Leadership Changes at BSK

Leadership Changes at BSK

The promotions of Belinda Vega and Tim Rodriguez to Chief Operations Officers of the Laboratory and Engineering divisions are very deserving.  Their proven expertise and dedication combined with existing working knowledge of BSK will help us to further push our strategic objectives while building a focus around excellent employee and client experiences.

I am also pleased former CEO, Rich Johnson, has chosen to stay on board with us as a Principal Geologist.  Rich will not only be working on new projects, but will also be taking on roles to assist with Risk Management and Mentorship.

I am filled with confidence in the level of Senior Leadership we have within BSK and am excited by how motivated they are to build a stronger company and develop the next generation of leaders.

-Renea Rangell

 

BSK approved for UCMR5

BSK approved for UCMR5

BSK approved for UCMR5

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We are proud to announce that we have received our approval from the EPA to participate in UCMR5 which is scheduled to start in 2023! The approval was based on our successful results on the performance testing samples.

The EPA uses the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to look for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water.

We are proud to be helping to keep our drinking water safe!  

 

 

For more information about UCMR5 and information provided by the EPA please click HERE. If you or someone you know is in need of UCMR5 testing or other water testing needs do not hesitate to call BSK today!

 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

Congratulations Adam Terronez

Congratulations Adam Terronez, Branch Manager of our #Bakersfield #BSK, who has been appointed unanimously to fill the vacant seat on the BSK Board of Directors.

Congratulations Adam Terronez

Congratulations Adam Terronez!!!

 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Renea Rangell to Become BSK Associates Next CEO

Renea Rangell to Become BSK Associates Next CEO

Renea Rangell to Become BSK Associates Next CEO

The BSK Associates’ Board of Directors is pleased to announce today that   Renea Rangell will be the firm’s next CEO effective January 1, 2022.   Ms. Rangell, a seasoned and successful member of BSK’s leadership team for over 8 years, will succeed CEO Rich Johnson who is stepping down from the position after his many years of valued executive leadership.

After 16 years at the helm of BSK, it is time that I turn executive leadership of this incredible company over to Renea and her energetic and very capable team,” says Johnson. “Her vision, her inclusive style, and her drive make her the perfect choice to drive BSK to even greater success.”

Board Chairman Kurt Fraese shares that “The selection of Renea represents the most significant milestone in a well-executed and ongoing leadership transition process. BSK is poised to take its next transformative leap forward with Renea’s ability to leverage the firm’s exceptional service and commitment to growth.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead this truly unique company with an amazing team who is poised for growth and new challenges” says Rangell.  “I believe building upon our commitment to quality service and employee development will provide an exceptional client experience and foster a passion for innovative solutions to positively contribute to the industries and communities we serve.  I’m looking forward to engaging our clients through industry organizations, news and educational communications as well as community and philanthropic event participation.  Amidst these difficult times, it’s more important than ever that we stay connected and find the opportunities to be successful.”

Chairman Fraese adds “We thank Rich for his tremendous dedication and leadership in securing BSK’s position as a premiere employer, consulting engineering and analytical testing firm.  We look forward to his continued engagement in new capacities for the firm as we welcome Renea and the next generation of BSK leadership talent.”

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

BSK helps revamp historical buildings in downtown Merced.

Revamp on historical buildings in downtown Merced.

BSK helps downtown Merced revitalize historical buildings. Three of Merced’s oldest buildings are receiving a face lift in hopes of bringing downtown Merced back to life. Downtown Merced has been under construction over the past year on Tioga Hotel, El Capitan Hotel, and the Mainzer Theatre. Not only are these three historical sites some of the oldest buildings in Merced, built as early as 1920’s, they also have noteworthy historical pasts. The goal of this project is to renovate these notorious sites, while still maintaining some historical integrity.

BSK Associates has played a key role in the renovations of each of these buildings. After BSK’s initial Geotechnical Engineering Investigation, South Valley Regional Manager, On Man Lau, PE, GE, was able to reduce the size of the micropiles. This reduction saved the developer thousands of dollars towards the renovations.

BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

All three renovations are still in progress. However, we are excited to announce the Tioga is nearing completion. The El Capitan Hotel and Mainzer Theater are also well on their way.

The Tioga Hotel becomes Luxury Apartments

Tioga Hotel, Downtown Merced Revitalization.

The Tioga Hotel is one of the oldest and largest buildings in the City of Merced. Built in 1928, the Tioga was home to Merced’s first neon sign, was a key player in the wartime efforts during World War II, and attracted numerous notable figures and royalty from across the world, including Calvin Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe, and John Kennedy. The National Register of Historical Places inducted the Tioga in 1980. Due to its prestigious history it was important to all those involved to preserve as much of the building as possible, while upgrading the structure to today’s safety standards.

