Shows
The QBS ExpressEngineering the Future: What Tomorrow's Engineers want in a CareerWhat does it take to attract and inspire the next generation of engineers? Hear directly from two standout scholarship winners, Matthew Young and Isaiah Choma, as they share their journeys, motivations, and what they’re really looking for in an employer. From switching majors and navigating internships to the importance of work-life balance and company culture, this conversation is packed with honest insights and a few laughs along the way.HighlightsThe winding path from biology to civil engineeringHow scholarship opportunities shape student decisionsThe real value of internships (and the “space to be incompetent”)What young...
2025-11-0254 minThe QBS ExpressFrom Pool Shark to Public Servant: The Journey of House Minority Leader Brandon WoodardThe QBS Express podcast welcomes House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard to the show. Join us as we discuss his journey from childhood through the world of volunteering with the campaigns of others, and finally to his election to the Kansas Legislature and quick rise to be House Minority Leader. Along the way we’ll discuss people, hobbies, and experiences which shaped his life and commitment to public service.Have you ever wondered what drives someone to pursue a career in public service? Raised in Topeka, Kansas, Brandon shares his unique childhood experiences, from turning entr...
2025-03-3148 minThe QBS ExpressFrom Small Town Roots to State Leadership: Get to Know Senate Majority Leader Chase BlasiThe QBS Express is delighted to welcome Kansas Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi to the show. Join us as we go from an idyllic childhood in Colwich, KS to working on multiple campaigns, being a legislative staffer, running for the Senate and eventually attaining the role of Senate Majority Leader. Along the way we learn about Senator Blasi’s inspirations, philanthropic work, and some of his favorite parts of being a legislator and public servant.Representing the 26th district in West Sedgwick County, you will get a personal glimpse into his life, the importance of c...
2025-02-1649 minThe QBS ExpressLeadership Journeys and Industry Insights: Our Annual Conversation with the Past and Current ACEC PresidentsThe QBS Express was joined by ACEC KS President Agnes Otto and Past President Cameron McGown. Take a listen as we look back at 2024 and look ahead to 2025. It’s not only a great review of ACEC Kansas activity, but also a chance to learn much more about our fearless leaders as they share their experiences and some nuggets of wisdom!We will take a deeper look at their unique career journeys, the value of being involved with ACEC, and how the organization benefits its members. From discussing legislative wins and the importance of qual...
2025-02-0958 minThe QBS ExpressEngineering Change: Celebrating Philanthropy within ACEC KansasACEC KS members are making a difference in the world with the work they do every day, but they also make amazing contributions outside of their “day job”. Join us as we visit with Mark Williams, Curt Mader, and Jerry Johnson to learn more about the incredible amount that is given back to communities of need, and the impact it makes on the lives of both those who give and those who receive.From life-changing water purification projects in impoverished communities overseas to personal tales of giving back, this episode shines a spotlight on the e...
2024-09-1549 minThe QBS ExpressBuilding Kansas: Matt Volz on the Kansas Infrastructure HubThe ACEC Kansas podcast sits down with Matt Volz, head of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. Tune in to learn more about what “The Hub” means for Kansas communities, economic development, public safety, and of course, ACEC KS member firms!In this episode of the QBS Express, the ACEC Kansas podcast, host Scott Heidner, Executive Director of ACEC Kansas, sits down with Matt Volz to discuss the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. Matt Volz, recently appointed to lead the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, shares his journey from Northern Minnesota to his pivotal role in Kansas. The conversation delves into...
2024-07-1435 minThe QBS ExpressInnovating Infrastructure: Alternative Delivery in Kansas TransportationThe QBS Express, the ACEC KS podcast, sat down with key KDOT leaders to discuss alternative delivery and progress on specific projects using alternative delivery processes. Join us as we discuss the history of state legislation opening up alternative delivery, lessons learned, and more.00:30 Introducing Today's Guests01:33 Unveiling Today's Discussion: Alternative Delivery in Kansas01:59 Guest Backgrounds: Journeys to KDOT10:27 Exploring the DeSoto Project: A Progressive Design Build Model14:00 US 69 Express: Kansas' Largest Infrastructure Project17:03 Comparing Design Build and Progressive Design Build Models21:54 T...
