LACO

Team Member Spotlight! Meet Kara Clower, HR Director and Business Manager: Hometown? Years in Profession? Locally grown in Eureka, California. Almost 14 years with LACO, 16+ years of experience in business administration.... How do you define success? A well balanced wheel of life. Only when we care for our whole selves, can we be successful. This includes fun, family and friends, career, finances, spiritual, physical wellness, health, and romance. Of course there will always be times when areas are not completely fulfilled, but when we are balanced, I believe that is success! What professional/personal growth opportunities have you been able to accomplish while working at LACO? I earned an Executive Masters in Business Administration! LACO helped with tuition fees and most importantly, supported a flexible schedule to help with my school work load. All of our team members were encouraging and supportive as well - which is definitely needed when you’re running low on steam. What is the best gift you got for yourself? Permission to be me and please myself first before others.

Team Member Spotlight! Learn more about Gary Manhart, Senior Engineering Geologist: Hometown? Years in Profession? Madison, Wisconsin. 29.... Before working at LACO, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? Inspecting the bottoms of 60 to 80 feet Caissons. What are 3 words that describe LACO? Insightful, knowledgeable, diligent. What has been your favorite type of project to work on? "Fault Hazard Evaluations, I get to use my geologic skills that I love the most." What are your hopes for the industry? Better understanding of how important geology is to the foundation of all our projects." #teammembers #eureka #geology #engineering #wearelaco What is the best advice you can give to a new hire? "Be thorough but confident in your analysis." How do you define success? "Liking what I do every day." Favorite movie? "Star Wars - A New Hope." If given the chance, who would you like to be for a day? "Buzz Aldrin in 1969." What is your favorite holiday and why? "Christmas- I love the baking, family, and traditions."

As our local business community begins to formulate tactics and strategies to move forward in 2021, it's important to know how we are doing and where we are goi...ng as a community. To shed a light on the well-being of the local economy, the Eureka Chamber has brought together noteworthy leaders from the state, county, and city to speak to area business representatives. See more

Team Member Spotlight! Get to know Jessica McCarter, Project Accountant: Hometown? Years in Profession? Los Banos, California, 4.... Before working at LACO, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? I worked for the BSA (Boy Scouts of America) for five years at a summer camp called Camp John Mensinger which is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Strawberry, California. I started as the camp store manager, moved to an area director, and then spent three years as the Business Manager. What have you gained from working at LACO? Confidence. When I joined the firm, I was very shy and nervous. I hated talking on the phone and asked for reassurance about everything. {My supervisor] (lovingly) kicked me out of my nest, so to speak, and greatly helped with my personal and professional growth by helping me push past my personal barriers. What is your proudest moment thus far in your career at LACO? I am proud that I have worked my way up in the company. When I first joined LACO in 2017 I was the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. From there I became the Senior Administrative Assistant for Eureka, then the lead for Finalization, and now I am a Project Accountant. My background is in Psychology and if you were to have told my 18-year-old self that someday I would be an accountant I would have never believed it, so it's pretty cool to see how far I've come.

Team Member Spotlight! Meet Max Hiken, Associate Planner: Years in profession? Hometown? 3. Los Banos, CA.... Before working at LACO, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? My most interesting job would have to be the summers I worked as the Program Director for a Boy Scout Summer Camp in the Sierras. It allowed me opportunities to work with so many competing factors, demographics, and of course so many wonderful outdoor experiences! Side Note: sinking a boat full of scouts and coworkers in a reservoir... not guaranteed to earn you a promotion but hey, it worked for me! How has LACO helped you in your career development? LACO has allowed me to build fantastic work and personal connections/friendships, understand the state of California in ways I never would have imagined, and still continues to push me to grow and develop my technical writing skills. What is your proudest moment thus far in your career at LACO? My proudest moment so far in my career with LACO? There are many moments I am proud of but the one that tops the list would probably be the well wishes and excitement from a potential client when they saw my name on the proposal. I had spent years building a great relationship with the Client and their team but had to step away for a while last year. So when I was afforded the opportunity to come back in work with them, their excitement really made me realize how much they appreciated the work I had performed previously, as well as the potential I showed. It is always a great moment, when your work is really recognized. What is the best advice you can give to a new hire? Best advice for a new hire? Be curious and ask questions! It is great to be able to solve problems on your own, but asking quality questions, will get you so much further in both the knowledge you will gain, and the relationships you will build while you grow. What were you like as a 10-year-old? What was I like as a 10 year old? Well... I was the kid that was the first in the neighborhood to try out that new jump we build for our bikes, and right around 10 was the first person in my immediate family to break a bone. I guess some would have called me "energetic" to say the least. If you had to give a 15 minute presentation on any topic with no prep time, what topic would you pick? Banana Slugs, they are so interesting! and for some reason, have always been triggers for reflecting on key moments in my life. The best gift you got for yourself? A bike, I always loved riding around the neighborhood when I was a kid. Not long after working at LACO I got myself a nice road/gravel bike and it has been my biggest serotonin boost ever since.

