Episode 259 - The One & Only Trent Keenan PLS

This week’s episode was fueled by innovation, mentorship, and a whole lot of passion for the surveying profession. Brought to you by EMLID, the crew kicked things off with Geoholics News & Happenings, some personal catch-ups, and the TopoDOT Song of the Week—a nod to Ozzy Osbourne’s Flying High Again. Perfect choice, considering the theme of perseverance and vision that ran through the conversation.

Sponsors Spotlight

EMLID: All-in-one aerial survey kit—GNSS, checkpoints, tools, and streamlined workflows.

TopoDOT: Total data governance for point cloud workflows.

Diamondback Land Surveying (DBLS): A full-service firm delivering precision, reliability, and cutting-edge tech to the industry.

GeoSearch: Connecting geoscience professionals with career opportunities.

GEODNET: 18,620 satellite miners strong, powering precision navigation for drones, AVs, AR, and beyond.

Trimble: Partnering with surveyors to shape a sustainable future.

Culture & Flavor

Alongside the usual Geoholics flavor—pro tips from Esri, GeoSearch Career Corner updates, and some words of wisdom courtesy of Ozzy himself—the stage was set for a deep dive into surveying leadership.

Guest Spotlight – Trent Keenan

From Omaha roots to Las Vegas hustle, Trent Keenan has carved out a reputation as not only a successful business owner but also a mentor and advocate for the next generation of surveyors. His hobbies (photography, golf, biking, half-marathons, even calf exercises!) may keep him balanced, but his heart is in advancing the profession.

Key themes from the conversation:

Pivotal Moments: The turning points that shaped Trent into a recognized voice for the industry.

Mentorship: Stories from Mentoring Mondays and the mentors who shaped his path.

Challenges of Ownership: Lessons learned while building Diamondback Land Surveying.

Future of Surveying: Balancing rapid tech adoption—LiDAR, drones, reality capture—with the craft’s timeless fundamentals.

Industry Advocacy: Breaking down barriers for new entrants and inspiring seasoned pros to step up as mentors.

Legacy & Motivation: The impact Trent hopes to leave and what keeps him fired up day after day.

The Elevator Pitch: His 30-second sell to high school students—why surveying is a career worth pursuing.

Closing Notes

As always, the Geoholics closed the show with a mix of humor, insight, and a few reminders:

• Rent that tractor.
• Check your reality capture commitment.
• Change the public perspective.
• Don’t be a dumbass.

And of course, Trent left us all Flying High Again.