Underground Infrastructure - November 2023 - 23

and governmental agencies across Texas
and beyond. Cities like Laredo, Galveston,
Houston and numerous others bear the
mark of his expertise, with projects that
not only meet the needs of today but also
lay a strong foundation for the future.
A native of Waco, Texas, Ford served
as president of the board of the Gulf
Coast Trenchless Association (predecessor
to UCTA), and now serves as
the South Texas chapter liaison to the
National Board and is on the steering
committee for the annual UIC event.
" It is a lifetime achievement award, "
stressed Ford, on being named MVP. " The
previous recipients are truly a who's who
of the underground industry. To even be
considered in the same sentence as them
is the highest honor I can imagine. "
Diverse career
Ford described his professional path as
diverse with direction from several industry
leaders. " I began work as an engineer
tech and loved surveying. I worked
under industry experts such as John
Barton building plants and he trained me
to be an estimator of underground piping
systems which led to a career in the
piping industry.
" Being in Houston in the late 1980s
during the greater Houston wastewater
program, with solutions to trenchless
construction, elevated my career quickly.
It never hurts to be in the right place, "
he pointed out.
" I was surrounded by experts, and I
learned everything I could. Gary Oradat
lifted me up on his shoulders and guided
my career. In 2002, I was having lunch
with a client, Tony Boyd, who was in
charge of the Houston Surface Water
Program. Tony asked if I ever thought
about coming to the dark side of the force,
the engineering business. I reminded
him that I was not a P.E. He told me that
he had tons of designers who were top
notch. He needed someone to connect
the problems and the problem solvers. I
have been doing just that for 20 years. "
Ford continues to be an avid supporter
of UCTA. " As president of the
Gulf Coast Trenchless association in
the 1990s, I worked with key people to
envision UCTA as a national nonprofit
to advance knowledge, support education
and offer networking opportunities.
UCTA currently has chapters in North
Texas, Gulf Coast, Arizona, and South
Texas. The association continues to grow
in many directions. "
Many people have influenced his career.
" I would thank my mentors who I
credit for my successful career. They include
John Barton, Cleo Whitlock II, and
Tony Boyd. The information they have
taught me is invaluable.
" My wife Vickie is my biggest cheerleader.
I thank her for coaching me.
Thank you to my friends, who have lifted
me up on their shoulders and made me
look really smart on occasion. " UI
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Underground Infrastructure - November 2023

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