GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn

GeoHeroes - Tom and Grace Blackburn

About This Episode
In this episode Guy Marcozzi interviews Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC and Grace Blackburn founders of Blackburn Consulting). Their remarkable journey began when they met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas, leading to a 26-year partnership in both marriage and business. After Tom was unexpectedly terminated from his previous firm, they launched Blackburn Consulting with three young children, focusing on public works and community impact. The Blackburns share insights on industry changes, the importance of people skills in an AI-driven future, and their philosophy of "good work for good people." Their story exemplifies how shared values and complementary skills can create lasting success in the geotechnical profession.

About Our Guest
Grace Blackburn, co-founded Blackburn Consulting in 1998. She serves on Blackburn’s Board of Directors and oversees the company’s administrative functions. She strives for excellence both personally and professionally. Grace actively volunteers in professional and community organizations. As a founding member and past state chair of ACEC’s Prevailing Wage Law Committee, Grace has worked with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and Department of Labor Standards and Research (DLSR) to clarify laws, regulations, and letters of determination regarding prevailing wage laws. She serves through a local ministry by cooking and feeding the less fortunate. In the last few years, Grace semi-retired to spend more time with her grandbaby and volunteer in her community.

Tom Blackburn, PE, GE, F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC, Blackburn Consulting’s founder and President, provides strong leadership not only for the company, but also for professional and local communities. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Tom was made a Fellow of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). Tom served in Local, State, and National leadership roles in each organization. He exemplifies a solid work ethic and integrity. Tom specializes in forensics and complex engineering projects. Licensed in California and Nevada, his 30 plus year track record and close relationships with clients and employees tell the story. He has served as a consultant and expert on hundreds of public works, residential, and commercial projects.

Tom’s technical expertise includes: deep foundations, landslides, expansive clay, earth pressures, settling soils, surface and subsurface drainage, ground vibrations, seismicity, liquefaction, codes, and construction practices.

He has worked on: dams, canals, penstocks, levees, bridges, pavements, concrete slabs, deep and shallow foundations, ground improvement, retaining walls, anchors, and structures.

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

• First GeoHeroes episode featuring a couple
• Tom & Grace Blackburn, founders of Blackburn Consulting (26 years)
• Based in California
• Both active in GBA (Tom - former president, Grace - active in committees)

Early Life and Education

Tom Blackburn:

• Grew up in St. Louis, Missouri on 12 acres
• Father was iron worker who started own steel erection firm
• First in family to attend college (along with sister)
• University of Missouri at Rolla (now Missouri S&T)
• Discovered passion for geotechnical engineering junior year
• Mentored by Professor Norbert Schmidt

Grace Blackburn:

• Grew up in Stockton, California
• Father died when she was 8, raised by Japanese mother
• Mother's motto: "Remember you're of the samurai. Don't bring shame on your family"
• CalPoly San Luis Obispo - Industrial Engineering degree
• High school counselor encouraged engineering career
• Won scholarship from Arco

Career Path

Early Careers:

• Tom: Alpha Testing in Dallas-Fort Worth (materials & geotechnical engineering)
• Grace: Arco Oil & Gas management training program (7-8 positions in 7 years)
• Met volunteering at Special Olympics in Dallas

Formation of Blackburn Consulting (1998):

• Tom was terminated from Anderson Geotechnical after 10 years as president/part owner
• Grace encouraged him to start their own firm
• Launched with 3 young children at home
• Focused exclusively on public works (not private development)
• Started as 2-person operation

Leadership

Business Philosophy:

• Quality over quantity - "willing to turn work down"
• Community engagement (worked on school bond issues)
• "Good work for good people"
• Employee and community impact focused

Management Approach:

• Grace handled administrative, financial, legal, marketing functions
• Tom focused on technical work and business development
• Family-centered approach (brought kids to GBA conferences)
• Emphasis on treating people with dignity and respect

The Geoprofessional Landscape

Changes Observed:

• Private equity and larger firms entering the market
• Shift from medium-sized firms to profit-focused operations
• Advanced tools for exploration and analysis
• Decline in writing skills among new graduates

Future Disruptions:

• AI and machine learning as major disruptors
• Comparison to Industrial Revolution impact on manufacturing
• Machines will handle white collar tasks (soil recognition, foundation recommendations)
• Data management becoming crucial differentiator

What Stays the Same:

• People skills remain essential
• Need for creative, out-of-the-box thinking
• Fundamental soil mechanics understanding still required
• Importance of relationships and treating people well

Life Advice

Key Principles:

• Perseverance through hardships - "we don't learn from the easy things"
• No ceiling on personal potential - "it's up to you"
• Develop strong people skills in digital world
• Think creatively and look for better solutions
• Treat people with dignity and respect
• Build genuine relationships, not just phone interactions

For New Professionals:

• Focus on soft skills and people interaction
• Don't rely solely on computers - understand the output
• Improve writing skills
• Embrace challenges as learning opportunities

Speed Round

• Favorite Book: Grace - Bible Tom - Stephen Covey
• Optimism index: 5 out of 5 - natural optimists
• Biggest impact:
• Both: Their firm and its positive impact on employees/community
• Tom: Montecito debris flow project for Caltrans
• Grace: First $6M Caltrans contract management
• What Would You Change: Both: Would change nothing - hardships were necessary for growth
• Advice for New Professionals:
• Persevere through difficulties
• Develop people skills
• Think out of the box
• Treat others with dignity and respect

Final Thoughts

On Being GeoHeroes:

• Tom: "Hard work and perseverance" - wants to be a role model
• Grace: Focus on making things better and helping people
• Both emphasize impact on others' lives over personal recognition

On GBA Community:

• Incredible support when starting their firm
• "Some of the best people on earth"
• Offered financial and administrative assistance
• Encouraged them to start their own business

On Teamwork:

• Success depends on employees, clients, and professional relationships
• Family approach to business and life
• Importance of working with others and building lasting relationships

Calls-to-action:

• Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member.
• Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future podcast episodes
• Contact us at info@geoprofessional.org with any podcast-related questions or comments

Subscribe

• Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe

This episode was produced by the following GBA Members:

• Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex