Meet Ron Reichert (Technical Marketing, AmeriTex Pipe & Products)
June 2021
Get to Know Your ASCE Texas Section Board of Direction
ASCE Texas Section Board of Direction members are asked to fill out a questionnaire so Section members can get to know them a little better. Let’s hear from incoming VP of Technical Affairs for 2021-2022, Ron Reichert:
When did you first get involved with ASCE at any level (student chapter, local branch, section)?
At Drexel University, ASCE had happy hour meetings on a regular basis. When I heard that certain professors attended and would tell us what was on upcoming exams, I decided to start attending. I have never looked back!
What is your favorite thing about ASCE?
Sandcastle!
When did you know you wanted to be a civil engineer?
I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up!
How has ASCE helped you in your career?
Networking, networking, networking.
What is the biggest challenge civil engineers face today?
Engineers tend to speak in a highly technical manner using “industry” terms and acronyms, assuming everyone understands what is being said. We ABSOLUTELY must learn how to speak to non-engineers so that our voice is heard on planning and legislative issues and agendas. Why do we continue to allow lawyers and businessmen to make the decisions on critical infrastructure? We are the experts!
Give us your best 2-3 sentence piece of advice for the next generation of civil engineers
When you get your diploma, your education is just beginning. Listen to folks who have been doing the jobs you will be doing. Go to jobsites and learn from the contractors. Wear work boots and jeans (preferably a bit worn so you do not look like an engineer!) Get dirty. Ask questions. Seeing and learning how your designs are constructed in the field is very important. Bridging the communication gap between contractors and engineers is critical.
Everyone has 15 seconds of fame (at least), where have you “spent” or “earned” yours?
The Sunset Strip in Hollywood. You have to read my LinkedIn stories if you want more details.
What is your favorite holiday?
Independence Day!
What would your superpower be?
Time travel. I would love to go back and hang around Philadelphia while the Constitution was being developed.
What is your favorite band?
The Allman Brothers Band
Give us your best (clean) joke:
A horse walks into a bar, and the bartender says: “Hey, why the long face?”
Learn more about the ASCE Texas Section leadership:
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