BSK had the opportunity of performing field exploration on the Tioga; designing micropiles for a seismic retrofit on the existing six story reinforced concrete structure. Furthermore, we performed materials testing and inspection on the Tioga including but not limited to:

  • Drilled Pier Soils Observations

    Tioga Hotel. Downtown Merced Revitalization.

  • Reinforced Concrete Inspections
  • Concrete Sampling and Testing
  • Post Installed Anchor Inspections
  • Shop and Field Welding Inspections
  • High Strength Bolting Inspections
  • Epoxy Rebar Inspections
  • Shear wall nailing Inspections
  • Wood Moisture Testing

Features include; studios, one-and two-bedroom apartments, and penthouse apartments. The lobby will feature social work-spaces, a fitness center, and private conference and event rooms. There are also plans to include a retail area on the street level space.

El Capitan Hotel Renovations

BSK helps revamp historical buildings in downtown Merced

UT inspection at El Capitan. Photo features the Tioga in background.

El Capitan is another historic remodel for the City of Merced. The original EL Capitan was Merced’s first hotel, built in 1872, the same year the City of Merced was established. Unfortunately, in 1931 the hotel burnt, but it was remodeled and has been left as it is since 1936.

As with the Tioga Hotel, BSK has helped with the renovations on El Capitan from the ground up,  from performing Ultrasonic Testing on the primary metal structure of the building in local weld shops, to being on the El Capitan job site, conducting Reinforced Concrete Inspection.

Tioga Hotel features 114 rooms restored to encompass the original feel of the hotel and honor the historic El Capitan as the town’s first railroad depot.  The space will also feature a restaurant, a café, and an amazing courtyard lounge.

The Mainzer Theater

The Mainzer Theatre revamp in Downtown Merced.

Although construction on this building originally began in the 1920’s, the Mainzer Theatre did not open its doors until Halloween, October 31st, of 1931. The Mainzer Theatre is one of the most recognized landmarks in Merced. Originally built by famous architects from San Francisco, the Reid Brothers. The Spanish Courtyard design was very unique. According to the Merced Theatre Foundation, which was responsible for the initial restoration of the building in 2012, “Patrons that visited the theatre believed that there were people living in the windows of the courtyard”. The Mainzer Theatre has been a special place for those of Merced, from school graduations and dance performances, to weddings, and of course movies; the theatre has been visited by many. Once again because of its rich history it was important to keep the historical feel on this project.

Additionally, BSK was asked to provide our services for the Mainzer Theatre. Some of the work we will be conducting includes:

  • Soils Observations and Compaction Testing.
  • Reinforced Concrete Inspections.
  • Concrete Sampling and Testing.
  • Post Installed Anchor Inspections.
  • Shop Welding Inspections.

Upon completion The Mainzer Theatre will have 4 bowling lanes, a restaurant, a stage, movie theater, and possibly a bar. Renovations are not scheduled to be completed until late 2020. However, they are already well into renovations.

 

 

 

Lastly, Mainzer Theatre. Merced Revamp.

Special Thanks

The downtown revamp has been a very rewarding project for BSK. We thrive on being a part of a project that truly makes a difference in the community.

Lastly, we’d like to give a special thanks to all of our BSK employees and our client!

Follow Us and Like Us: 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. Additionally, we believe the well-being of our communities has a direct bearing on the success of BSK, and our employees. We strive to make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?

 

Like us on Facebook.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Also, don’t forget to check out our blog page to find out more information.

Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

 

Geneseo Road Bridge Project

Geneseo Road Bridge Project

Geneseo Road Bridge Project is located at Huerhuero Creek in San Luis Obispo County, California.

Geneseo Road Bridge Project

BSK provided on-going Geotechnical Engineering Services during the construction of the proposed 3-span structure, working directly for the County. Furthermore, BSK updated the geotechnical analysis to review previous investigations, and provide updated recommendations for 36-inch cast-in-drilled-hole piles at the abutments and bents. Analysis included liquefaction potential and associated effects. BSK provided periodic pile observations during construction.

Check out these additional Road Projects.

Hwy 101 / Blossom Hill Road Interchange Improvement Project

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

Centennial Corridor Project

Hwy 120 / Union Road, Manteca, CA

 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to our communities. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?
Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

First Triathlon Experience

First Triathlon Experience

First Triathlon Experience By: BSK Associates, South Valley Regional Manager, On Man Lau, PE, GE.

First Triathlon Experience written by BSK, South Valley Regional Manager, On Man Lau, PE, GE. featuring Malibu Triathlon experience.

 

Conquering the Triathlon Fear

This past September 26th, 2021, I had my first triathlon experience in Malibu, CA. The race included 0.5 mile of open water swimming in the Ocean, 17 miles of cycling, and 4 miles of running. The idea of entering a triathlon has always been on my bucket list. However, I am not a strong swimmer, and had never swam in open water. As with many of my excursions, this experience was the result of a challenge from my brother.