Team Member Spotlight! Meet Samantha Thomas, Associate Planner: Years in profession? Hometown? 4, Vacaville.... Before working at LACO, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? A Presentation Replenishment Specialist at Michaels Arts & Crafts, which is essentially stocking the shelves. It was unusual as I was working 3AM and 5AM shifts while going to school, and also interesting because of the things we would sometimes find in the shipments that came in. How has LACO helped you in your career development? LACO has helped me better understand the world of planning as it relates to not only the private sector, but also the public sector. I've been able to enjoy, learn, & grow from my experience working with/in both worlds. What are 3 words to describe LACO? Empathetic, Flexible, Collaborative. What has been your favorite type of project to work on? I'm a nerd in the sense that I love research & writing, so I would have to say my favorite type of projects involve writing lengthy documents about the potential environmental effect of a proposed project under NEPA and/or CEQA. What have you gained from working at LACO? Pivotal career experience & a greater love for my field of work. What is your proudest moment thus far in your career at LACO? Being asked to be Project Manager for rather challenging multi-discipline projects. I'm still working towards becoming a better PM, but it's nice to be recognized for my hard work & organizational skills. What are your hopes for the industry? My hope, just like most professions if for the industry to continue to grow & thrive. What is the best advice you can give to a new hire? Never stop asking questions. What is one thing- either industry related or not you learned in the last month? Progress is not always linear. How do you define success? Since success is a peace of mind, I define it based on my own self-satisfaction. 'Success' changes depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. What professional/personal growth opportunities have you been able to accomplish while working at LACO? Financial freedom & security. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? AICP certified. Why do you do what you do? To try & help improve the well-being of all people living in our communities by building safer, resilient, and more equitable communities. What is your favorite travel spot? Incline Village, Nevada. Favorite movie? The Notebook. You are happiest when? I'm the happiest when I'm moving my body, especially outside in nature, or when I'm able to spend time with those I love. Who inspires you? My mother. What was the last book you read? Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari. What is your favorite holiday & why? Thanksgiving - I love cooking! The best gift you got for yourself? New (new) car. Biggest pet peeve? Not making eye contact when having a conversation.

Team Member Spotlight- International Women’s Day Edition: Among the many women leaders at LACO, today we share our interview with Madison Green, Tribal Liaison: Hometown? Years in the Profession? Fortuna, 4 years.... What has been your favorite type of project to work on? Tribal projects. As a Tribal member myself, I believe improving Tribal Communities is a critical necessity that everyone can do a better job within relation to the Triple Bottom Line of personal, professional and planet sustainability. What were you like as a 10-year-old? Very introverted and kept my opinion to myself. What are your hopes for the industry? That everyone will be treated equally regardless of licensure or physical attributes. You are happiest when? I am in the sun at the river on a warm summer day. What professional/personal growth opportunities have you been able to accomplish while working at LACO? I have been able to continue education throughout the past year that LACO has afforded me flexibility as well as paid tuition fees. This has been beneficial for personal and professional growth. Favorite travel spot? Hawaii beaches. What was the last book you read? Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty.

Team Member Spotlight! We interviewed Lisa Alexander, Senior Project Coordinator, and her answers: Hometown? Years in the Profession? "Santa Clarita, CA, 2."... What is the best advice you can give to a new hire? "Ask questions if you have them. Coworkers are happy to answer/assist." What is one thing either industry related or not you learned in the last month? "More like the last year-there are situations in which I have no control. I often like to know the plan and that is not always an option, and that is okay!" Favorite travel spot? "Warm and Sunny places with beaches. As far as abroad specifically, I would say Italy is the favorite of places I have visited." Favorite movie? "La La Land." What were you like as a 10-year-old? "A junior cruise director." If you had to give a 15-minute presentation on any topic with no prep time, what topic would you pick? "Building a profitable on-location Wedding Hair Business." Least favorite food? "Beets, I want to like them though." You are happiest when? "I am fully present in the memorable moments." What is your favorite holiday & why? "4th of July because warm summer nights, being outdoors, bbq, baseball, fireworks and more." Biggest pet peeve? "I do get a little bothered when the 1st person at a 4 way stop-does NOT proceed 1st!"

