From the Field to The Classroom: Industrial Stormwater with Brad Flack, SME and Sr. Instructor from StormwaterOne

Stormwater World Episode 030: From the Field to the Classroom: Industrial Stormwater with Brad Flack, SME and Sr. Instructor from StormwaterOne.

 

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Key Points Discussed

[00:00:00] - Introduction

• The host introduces Brad Flack, who has over 20 years of experience in stormwater management. The conversation will cover adult education, fieldwork, and Brad's journey in the stormwater industry.

[00:02:00] - Brad's Journey into Stormwater

• Quote: "I didn't create this economic boom... I just surfed the heck out of it." - Brad Flack
• Brad shares how he accidentally entered the industry and his early experiences with on-the-job training.

[00:06:00] - Transition to Education and Training

• Quote: "I have been studying in my craft and my industry to know what I'm talking about." - Brad Flack
• Discussion on how Brad moved from hands-on fieldwork to focusing on training and education, including the certifications he's earned.

[00:09:00] - Field Experience and Ongoing Client Work

• Brad talks about maintaining a small number of clients to stay connected with the real-world applications of stormwater regulations.

[00:12:00] - Developing an Industrial Stormwater Course

• Quote: "We're literally in the final throes of getting all the last... exams and all the knowledge checks and all that stuff." - Brad Flack
• Brad discusses the upcoming launch of an industrial stormwater course, detailing the efforts to make it engaging and informative.

[00:20:00] - Practical Tips for Site Inspections

• Quote: "If it rains right this second, will this pollutant discharge off my site?" - Brad Flack
• Brad provides a crash course on key considerations for site inspections, emphasizing the importance of proactive management of potential pollutants.

[00:29:00] - Memorable Experiences

• Brad shares stories from his time as a stormwater consultant at the Houston Zoo, including a rescue of a turtle and an encounter with a baby elephant.

[00:35:00] - Benefits of Online Training

• Quote: "We're trying to qualify you from nothing or from very little to now." - Brad Flack
• Discussion on the advantages of online stormwater training and how it helps professionals gain practical, applicable knowledge.

[00:44:00] - State of the Stormwater Industry

• Quote: "It's very short-sighted to be like, 'Well, I need special permission'... You're not helping." - Brad Flack
• Brad shares his thoughts on the challenges facing the stormwater industry and the importance of personal responsibility in environmental protection.

[00:49:00] - Hands and Feet Mission Work

• Quote: "I can't fix the world, but I can help out 200 people now have access to clean drinking water." - Brad Flack
• Brad talks about his missionary work in Honduras and the Dominican Republic, highlighting the impact of providing clean water access.

[00:50:00] - Conclusion and Upcoming Events

• Brad lists upcoming speaking engagements and training sessions. He also invites