Once I decided to enter, I knew I had to focus my training on my weakest element. My goal is to overcome my fear of swimming, and build my endurance for the other portions of the race. In order to accomplish swimming a half mile distance in open water, I needed to focus on proper technique. I was lucky to connect with several experienced swimmers at the gym, and they all gave me valuable pointers and feedback. Even though I was only able to swim a couple of laps at the time, the swimmers I met during my daily training encouraged and energized me to push through and persist. In addition, YouTube also provided me with valuable tips from professional triathletes and swimming enthusiasts. Within three months, I was able to complete thirty laps at the gym without stopping!

Gradually, I began to believe that I could complete the triathlon. This race was an opportunity to face my lifelong fear of water, and for the first time, I felt confident that I could overcome!

The Triathlon Experience

On the long awaited day of the triathlon, the excitement and overall exuberant energy at the event was palpable. The thrill and anticipation of it all was made more meaningful by the attendance of all the families and supporters of the participants. There seemed to be endless poster signs from loved ones. I would soon realize how important these shows of affections were, as I would look for, and locate my family throughout the race.

The first leg of the triathlon requires the athletes to swim past the waves before moving on to the half mile required distance. It was definitely discouraging to see many young athletic swimmers struggling to get through the waves before our turn to start. As luck would have it, just prior to my group’s start to go into the water, the DJ played the theme song from Rocky, as I had requested earlier. The lively music was just what I needed to propel myself into the task at hand.

The Triathlon Struggle

As I fought with the waves to begin swimming, the reality of the open water was a shock to my system. Due to my inexperience, I inadvertently swallowed excessive amounts of salt water, and the view of the vast ocean was overwhelming. As I began to panic, a nearby lifeguard, Joe, came to my rescue. While I took respite on his floater, Joe offered some reassurance, “On Man, you still have a long way to swim…there’s no shame in quitting this part of the race…”.

My mind absorbed Joe’s advice. for a split second, I contemplated quitting while starring at the distance still to swim. However, I envisioned the looks of support and pride in my family’s eyes as they waited with excitement for me. Just as I can always count on their support in everything I do, I knew without a doubt that they have confidence in my ability to overcome my fears and conquer the quest that awaits me.

The Triathlon Reward

In an instant, I was able to renew my determination, and pushed forward to continue on. Just as the experts predicted, swimming proved to be the most difficult portion of the triathlon. Once completed, the burst of endorphins enabled me to maintain a study pace during the cycling and running components. Each time I caught a glimpse of my cheering family throughout the race, the love I felt from them provided wind on my back to carry me through.

What did I learn from participating my first triathlon experience at the 2021 Malibu Triathlon?

I learned the importance of consistent training to prepare for physical challenges. On the other hand, mental challenges are harder to overcome. For me, the defining factor to prevail over my mental obstacles were the support of my family. This experience has provided me the life lessons of importance of unconditional love and support. It has also taught me to be courageous to face our fears for the benefit of personal growth.

Want to have your own first triathlon experience? Click here for upcoming triathlons in California.

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?
Like us on Facebook.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Celebrating 55 Years

Appointment of Sandy Hakala as CFO

BSK Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandy Hakala as Chief Financial Officer. Sandy is responsible for the overall financial leadership of the company and augment our Leadership Team in our pursuit of operational excellence. As a senior member of the executive team Sandy reports directly to CEO Richard Johnson.
Sandy is a results-driven business and financial executive with over 30 years of progressive experience in operations management and finance within start-up and global multi-million-dollar organizations. She has successfully demonstrated the ability to streamline business operations to drive growth, efficiency, and profitability. Her work experience includes Holdrege & Kull/NV5, Terzo Power Systems, LLC and as the Owner/Consultant of C-Suite Professionals Inc.

Welcome to the BSK Family!

Welcome to the BSK Family!

Welcome Tina Green! BSK’s Newest Business Development Associate

BSK is excited to welcome our newest Business Development Associate, Tina Green, to the BSK Family!  Tina has over 27 years of environmental laboratory experience  in Project Management with DOD and CLP type drinking water, wastewater and groundwater testing projects.  Her experience also includes extensive courier management overseeing sampling and pickup schedules in the Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Central Coast and Northern California areas for her former employer, BC Labs.  Tina will be working out of BSK’s Bakersfield branch as she looks to build our laboratory business in the Central Valley and beyond.  If you need to reach Tina directly her BSK cell phone number is:  559-262-7036.  Or by email at:  tgreen@bskassociates.com.  Congratulations Tina on your new role with BSK!  We look forward to working with you!

“I’m excited to be part of the BSK team and look forward to developing relationships with our customers to ensure they receive the best service possible.” 

Tina Green

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.

Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.