2024-05-2650 minThe QBS ExpressBridging Futures: Grace Lipford on Engineering, Scholarships, and Career VisionsJoin the QBS Express as we visit with Grace Lipford, a recent winner of both state and national ACEC Kansas scholarship awards. Listen in as we visit with Grace about how the scholarship award process provided not just funds but contacts and experience. We also visit with Grace about what she and graduating colleagues are looking for in an employer, the best ways to grab their attention, and how to be a destination employer for these graduates!00:52 Introducing Our Special Guest: Grace Lipford01:48 Grace's Journey to Engineering02:29 Exploring Pre-College Interests an...
2024-03-2437 min
Motivated to Lead Podcast - Mark KlingsheimGayle Packer, CEO, TerraconThis week, we revisit our interview with Gayle Packer, Board Chair, CEO, and President of Terracon. She joined Terracon (ENR#24)* in 2004. During her 17 years with the company, Gayle has served in multiple leadership roles, including attorney, co-general counsel, director of corporate services, and chief administrative officer. She has been instrumental in Terracon's growth, coordinating the acquisition of more than 50 companies and expanding the company to over 150 offices nationwide. Gayle holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Laws from the University of Arkansas. In addition, she also has earned bachelor's degrees in p...
2024-03-1930 min
GBA Podcast#1 - Leadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage NegotiatorLeadership Lounge - How to Communicate Like a Hostage Negotiator
About This Episode
In this episode, we learn from a master negotiator about how to communicate more effectively through building cultures founded on emotional communication, active listening, and relationship-based negotiations. It doesn't matter if you are left-brain dominant, you can learn the right-brained skills necessary to become a better communicator. Dan talks about how every conversation is a negotiation, why storytelling is important in communication, and finally, he provides some practical advice to start developing and implementing these skills immediately.
Series Summary
In...
2024-02-271h 01The QBS ExpressReflections and Possibilities with the Presidents of ACECOn this episode of the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner engages in a conversation with Brett Letkowski, the past-president and Cameron McGown, the current president of ACEC Kansas. Rightly entailing reflections on their journeys on the board, they discuss the organization's key events in 2023, the year's initiatives, legislative sessions, funding for water and vertical infrastructures, among other key accomplishments. The guests discuss their involvement in various collaborative projects, challenges they faced, and the impact of their service at the state and national levels of the ACEC. They highlight the significance of scholarship opportunities offered by the ACEC, underscoring the...
2024-02-111h 03The QBS ExpressKDOT Transportation Tales w/ Calvin Reed and Greg ShieberIn this engaging conversation on the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner is joined by Calvin Reed, Kansas Secretary of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, and Greg Shieber, the Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer for the state of Kansas. Both guests share a glimpse of their personal backgrounds, their journeys into the realm of civil engineering, and their experiences working with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). They provide valuable insights into KDOT's broad mission, stressing its significant roles beyond the design and paving of roads and building of bridges. The conversation also highlights the agency's...
2024-01-2155 minThe QBS ExpressAll the Numbers w/ Steven Johnson, Kansas State TreasurerKansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson might very well have the most important job that no one ever really thinks about. He shares with host Scott Heidner how he got to his current position and how the work of the treasury has an impact on the lives of every Kansan. On this episode we discuss:A family heritage of farming since 1868Growing up on the farm and the influence of 4HHow farming has transformed over the yearsWorking in the private sectorRunning for office to fix the underfunded pensionsMaking systems like KPERS work for KansansThe criticality of staff to make th...
2023-08-1346 minThe QBS ExpressA Chance Encounter Leads to a Political Career with Blake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st DistrictBeing involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything. He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem. On this episode we discuss:Growing up in HalsteadBeing ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows)Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita StateThe value of the Eagle Scout achievementBecoming interested in politicsStarting as a freshman legislator right out of...
