GISuser.com

GIS and Technology news for mapping professionals

  • PRESS
    • Submit PR
    • Top Press
    • Business
    • GIS, Geo Tech Software
    • Hardware
    • UAV News
    • Mobile Technology
    • Editor’s Top Picks
    • Get TOP Listing!
  • FEATURES
    • GeoGeeksinCars
    • 10 Question Q&A
    • FROM THE EDITOR
    • SPATIAL MEDIA AUTHORS
    • Social Media Features
    • EXPERTS & Guests
    • Listicles and Top 10 Lists
    • Infographics
    • VIDEOS
  • Events
    • Webinars
    • Submit event
    • Event Media Partner
  • CAREERS
    • Career Help Articles
    • People and Career News
    • Work from Home
    • About GeoJobs.BIZ
  • About
    • Advertise
      • Advertise wth GISuser
      • Media Kit Request Form
      • Directory
      • Submit Press
    • Contact GISuser
    • Meet the Editor
    • Social Media
      • AnyGeo Blog
      • GeoGeeks Podcast
      • Social Media Features
      • Like Us
    • SpatialMedia
      • LBSzone
      • LiDAR Magazine
      • Amerisurv
      • SymbianOne
    • RSS feed
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Cloud Hosting
    • Amazon Cloud Hosting
    • WordPress cloud hosting
    • Dedicated servers USA
    • Linux Shared Hosting
    • Windows Shared Hosting
    • Web Development
    • SSL Certificate
  • Tradepubs
You are here: Home / *FEATURES / 10 Question Q&A / 10 Question GeoGeek Rapidfire – Lowell Ballard @lowellbva

10 Question GeoGeek Rapidfire – Lowell Ballard @lowellbva

February 8, 2016 By GISuser

Time once again for another GeoGeek rapid fire, this time I have Lowell Ballard,  Director of Geospatial Technology at Timmons Group where his role is to provide overall leadership and strategic direction for some ~100 GIS professionals.  Ballard also works very closely on Strategic Planning projects with clients helping them to mature through GIS programs with the critical elements of a highly-functioning program including people, data and overall governance.

10 Question GeoGeek Rapidfire – Lowell Ballard @lowellbva

10 quick questions to get to know Lowell a little better:


Q: PC or MAC?

A: PC


Q: Coffee or Tea & Beer or wine?

A: Dark Coffee, Dark Beer/IPAs


Q: ArcGIS or QGIS (or other)?

A: Various flavors with an importance on the right tool for the business problem


Q: iOS or Android?

A: Android


Q: ESRIUC or FOSS4G?

A: Both


Q: If I was to look on your coffee table, what are you currently reading? (Sorry if this sounded creepy!)

A: I’m currently reading John Lydon’s biography “Anger is an Energy”


Q: On the job front, is your company hiring or have you recently made a hire? Also, are there any challenges you face in hiring Geotech/Dev talent that you’d like to share?

A: We have roughly 100 staff specialized on GIS.  Our staff includes those focused on GIS Data Management, Strategic Planning, Asset Management, Mobile and Web Development and Hosting and Support.  We hire people monthly with our toughest hires being application / mobile developers typically.


Q: Any advice for GeoGeeks that are thinking of launching a startup venture?

A: The best ideas are typically simple ideas and take little “education” for people to understand their value.  The more you have to “explain it” the less value it typically has.


Q: I’m a College student wanting a career in “GIS” what words of wisdom can you give me? Also, I often get people asking what courses or prof. development can I suggest. Is there a short course through Coursera or code academy etc… that you would suggest for a geogeek?

A: We rarely look at education when hiring people.  We have hired people without college degrees numerous times.  I would focus on “what you’ve done” versus “classes I’ve taken”.  Doing a side project that shows initiative and skill will travel much further than getting an A in a class.


Q: I’m a bit of a skeptic regarding the economy at the moment and don’t view things as being completely rosy. How do you see the current business climate unfolding?
A: The world of mobile and GIS isn’t going anywhere (i.e., not shrinking).


Q: Can you share a snippet of what’s exciting and/or on the horizon for you & or your company?

A: We are continually intrigued by the growth of mobile and location-based solutions.  The advent of Google Maps and other commercial services into our daily lives has heightened the importance of what we do and opened a million new doors.


 

You can connect with Lowell via:
Twitter:
@lowellbva
Web: www.timmonsgis.com
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lowell-ballard-a07437


Thanks for taking part Lowell!

