Michael Stewart’s journey with SAM over the past two years is a true testament to growth and opportunity. After three decades in the field, Michael made the leap to the office, furthering his skills with our advanced software and gearing up for his FS exam. Now thriving as an Office Technician III, Michael is eager to see how far his career with SAM will go.
Let’s dive into Michael’s journey and explore how his extensive field experience and recent transition to the office have shaped his role at SAM.
Q: When did you join the team, and what aspects of SAM influenced your career decision?
I joined the SAM team in August 2022. I was drawn to SAM because of the unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of surveying disciplines and cutting-edge technology. The prospect of working across different areas of the field and the emphasis on professional growth and advancement were key factors in my decision.
Q: What is your current role, and how did you get there?
I am currently an Office Technician III at SAM, leveraging my 30 years of field experience in land surveying. I transitioned from a field role to the office to further develop my skills with SAM’s advanced software and work towards my FS exam.
My career began after college as a Rodman/Instrument Man, where I gained extensive experience in various surveying projects, including new subdivisions, topographic surveys for roadways and architectural designs, and work at airports and railroads. In addition to my technical expertise, I have also managed crews, developing and executing job plans to ensure successful project outcomes.
Q: What’s your favorite equipment to use?
I enjoy working with Trimble GPS units, but I find traditional traversing with S7 or S9 instruments most rewarding. While GPS isn’t always practical on large sites or in dense woods where signals are weak, these classic methods prove invaluable. SAM is the first company where I had the opportunity to use the SX10 to scan power lines on a site in southern Ohio, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the total station. Looking ahead, I aim to obtain my FAA 107 license to operate drones. I believe drones will play a significant role in the future of surveying and structural inspections.
Q: Can you describe a particularly interesting or rewarding project that you have worked on recently?
In the spring of 2023, I worked on a boundary survey for a 900-acre solar farm site in Batavia, Ohio. This was my first project of this scale where I managed the entire process with only the support of my I-man. We focused on locating property corners and mapping ditch lines, as the site’s flat terrain made it difficult for the LIDAR flyover data to capture the details. The project took about two months to complete and was a significant achievement for me.
Q: What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited on the job?
One of the most interesting places I’ve visited on the job was during my first major project, relocating US 30 from Upper Sandusky to Bucyrus, Ohio. We had a farmer who loved chatting with us whenever we were working around his property. One day, he invited us into his barn to show off his workshop. To my amazement, he had a 1957 Studebaker set up to generate electricity for the barn, with all the exhaust vented outside. It was the first time I’d ever seen a car used as a power source. While I’ve explored many abandoned places in secluded areas, this experience with the farmer remains unforgettable.
Q: How do you enjoy spending your time off?
I enjoy spending my time off working around my home and taking care of my plants. My two Australian shepherds keep me busy with their need for love and attention. I’m also a fan of attending sporting events, especially FC Cincinnati soccer games and Cincinnati Bengals games—“WHO DEY!” Recently, I got a Traeger grill, so on a nice day, you’ll find me outside cooking for my family.
Q: Any particular moments at work that made you smile or laugh?
Honestly, when they asked me to do this interview I had to smile. It’s nice when your company shows an interest in how you feel and recognizes someone for the work that they do.