2023-04-0253 minThe QBS ExpressFrom Student Body President to House Minority Leader with Vic Miller, Kansas State Representative, 58th DistrictHost Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Minority Leader Vic Miller. They examine his life from the one room schoolhouse to his love for fantasy sports, as well as his involvement in politics beginning with his time at Emporia State as student body president. On this episode we discuss:Growing up in a one room schoolhouseThe impact of his father’s involvementThe role of Associated Students of Kansas and the act they got passedThe importance of having attorneys (at least a few) in the legislatureStarting out young as an elected officialTrying to balance service and...
2023-02-2637 minThe QBS ExpressA Journey of Service with Chris Croft, Kansas State Representative, 8th DistrictHost Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Majority Leader Chris Croft. They talk about his life and military career that eventually brought him to Kansas and led him to taking on his current role in state government. On this episode we discuss:The role his mother played in his life and finding role models for himGrowing up outsideJoining the Army and seeing the worldHow he met his wifeWhat he learned from Popeye’s Fried ChickenJumping out of the first plane he rode onThe value of mentors in his lifeWorking at the Pentagon and military mobi...
2023-02-121h 03The QBS ExpressLooking back and forward with current and past ACEC Presidents Jeff McKerrow and Brett LetkowskiHost Scott Heidner meets with the previous and current ACEC presidents in Jeff McKerrow and Brett Letkowski to discuss the latest developments and the opportunity that lies ahead for the organization. On this episode we discuss:Transportation funding situationStopping some legislation is just as importantMoving back to in-person meetingsLegislative leadership and the upcoming governor raceKeeping the train on the tracks (figuratively speaking)Increasing college scholarshipsBringing back the emerging leaders programThe partnership with KSPEHow to be involved with ACECOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC Kansas Brett Letkowski, TranSystems, ACEC Kansas President...
2022-09-2254 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. co-host Sara Clark and President of KC SmartPort Chris GutierrezThe latest episode of The QBS Express features co-host Sara Clark with TranSystems and guest Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort. Listen in as we get an in-depth account of how SmartPort came to be, who it serves, what part of the market occupies its time and resources, and how Chris's interest in this industry was sparked by collecting beer cans at a young age!
2022-04-2839 min
Uplifting WomenAll We Need is Love - Season Two - Episode 23All We Need is Love
Season Two - Episode 23
"We have the energy to impact everyone a round us in a positive way. Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you.” – Janice Perkins
In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with Janice about:
Raised by parents who instilled a sense of responsibility that we take care of others and invite them to our table
Chronic illness in her 30s focused her on what is important in life and how to live a life of impact...
2022-04-1236 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. co-host Jeff Keller and KDHE Director of the Bureau of Water Tom StilesThe latest episode of The QBS Express features co-host Jeff Keller with Burns and McDonnell and KDHE Director of the Bureau of Water Tom Stiles. Listen in as we learn about his interest in water quality from a young age, how he found his way to the engineering field, the services he provides to members, and the interaction that involves with ACEC member firms.
2022-03-021h 03The QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. co-host Steve Turner and Representative Richard ProehlThe QBS Express is happy to welcome co-host Shawn Turner with Transystems and Representative Richard Proehl to the show! Tune in as we learn about Representative Proehl's interest in veterinary science and agriculture, his time in the 101st Airborne Division, working as a rodeo clown and bull rider, and most importantly the importance of good infrastructure investment!
2021-09-3027 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Chad BristowThe QBS Express welcomes Chad Bristow, Director of Facilities for the Kansas Board of Regents, to the show! Join us as we discover how a farm kid from Leavenworth County found his way from art to the world of facilities and design, the many ways Chad and the Board of Regents team partner with ACEC member firms, and some very interesting recent developments regarding the funding of university infrastructure!
2021-07-2133 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Keith BrowningJoin us as we visit with Keith Browning, the Local Road Engineer for the Kansas Association of Counties! Listen in as we discuss how he found his way to the engineering field, the services he provides to members, and the interaction that involves with ACEC member firms. Stay with us to the end and you may find out something you didn’t know about what Keith does in his free time!
2021-06-0829 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Steve HewittThe QBS Express visits with Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) CEO Steve Hewitt. Join as we learn about the KTA’s mission, the customers it serves, partnerships with other states, aligned certain services with KDOT, and how technology is driving change. And if you stay with us to the end, you may or may not learn about Mr. Hewitt being part of a dynamic 80s/90s grunge cover band…..
