Owner, A-2 Maps and Surveys, Oakdale, Conn.

Registered/licensed in: Connecticut (PE & LS), New York (LS)

Year started in profession: 1962

How you started in the profession: “My dad’s chosen profession was architecture. His employer (and later partner) was a licensed surveyor, engineer, architect and owner of one of the oldest civil engineering and surveying firms in the Northeast—with records [dating] back to 1830! Once I was on a crew and started working, the business of surveying got under my skin and I knew it was what I was destined to do.”

What you like best about land surveying: “Helping people and using mathematics.”

What grinds you: “The public’s lack of understanding of the complexity of the job.”

What keeps you going in your job: “A great end product and a happy client.”

Best surveying memory: “The accidental discovery of one of the best views in Connecticut. The normal sky view in Connecticut is above the road and about 50 feet wide. But, once in a while some great moments come along. While clearing an uphill line in heavy brush, [I] suddenly broke into the open just below the top of a ledge line. As [I] walked to the top, a western view of 270 degrees and 20 miles was revealed. [I was] on the cut face of an ancient granite quarry 100 feet above a bend in the Connecticut River. It was breathtaking.”

Weirdest memory: “While walking down a snow-covered path with a client, I was just off the path looking for fence remains and had walked up an inclined boulder. It was just a short hop off and as I jumped I saw a blur below me. A six-point buck was getting to his feet just as I arrived. Both of us were scared out of our wits. He left in a flash. It took me a second longer to recover!”

Accessories you can’t leave home without: “My HP41, a cell phone and the office key.”

Personal philosophy: “Treat everyone fairly, do great record research, employ as much art as engineering and enjoy what you do.”

Contributions to the profession: “I’ve shown up every day and have employed [more than] 50 people during my time as an employer.”

Greatest personal accomplishments: “Obtaining the license and associated professional recognition that allows me to appear before necessary municipal and state agencies on behalf of… land owners to develop their property within the limits of the law.”

Reason why you’re a role model for future surveyors: “I have made every effort throughout my life to be humble, honest and hard-working.”

How surveyors can ensure future success in the industry: “Communicate, communicate, communicate.”