GeoHeroes - Saiid Behboodi

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May 7th, 2025

48 mins 23 secs

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About this Episode

GeoHeroes - Saiid Behboodi

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA, Principal / Geotechnical Engineer at PBS Engineering and Environmental an Apex Company. Saiid's path was shaped by his cultural background and personal journey. His parents instilled a strong philosophy emphasizing education and being an "A student in society," which influenced his move to the US for civil engineering studies at UMass. Despite facing a language barrier, his solid high school background helped him excel. He chose civil engineering due to its high regard abroad, where civil engineers are seen as "heroes." A move to the West Coast led him into geotechnical engineering through serendipity -- a creative teaching approach helpped him secured his first job. A critical influence on his career and business acumen was his involvement with GBA, where he learned crucial knowledge in loss prevention and risk management, leading to a corporate role. Saiid's personal philosophy, rooted in his upbringing and professional journey, stresses continuous learning, mentorship, social skills, and giving back, emphasizing that relationship is key in business.

Series Summary
In this podcast series Guy Marcozzi will interview past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

About Our Guest
Saiid Behboodi, PE, GE, F.GBA is a principal and geotechnical engineer at PBS Engineering and Envrionmental, an Apex company. Saiid was a vice president at Squire Associates before they were acquired by Kleinfelder. At Kleinfelder he served as a national loss prevention officer, NW transportation director and a member of the princiapl professional group. He is a GBA fellow and former President's award winner. With over 40 years of geotechnical engineeirng consulting experiene, Saiid continues to serve as QA/QC reviewer as part of the geotechnical group at PBS.

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.

Discussion Topics:

Introduction

  • 00:00 Introduction and Welcome

Early Life and Education

  • 00:23 Saiid's Early Life and Education
  • 02:40 Challenges and Experiences in the US
  • 05:05 Move to the US
  • 06:24 Choosing Civil Engineering
  • 08:29 Journey to the West Coast

Career Path

  • 09:55 Career in Geotechnical Engineering
  • 17:17 Entrepreneurial Ventures
  • 20:16 Involvement with GBA
  • 21:53 An Unexpected Reward

The Geoprofessional Landscape & Life Advice

  • 23:40 The Geoprofession Today
  • 25:22 Risk Management and Loss Prevention
  • 26:49 Embracing Technological Changes
  • 30:12 Advice for Young Professionals
  • 33:30 Planning for Retirement

Speed Round

Final Thoughts

  • 45:24 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: