11 AUGUST 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Invest in People by Jim Smith, National Exploration Manager at Terracon WWDR welcomes Jim Smith as a contributing writer. Terracon’s National Exploration Manager, he has been in the drilling industry for over 30 years. Terracon provides environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials consulting engineering services delivered with responsiveness, resourcefulness, and reliability. Jim says it’s a great job where there’s always new experiences. He enjoys working with Terracon’s drilling professionals across the country, learning and teaching different techniques. He also performs annual drill rig inspections and hammer calibrations. Jim holds water well licenses and certifications in Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Here’s his brief article on investing in people: The Tools You Share Today Build Tomorrow’s Leaders Longevity in a career is something I truly value -not just for the experience it brings, but for the opportunity to give back. One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been mentoring others and watching them grow. I once worked with a young operator who was eager to learn and determined to make a name for himself. He soaked up knowledge like a sponge. I didn’t give him every trick in the book, but I made sure he had the right tools to get started - and more importantly, to use them safely and effectively. Today, he’s a lead operator overseeing drilling operations in his region. The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It happened because someone believed in his potential, gave him the tools, and trusted him to grow. That’s the power of mentorship. To all aspiring leaders: n Share your knowledge n Equip others with the tools they need n Lead with purpose and patience You never know whose future you’re helping to shape. Jim Jim Smith may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com GEOTECH
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