GeoHeroes - Kent Bannister About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Kent Bannister president and CEO of TREK Geotechnical. The discussion traces Bannister's life, starting with his childhood in Winnipeg and his early work experiences, such as his memorable stint at McDonald's and a job at the Royal Bank of Canada. The conversation explores his academic journey, leading to his career in geotechnical engineering and eventual leadership at TREK. Bannister also shares insights on the geotechnical profession, emphasizing risk management, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of technology. He offers career advice and discusses the challenges and opportunities within the field, reflecting on his own experiences and aspirations for the future of TREK Geotechnical. Series Summary In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. About Our Guest Kent Bannister - Kent is the President and CEO of TREK Geotechnical Inc., a firm located in Winnipeg, Canada. Over the past 15 years, TREK has grown from a 3-person geotechnical engineering firm to a staff of over 65 employees offering geotechnical, water resources, and environmental engineering services along with a full-service materials testing laboratory. In addition to his corporate duties, Kent also acts as the geotechnical design lead or reviewer on a variety of projects including several large multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. Over the past 26 years Kent has worked on projects across Canada’s prairie provinces and northern Canada. He has been employed with TREK since 2012. Kent presently is a member of the board of directors of the GBA and the Canadian Foundation for Geotechnique. He has previously served on the executive committee and the board of directors of the Canadian Geotechnical Society. Our Host Guy Marcozzi – Guy Marcozzi is the current GBA president and an experienced CEO, President and Board Member with a demonstrated history of working in the engineering, science and data technology industries and in leadership for various boards of ESOP, non-profit, professional and business organizations. Discussion Topics: Introduction (00:00) Early Life and Education (00:00:51) Born in Calgary, Alberta, Kent moved frequently during his childhood attending six different schools by grade 10. Moving around a lot taught him to adapt to uncomfortable situations. He enjoyed math and physics in school but admits he didn't have much patience for history and English. Kent's first job was at McDonald's at age 15. He also worked at the Royal Bank of Canada. Career Path (11:55) Kent gained valuable experience through summer internships at AMEC (now WSP). He began his career in consulting, working for KGS Group and AMEC in Winnipeg and Edmonton. He spent time in Fort McMurray, Alberta, working on oil sands tailings ponds. Later, Kent joined Manitoba Hydro, focusing on dam safety and geotechnical support for electrical transmission group. In 2012, Kent joined Trek Geotechnical. Leadership and Challenges (16:50) Kent discusses the challenges of transitioning from a technical role to management. He highlights the significance of understanding and relating to people. As CEO, Kent is focused on strategic planning, geographical expansion, and becoming more forward-looking. The Geoprofessional Landscape (25:00) Kent believes the demand for geo-professional services is growing due to aging infrastructure and climate change. He emphasizes the importance of strong technical skills, risk management, and communication. The Canadian Geotechnical Society focuses on landslide risks and aging infrastructure. Geotechnical engineering in Canada involves a broader scope of work and less specialization compared to the United States. He acknowledges the challenges of recruiting staff due to travel, long hours, and seasonal work but emphasizes the unique experiences gained in remote locations such as Baffin Island which is close to the North Pole. Technology and the Future (31:50) Kent acknowledges the significant impact of technology on the profession, particularly the availability of analytical tools and information. He believes big data and AI will drive future changes, requiring firms to adapt and leverage these technologies. He anticipates a gradual evolution rather than dramatic shifts in the profession. Speed Round (35:35:55) [BOOK] The Stand by Stephen King Optimism index: 4 out of 5, citing the aging infrastructure and climate change as key drivers. Biggest impact: Mentoring junior engineers. Biggest regret: Not pursuing a PhD. Advice for those entering the profession: "Say yes when opportunity presents itself". Also, trust people, get involved in the profession outside of work, and remember to prioritize personal health and family. "Say yes when opportunity presents itself." "Trust people until they give you a reason not to." Calls-to-action: Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC
