GeoHeroes - Joel Carson

GeoHeroes - Joel Carson About This Episode In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) about his inspiring journey from driller's helper to industry leader. Joel shares how childhood relocations with his Bechtel engineer father—including walking through BART tunnels under construction—shaped his resilience and adaptability. Discover his unconventional path through 25+ years of consulting, the spontaneous "maybe" that changed his career trajectory, and why he believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day. Packed with leadership insights, honest reflections on the roads not taken, and a passionate vision for the profession's future, this conversation reveals what it truly means to lead with purpose. About Our Guest Joel Carson is the Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), where he has championed business success for geoprofessionals for over a decade. With 25+ years of consulting experience, his career spans from driller's helper to division manager overseeing 20 offices across 10 states at Kleinfelder. Born into an engineering family, Joel developed early appreciation for infrastructure. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch new practice areas and manage national accounts. A passionate industry advocate, Joel believes geoprofessionals make the world better every single day through their commitment to human health and safety. Our Host Guy Marcozzi, PE, D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, is a GBA past-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. Show Notes Introduction Joel Carson, Executive Director of the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) Has led GBA for 10+ years Previously a geoprofessional consultant for 25+ years Early Life and Education Born in San Francisco, California (mother was fourth-generation San Franciscan) Father worked for Bechtel Corporation on major infrastructure projects Early memory: walking through BART tunnel construction with his father Grew up with five siblings (Wayne, Brad, Jill, Carol, and Mary) Family relocated every 3-4 years to small towns across the U.S. (Rock Springs W