For over 20 years, Timmons Group has provided proven geospatial solutions inspired by our clients and their vision.  Our professional staff offers the expertise and ability required to design and execute innovative, challenging solutions that push to the forefront of our industry.  Timmons Group is steadfastly committed to our mission – “To achieve unparalleled understanding of our clients, their businesses and their visions resulting in unrivaled client service and shared success.”

We carefully listen to each client’s precise needs and evaluate all potential options in order to develop sound and innovative solutions.  Our clear communication and time-tested technical expertise enable us to think outside the box as we tirelessly strive for solutions that express you, our client, your stakeholders and the community.

See All the GeoGeek Rapid Fire Q&As HERE

Related Articles on GISuser:

  • Timmons Group Expands to West Coast, Hires Marcus GlassTimmons Group Expands to West Coast, Hires Marcus Glass
  • Timmons Group Announces June Webinar on Web App Deployment AutomationTimmons Group Announces June Webinar on Web App Deployment Automation
  • Top Engineering Firm in the Region Adds Right of Way ServicesTop Engineering Firm in the Region Adds Right of Way Services
  • Timmons Group Announces Webinar in May on Taking Cityworks® PLL to the Next LevelTimmons Group Announces Webinar in May on Taking Cityworks® PLL to the Next Level
  • Timmons Group Completes Asset Management Systems Implementations for Multiple ClientsTimmons Group Completes Asset Management Systems Implementations for Multiple Clients
  • Geospatial and Engineering Firm Extends to ColoradoGeospatial and Engineering Firm Extends to Colorado

Filed Under: 10 Question Q&A, Around the Web, Business, Top Features Tagged With: Timmons Group






Editor’s Picks

Learn to Make Decisions Using Lidar Data and Geographic Information Systems

Learn to Make Decisions Using Lidar Data and Geographic Information Systems

Device Spotlight – Trimble R1 GNSS Receiver

NOAA’s Lake Level Viewer of the Great Lakes

Esri Helps Developers Add Geo to Apps at TechCrunch Disrupt NY 2016

See More Editor's Picks...

Connect with GISuser

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter


GIS jobs

Recent Features

Digitalization and Simulation at the North Pole

Natural Gas District & GIS-Centric Asset Management

5 Ways Technology Is Affecting The Sharing Economy

Spotlight – Township Canada: Explore Canadian Legal Land Descriptions on a Map

GeoGeeksinCars – The one in “Tippy” the right-hand drive Mitsubishi, at DevSummit

More Posts from this Category

Categories


geoignite 2021

Recent Posts

  • The Top Jobs in 2021 Will all Be Related to Big Data
  • Why You Should Work with an Architect on Your Home
  • Event / Webinar Tip – The Avenza User Conference #AvenzaUC2021
  • Parrot and High Lander enhance drone fleet automation
  • USGIF Announces 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

RSS Career Tips

  • Four Characteristics of the Best Virtual Employees
  • Jobcase Launches Free Unemployment Resource Center for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
  • 8 Questions Employers Should Ask About Coronavirus
  • Must-Have Gadgets and Technology for the Remote Office Worker
  • Must-Have Gadgets and Technology for the Remote Office Worker


shop for geogeek swag

RSS Tech pubs

  • Utilizing a Digital Platform to Drive Operational Improvements
  • Human Resources FrontRunners Report
  • Applicant Tracking FrontRunners Report

RSS Computers

  • The Essentials of Information Security Kit: Includes a Free PC Security Handbook - 2nd Edition eBook
  • iPad CTO Kit - including the iPad Tips and Tricks Guide for IT Executives and Managers
  • Windows... On Speed

RSS HR Tips

  • Applicant Tracking FrontRunners Report
  • Human Resources FrontRunners Report
  • How Diversity, Equity & Inclusion can Take Credit Unions into the Future

RSS Gov Tech

  • Am Law 100: Trends, Insights & How Firms Plan to Move Past the Pandemic
  • Hidden Risks to Patient Data Security
  • What Covid-19 Safety Expenses Can Public Entities Cover With Federal Funds?

RSS UAV news

  • Parrot and High Lander enhance drone fleet automation
  • NASA’s Mars Helicopter to Make First Flight Attempt Sunday
  • Rhode Island Signs Participating Addendum with DroneUp

RSS Geojobs

  • Help Desk Technician
Copyright Spatial Media LLC 2003 - 2015