that time were unfamiliar with driven precast concrete piles (in
particular) and were reluctant to recommend them. I had significant
experience with driven concrete piles and was less reluctant to
recommend this foundation type. In the ensuing years, some of the
D.C. region’s largest projects were supported by precast concrete
piles: Gaylord National, Army COE Washington Head Quarters
Service, Potomac Yards Redevelopment and the Washington
Nationals Stadium. While I was working in Washington, I also got
my master’s degree in geotechnical engineering and, ultimately,
became the chief engineer for ECS Mid-Atlantic about three
years ago.”
Having such a lengthy career provides an opportunity not only
to continue learning new aspects of your business but also to find
and pursue interests that may differ from what you might normally
enjoy. For Higgins, the chance to preserve the past while bolstering
the future through teaching is one of the things he loves about
his work.
“At different stages in my career, I’ve had different leanings or
inclinations. When I was in my 30s and 40s, it was about bringing
the best value to the client and doing an excellent job as a consultant
and making projects successful,” he said. “As I got older and
when I became chief engineer, I became more of a teacher for the
many young engineers we have in the company, to oversee their
work and bridge the lessons learned between different generations
of practitioners so that those lessons don’t get lost, which is typical
and can happen. I’m in a teaching and oversight role (now), which
I saw as a challenge. This most recent role was an opportunity to
more broadly influence more engineers than just the folks in the
D.C. office location.”
Overseeing the direction and preservation of company knowledge
is something Higgins takes very seriously, as he recognizes its
impact on the future of the company.
“Our company did not have a strong legacy for the chief engineering
role, so I’m creating it as I go along. There was really no
predecessor before me. I’m trying to focus the company on loss
prevention, good service to clients, large and complex projects,
technical excellence, etcetera – things that we were lacking in
CAREER STORY
HYDRAULIC • INDUSTRIAL • MOBILE SERVICE • OEM CENTERS • COUNTER SERVICE
Bridgestone HosePower has bundles in stock to any
combination of sizes, pressures and lengths - 100’, 150’, 200’.
Custom bundles are also available to any requirement.
Single line 50’ assemblies in stock and ready to go
coast to coast!
Also in stock are all the high pressure quick disconnects
needed for the Pile Driving Industry.
47 US Branch Locations &
On Site Mobile Service Available
888-557-6469
www.bridgestonehosepower.com
62 | ISSUE 1 2020 www.piledrivers.org
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