Being 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 Halstead Being ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows) Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita State The value of the Eagle Scout achievement Becoming interested in politics Starting as a freshman legislator right out of college Growing into leadership roles and the associated time commitment The internship program Blake’s podcast, The Kansas Briefing Proposing on the cliffs of Ireland Other Resources:Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and AssociatesBlake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st DistrictThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host 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 schoolhouse The impact of his father’s involvement The role of Associated Students of Kansas and the act they got passed The importance of having attorneys (at least a few) in the legislature Starting out young as an elected official Trying to balance service and a public practice How serving in property valuation gave him an in-demand skill The fraught challenge of drawing district lines Influence and responsibility Getting young people involved in public service A love of fantasy sports Other Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasVic Miller, Kansas State Representative, 58th District This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host 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 him Growing up outside Joining the Army and seeing the world How he met his wife What he learned from Popeye’s Fried Chicken Jumping out of the first plane he rode on The value of mentors in his life Working at the Pentagon and military mobility equipment Finding a home in Kansas A vision for transportation infrastructure in the state Getting started in public service Taking on the house majority leader mantle Going out on Black Friday and Christmas Eve Other Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasChris Croft, Kansas State Representative, 8th District This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas.  This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.  For more information visit ictpod.net

Host 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.

The 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!

The 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.

The 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!

The 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!

Join 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!

The 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…..