2021-05-0751 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Julie Lorenz and Bob BrockThe QBS Express visits with KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz and KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock to discuss the recently announced Kansas Supersonic Flight Corridor! Learn the exciting story of how KDOT and partners all around the state proactively created and pitched this program, the opportunities and challenges that were met along the way, and what the future of this project means to Kansas business, the aerospace industry, scientific/academic fields of study, and much more.
2021-03-0333 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Frank WhiteFive time all-star. 1980 American League Championship Series MVP. World Series Champion. An incredible eight gold gloves. The ACEC Kansas QBS Express podcast series is delighted to bring you our interview with Jackson County Executive and former Kansas City Royal Frank White. We hope you enjoy listening at least a fraction as much as we enjoyed the conversation!
2020-09-271h 27The QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Gary JanzenJoin ACEC KS Executive Director Scott Heidner on this episode of the QBS Express as we visit with Gary Janzen, City Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Wichita. We convince Gary to tell us the full story of his journey into engineering and public works, what changes he has seen through his long career with the City of Wichita, what challenges and opportunities he sees ahead, and what he does on the odd chance he winds up with some free time!
2020-07-2340 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Kansas Engineering College DeansACEC Executive Director Scott Heidner joins the Deans of the three Kansas Engineering Colleges for a discussion on the University Engineering Initiatives Act (UEIA). Learn more about how this initiative was born, the substantial requirements placed on universities in order to be a beneficiary, and the incredible success metrics as we near the ten year mark of the program. Nobody knows more about it than the Deans!
2019-10-0839 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Kansas Governor Laura KellyThe QBS Express welcomes Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to the show. Listen in as we discuss life in a military family, the many places she’s lived along the way, why playing for the Yankees was her first career choice, and some of the best opportunities that come with being the Governor of Kansas. We also discuss issues near and dear to ACEC and her support for several of those issues through the years.
2019-08-1349 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Jerry StumpThe QBS Express welcomes Jerry Stump, President & CEO of Volkert Inc and a Past Chairman of ACEC National. Join us as we discuss the future opportunities and challenges of the industry, what traits are found in good leaders, the most important political issues to our businesses, and the joys of hearing Merle Haggard music on the radio as a child!
2019-07-091h 01The QBS ExpressQBS Express ft. ACEC National President Linda DarrJoin us as we visit with ACEC National President Linda Darr! We discuss the career steps that brought her to ACEC, current challenges to the consulting engineering industry, and how ACEC will play a vital role under her leadership in meeting these challenges.
2019-05-2953 minThe QBS ExpressQBS Express ft. Julie LorenzThe QBS Express welcomes KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. We discuss what it's like growing up in a newspaper family, the unpredictable ways she found herself in the engineering world, classic movies, and of course future plans for KDOT!
2019-04-1043 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Tim Cowden, KCADCThe QBS Express welcomes Tim Cowden, President & CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council. We discuss life as an Oklahoma Sooner, following your dreams even when they take a detour, and the contributions of the engineering community in helping market the Greater Kansas City Area.
2019-02-2654 minThe QBS ExpressQBS Express ft. Kansas Attorney General Derek SchmidtThe QBS Express welcomes Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Listen in as we explore life as a child in SE Kansas, best political/career advice, hidden gems of Kansas, and what it’s like to argue before the United States Supreme Court!
2019-02-0545 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express ft. Ron RyckmanKansas State Representative and Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman joins the ACEC Kansas podcast team for a good conversation about what it's like to be Speaker, interesting sports figures he's had the chance to befriend, country music, great experience working across the aisle with the other party on policy issues, and his support of QBS!
2019-01-1642 minThe QBS ExpressThe QBS Express Ft. Blaine FinchThis episode of the QBS Express sits down with State Representative and Speaker Pro Ten Blaine Finch of Ottawa. We discuss meeting your heroes, historic candidates for President (and their downfall), the saddest country songs of all time, and what to choose for good sipping' whiskey with one of the more engaging personalities at the Kansas Capitol!
2018-12-1443 min