It's Thanksgiving, and so I wanted to write a brief reflection on the things that make our lives better in this industry. In the world of damage prevention and utility management, it’s easy to get caught up in the challenges, but there’s also so much to be grateful for. This year, I’m focusing on the "5 T’s" that I’m most thankful for: Technology, Team, Travel, Training, and Trust.

1. Technology

One of the things I love most about working in damage prevention is getting to see firsthand the technology shaping our industry - not just what we’re developing at Utilocate , but also the tools and innovations from other tech providers and competitors. Every time I dive into a new system or watch a demo, it’s like glimpsing the future of our field.

I’ve had the chance to test out some of the most cutting-edge tools, from AI algorithms that process thousands of tickets in seconds to augmented reality overlays that bring underground infrastructure to life on a screen. What excites me most, though, isn’t just the tech itself - it’s the data. The amount of information we can now gather and process is unprecedented, and we’re just scratching the surface of how we can use it to predict risks, streamline operations, and make our work safer and more efficient.

Now is the time to double down on collecting and leveraging that data. Every locate, every audit, and every near miss tells a story - and when we piece those stories together, the possibilities are endless. It’s thrilling to think about where this journey will take us in the years to come. The future of damage prevention isn’t just bright; it’s data-driven and full of potential.

2. Team

Behind every innovative solution or successful project is a team of dedicated individuals. I’m endlessly grateful for the people I work with every day - the developers pushing boundaries, the sales guys ( Kyle Winters , Tony Millikin , Briant Thomas ) spreading the message, and the locators on the ground ensuring safety. But our team isn’t limited to just our employees; it’s so much bigger than that.

Our customers are an integral part of our team, often acting as real-world field testers who provide invaluable feedback to help us refine and improve our tools. Then there are our peers and industry stakeholders - organizations like CGA members who bring their expertise and vision to the table. These partnerships and collaborations are what drive the entire damage prevention industry forward.

A great team isn’t just about skills; it’s about shared passion, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to doing things right. Together, we’re shaping the future of safety, efficiency, and innovation. For that, I couldn’t be more thankful.

3. Travel

Thanksgiving also reminds me of the value of travel - not just for leisure but for connection. From attending conferences like the Texas Gas Association roundtable to meeting industry leaders at CGA events, travel allows us to share ideas, build relationships, and bring fresh perspectives back to our work. Plus, it’s hard to beat the inspiration of seeing new places and cultures.

That said, travel can be tough - it means time away from family, missing milestones, and the comforts of home. But it’s also a blessing. It’s a privilege to visit customers across North America, spend time in the field, and see firsthand the incredible work being done every day. Meeting the regular, hardworking people who keep our industry alive and civilization in place is humbling and inspiring.

These experiences are a reminder of why we do what we do: to make their jobs safer, their projects smoother, and their communities more secure. Travel opens your eyes not just to the challenges we face but also to the immense dedication and ingenuity that fuel our industry.

4. Training

In damage prevention, knowledge is power. I’m thankful for the continued training opportunities that keep us all on top of our game. Whether it’s workshops on new regulations, hands-on training with emerging technologies, or certifications that build expertise, investing in knowledge is an investment in safety.

What makes me especially grateful is the chance to be part of that training process. Alongside Kyle Winters, I often find myself training others on Utilocate - whether it’s new customers, seasoned field teams, or peers in the industry. These sessions are more than just teaching moments; they’re opportunities to learn. Every question asked, every suggestion shared, and every field experience relayed gives us valuable insights to feed back into our product.

I’ve always loved learning, so it’s easy to be thankful for the ways training keeps pushing me to grow. It’s not just about mastering what we already know; it’s about discovering what’s next and making sure our tools evolve to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry. Knowledge truly is power, and I’m grateful to be part of an industry that values it so deeply.

5. Trust

Finally, I’m grateful for the trust that clients, colleagues, and stakeholders place in our industry. Trust is the glue that holds everything together, from contractors relying on accurate locates to utility owners who partner with us to protect their infrastructure. Earning and maintaining that trust is both a responsibility and a privilege.

The trust of my teammates and employees here at Utilocate, and the trust of our customers, isn’t just something to be thankful for - it’s something to recognize and take responsibility for. Trust should never be assumed but always appreciated. It’s a constant reminder that our work impacts real people and critical infrastructure, and that trust must be earned every day through our actions, our honesty, and our commitment to doing what’s right.

In a world where so much of our faith is placed in technology rather than people, it’s refreshing - and humbling - to know we’ve built relationships that go beyond transactions. The familial bond we share with many of our customers, industry colleagues, and confidants makes this work all the more meaningful. It’s an honor to be trusted, and that trust drives us to continue building tools, processes, and partnerships that reflect the care and responsibility entrusted to us.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for in your own work. Whether it’s the people, the tools, or the opportunities, gratitude has a way of reminding us why we do what we do - and why it matters.