Rick Norland is retiring after almost 50 years of hard work in concrete construction and ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Since the 1970s, Rick has dedicated himself to the concrete construction industry, with a resume that spans manufacturing, innovation, development, and equipment patenting.
A Strong Beginning
After graduating with his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho, Rick entered the concrete construction industry after college with General Electric and Diamond Boart. Rick’s time at General Electric had him at the literal cutting edge of the manufacturing of industrial diamonds for concrete cutting. During which time he patented:
- Vibration Dampening System for Pavement Grinding Machines
- Vacuum Pick Up System for Airport Grinders
- Power Transmission Device for Concrete Saws
- Torque Transfer System for Concrete Saws
Rick’s industry knowledge and world-renowned expertise has allowed him to work on every continent except for Antarctica. Having visited over 50 countries providing expert GPR services, concrete cutting methods and offering his Engineering knowledge there are countless individuals who were somehow shaped with Rick’s experiences and offer him their gratitude for how he shaped the concrete cutting industry. From wire saw projects at the Panama Canal to offering Engineering and GPR services at the World Trade Center, there is little out there that Rick hasn’t experienced in the construction industry.
Rick and his students.
Rick’s Partnership with CSDA
Rick began two successful consulting and engineering firms and served as President, Board Member, and Lead Instructor for the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA). In 2018, Rick received the CSDA’s highest honor, The Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the industry as a manufacturer, contractor, innovator and industry leading instructor.
Rick served as President of CSDA in 1998 and was a long-time Board member. As the Lead Instructor for the CSDA Training program for over 30 years, Rick helped to develop the CSDA 101 and 201 Sawing & Drilling Training courses, including Operator Certification, as well as helping to develop the association’s GPR Methods & Theory and GPR Certification courses. He is remembered as being a favorite teacher of his students.
A GPR Innovator
At a time when very little was known about ground penetrating radar, Rick was a driving force in North America for utilizing GPR in the concrete construction industry.
After September 11, 2001.
Rick started Construction Solutions, an international engineering consulting firm, in 2000. When the World Trade Towers fell on September 11, 2001, Rick was one of the chief consultants on the site to provide knowledge using his extensive ground penetrating radar expertise. He also worked on precision demolition and engineering at the World Trade Center after the attacks.
In 2003, Construction Solutions, which became Echo GPR Services in 2016, transitioned into providing expert ground penetrating radar (GPR) services for its customers, leading to the work that we provide today.
This past year at the World of Concrete Convention’s 50th anniversary, Rick was recognized as an Industry Legend for his contributions and dedication to the industry.
A Valued Friend and Mentor
Jordan Gershon, owner of Digital Lagoon and Large Print, has known Rick for 38 years. The two worked and traveled together extensively, producing marketing videos on runways and highways and Jordan notes that, “Rick’s extensive knowledge of the industry was invaluable.”
Our professional relationship has evolved into a lasting friendship. We continue to work together on various initiatives…Rick always has a great story to share and is always available to offer his expertise and answer any questions.
Our President, Mark DeSchepper, joined Construction Solutions in 2007 and carries on Rick’s legacy through his service on CSDA’s Board and passion for educating customers regarding ground penetrating radar.
Rick has been a wonderful and dedicated individual to the concrete cutting and GPR industries. There is no doubt that I would not be where I am today without him, and there are countless other GPR companies that sought out Rick in the early days for his guidance and expertise and are today some of the largest and most successful GPR companies in the country because of him.
There is no doubt that the concrete construction and ground penetrating radar industries would not be what they are today without Rick Norland. Thank you for your invaluable service, Rick, and we wish you all the best in this next stage of your journey.