Employee Spotlight: John Young

/ KERAMIDA Inc./

John Young
Senior Project Manager, Land Services

How long have you been with KERAMIDA?

In June, I will have been with KERAMIDA for 6 years. Which is the longest I’ve worked anywhere!

What do you love about this line of work?

I love the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and being challenged to do new types of work. I relish the opportunity to visit some of the many work environments our clients represent: power plants, foundries, cement plants, other manufacturing facilities, commercial malls, etc. I appreciate the opportunity to get out into the field, to be outdoors and get my hands dirty. But I also appreciate balancing that travel with time in the office.

What continues to drive your passion for land work?

I enjoy seeing a project go from a records review, to collecting samples in the field, seeing the analytical (if applicable), and watching a report come together. Seeing how it all works from start to finish is satisfying. I work on many different types of projects but I know there are many more details and projects to learn about. 

What do you think it will take for the world to address its land and environmental issues?

I think the greatest driver for global change will have to be necessity, but hopefully some change can be proactive. Sustainable land use like re-using formerly contaminated properties and smart development will become more and more important, as will other key issues like sustainable energy production and use.

What do you believe is the most meaningful/impactful aspect of your role?

Even though on an individual level it may be small, I do believe that as a company all of us play a role in human safety and environmental health. For me personally that relates to industrial hygiene with lead, asbestos, and mold testing. And it relates to environmental protection with NEPA work, wetlands delineation, stormwater and spill inspections, and Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and investigation/remediation.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

In my free time I like to run and go fishing. I have two children ages 4 and (nearly) 2 so they take up a lot of my time. I love taking them to the wooded trails near my house or the playground. I also end up doing a lot of yard work whether I like it or not (I am a Midwestern dad after all). I like growing vegetables.