Who’s Minding the Store?

I’m sure I was not alone among NUCA presidents in wondering how I was going to balance the responsibilities of running a utility construction business with those of representing an important national trade association. Upon taking office, I immediately discovered that wondering about those things in the abstract was quite different from the unfolding reality.

Take my first few days at work after becoming president of NUCA. I had the overwhelming feeling that someone in my company had been replaced and it was me! I was sitting at my desk while everyone walked by, ignoring me. To be honest, it shook me up a little. I felt like shouting out, “Hey! I’m still here!” Instead, I decided to walk around the office and see what was going on. It was a bit surreal — sort of like being on the outside looking in from a hidden place or via some Webcam spy thing. Every department was busy and, as always, functioning at warp speed. The environment was intense but friendly. I was greeted cheerfully, but not asked the usual detailed questions about jobs. “What is going on?” I thought.

Back at my desk, I reflected on what I had seen. And then it came to me — my Atlas Excavating family had grown up. My wife Tina is a savvy, fearless construction partner, greatly respected in our industry. My daughter-in-law Keisha is methodically following in her footsteps and doing well. My sons Casey and Nick excel at what they do and are reaping the benefits of their labors. My employees, whom I admire and trust, have committed themselves to seeing that everything will move forward smoothly whenever I’m away on NUCA business. Wow. What a relief! There’s nothing like knowing that the people minding the store while you’re away are more than up to the task.

I think NUCA is kind of like that — minding the big-picture store for us while we go about our daily business in cities across the country. The main difference is that NUCA has member committees such as Trenchless Technology and Damage Prevention and departments concerned with Government Relations and Safety. It also has a group of committed leaders overseeing it all. There’s nothing like knowing that all these people will do their best to help us stay out of trouble and in the black.

Regards
Terry Dillon