I am the President of Marshall and Associates and have been for 5.5 years.I started as a Research Scientist at Environmental Research Institute of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, then started a GIS group at Economic and Engineering Services in Washington, before starting my own firm.I broke off from EES to start my own company.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Applied Geophysics (Michigan Technological University), and MS in Natural Resources Management Planning and Policy (University of Michigan).My training began as a remote sensing research scientist, and then migrated to more commercial GIS systems
Would you recommend GIS to others?
Yes, it is interesting and always changing-- the market is very good.I think the best way to start is to have a very solid education, that emphasizes math, informations systems and programming.
What is the accomplishment of which you are most proud.
I am very pleased that I started my own company and growing my own business.
What does your typical day or week look like?
I spend almost 1/2 my time using email to manage the business.I still do some billable work on projects, especially implementation planning services for clients.I am very stingy about attending meetings -- only if there is a clear agenda, and strong reason for being called.
Why is GIS an exciting industry in which to participate?
The market is booming and there are great opportunities to make a difference.
What is the most important "next thing" that will happen in GIS?
When agencies and firms can catch up with the technology so that GIS is truly an enterprise system -- this will leverage the business functions of the firm or agency immensely.
Before you came to GIS, what did you think your career would be in?
Geophysics -- but the oil industry collapsed right when I graduated.