
a project that consisted of a five-milelong
elevated bridge structure over the
Croatan Sound.
Boyd’s current title at Balfour Beatty
is operation manager Southeast. On a
macro level, his job is to safely deliver
multiple projects within the states
of North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia that equate to approximately $150
to $200 million yearly.
It’s a family affair
Boyd is proud to have been a trailblazer of
sorts in his family. His younger brother is a
pile driver superintendent. His nephew is
an engineer at Balfour Beatty, and his son
is a crane operator. But it was his father
and grandfather who unwittingly planted
a seed in him that quickly grew into a love
affair with heavy equipment.
“My grandfather was a mechanic,”
said Boyd. “So was my father. That’s
kind of what got me interested in heavy
machinery. Plus, I always had big, jackedup
trucks when I was younger, and I did all
my own work.”
Boyd admits that many people have
contributed to his career success and
longevity, including his wife of 31 years,
Lori, and his current supervisor, Mark
Johnnie. But there is one other person who
gave Boyd opportunities that are often rare
in the pile driving industry.
Bill Eskins worked his entire career at
Tidewater Construction/Skanska. He was
CAREER STORY
RAPID FIRE ❯❯❯
Right-handed or
left-handed?
Right
Dog person or
cat person?
Dog!
Beer person or
wine person?
Beer
Favorite sports teams?
Used to be the Dallas Cowboys
Apple or Android?
Apple
Last book read?
A spec book for
North Carolina (work)
Best thing you know
how to cook?
Steak
Favorite place
you’ve vacationed?
Abacos, Bahamas
66 | ISSUE 6 2020 www.piledrivers.org
/www.hartmanengineering.com