Now THIS is community partnership! The Bloodmobile will be in our parking lot at the corner of 4th and A in Eureka for a little while longer until noon! Give the gift of life today AND support local mentorship in one fell swoop! The blood bank is donating $5 to the Bowl for Kids' Sake for every donor today! #givethegiftoflife #donateblood #bfkshumboldt #donatebloodforkidssake #ncbbbs Northern California Community Blood Bank Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast

Team Member Spotlight! ENGINEERS WEEK EDITION: We interviewed Alejandra Ruiz, Assistant Engineer. Get to know Alejandra: Hometown? Years in the Profession? "Ukiah...2."... Before working at LACO, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? "I was a volleyball coach for a local summer camp program. I love playing volleyball and enjoyed sharing my interest with people that were just as enthusiastic about the sport." What are 3 words to describe LACO? "Caring, flexible, Committed." What is the best advice you can give to a new hire? "Do not be afraid to ask questions. The LACO family are very friendly and will do their best to give you the support/help you need." What is the first concert you ever attended? "My first concert was in Oakland, California. I went to see Mana, a Mexican rock band."

Team Member Spotlight! This week, we interviewed Kevin Doble, Director of Business Development. To get to know Kevin, read on: Years in the Profession? "21."... Before working at LACO, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had? "I worked in the Grocery Business, never a dull moment!" What has been your favorite type of project to work on? "My favorite types of projects are large multi-disciplinary projects that require public outreach, organizing a path top approval strategy and generally high community involvement." Favorite travel spot? "The Mountains (National Forest, Sierras)." What were you like as a 10-year-old? "Goofy." You are happiest when? "When I’m with my kids skiing." What was the last book you read? "Getting to YES." What is your favorite holiday & why? "Memorial Day, it is just the right time of year and kicks off summer for me."

"Soils evaluations and foundation recommendation work isn't glamorous, but the results built on that foundation are spectacular" - Gary Manhart, PG, CEG, Senior Geologist. We are proud to be a part of such an amazing project in our community! Stay tuned to Sequoia Park Zoo for more details on the Redwood Sky Walk and opening date information.

Team Member Spotlight! This week, we interviewed Kelly Clay, Senior Administrative Assistant. To get to know Kelly, read on: Hometown? "Visalia, California AG land. California’s Central Valley is great, 2 hours to the Giant Sequoia Trees, 2 hours over to Monterey Bay Aquarium, 3 hours to Disneyland, 3 hours a Warriors Game. It is a great location with so much around it you get a little piece of it all there." What is your proudest moment thus far in your career ...at LACO? "Working on a relatively high-profile local project and being a part of that public process. What I learned from that experience and project cannot be taught." What are your hopes for the industry? "I would hope it begins to think outside of its' engineering box a bit more get creative." How do you define success? "I define success by how much you have grown as a person. Have you broadened your mindset? Have you learned from the tough situations and has this growth bettered you as a human? That is true success to me." Who inspires you? "Kind people inspire me. True kindness is so hard to find and these individuals inspire me everyday to no matter what be kind."

Happy Saturday!! Senior special inspector Michael Bolen has been capturing rainbows out in the field during the last few stormy days! Rain isn’t always good for the job site but it is great for photo ops!

Team Member Spotlight! This week, we interviewed Jordan Blough, Project Manager. To get a snippet of the conversation, read on: Hometown? Years in profession? "Willits, CA... 6 years."... What has been your favorite type of project to work on? "As a grant writer, I naturally take immense pride in identifying, pursuing, and securing funding for our clients. Securing funding for a project which, without a grant, may have never been feasible otherwise, and then seeing the impacts of that project on the ground in our communities really makes my work feel impactful." What have you gained from working at LACO? "It’s obviously impossible to distill down everything I’ve gained here at LACO, but one thing that has become more and more significant over time is the importance of participating in and understanding the communities where we live and work. Our industry plays such a huge role in the way our communities evolve over time, from helping to plan intentional development approaches to maintaining and restoring natural resources to helping businesses expand and grow. I think understanding the community, understanding where we live and what our friends and neighbors value about these places can and should inform our work in a big way. " What is your proudest moment thus far in your career at LACO? "Supporting local governments following wildfires. I think it’s safe to say that just about all of us in California have been impacted by wildfires in recent years, but the 2017 Redwood Complex Fire hit especially close to home for me. A family member came within a mile of losing their home in that fire and obviously they ended up with a much better outcome than so many others during that tragic event. Through my work with LACO, I was able to contribute to grant writing and recovery planning with multiple local jurisdictions following that event, and, while challenging, it was also very uniquely rewarding to help support the recovery process in my hometown and the communities where I grew up." What is the first concert you ever attended? "John Mayer on the Battle Studies tour in 2009." The best gift you got for yourself? "I bought myself a DSLR camera for Christmas a few years back and it’s been a really great addition on vacations and camping trips." Biggest pet peeve? "I actually have two: 1) when a fortune cookie contains a statement, rather than a fortune, and 2) squeezing the toothpaste tube from the middle, rather than the end."

Gorgeous snowy views from eastern Humboldt County today, as our stormwater team performs routine inspections on this rural highway repair. #wearelaco #swppp #geologyrocks #engineers #engineering #stormwatermanagement #stormwater #humboldtcounty