Employee Spotlight: Will Clogan, RRS East Region Project Manager

Ask Will Clogan, RRS East Region Project Manager II, what he values most in his work and you will likely get a quick response about the importance of teamwork.  That’s because there are numerous facets of his work where he routinely relies on other RRS staff to assist in making sure projects have successful outcomes. He shares, “The aspect I enjoy most about my current position is the team that is built around me. I currently manage four sets of equipment and six team members located in Philadelphia and Atlanta, and our project sites range from Massachusetts to Florida and over to Louisiana. So, teamwork is very important to our overall success.” Clogan joined the RRS team in October of 2016 and is currently responsible for managing the personnel, equipment, and application projects that take place in the East Region. Prior to joining REGENESIS®, he served as an Environmental Inspector for a leading American solar technology company. He prepared for a career in the environmental field by earning his BA in Environmental Geoscience from West Virginia University. When asked what made him pursue a career in environmental remediation, Clogan says a keen interest in the sciences and a desire to help the community were key factors. “I knew I wanted to help people and communities, and I always had a passion for science and the natural world. Environmental remediation is a great fit for me- I get to be in a scientific field where we restore precious resources that help the communities we work for. What more can you ask for?”

With such a large geographical territory and the responsibility of numerous projects at a given time, it is typical for Clogan to encounter a range of challenges. One, in particular, involved a site that called for installing a PRB in weathered bedrock with a large vertical interval.  Naturally, teamwork played a key role in the outcome. He shares, “This particular site posed many challenges with the installation of wells and formation acceptance.  Every section of the PRB threw a new challenge. RRS field staff, REGENESIS technical support, and our client collaborated daily to overcome the challenges. Eventually, the collective support and creativity allowed the team to overcome the challenges and install the PRB.”  One of Clogan’s traits that undoubtedly helped in securing a positive result is his level of commitment, and he feels a steadfast commitment to success is what helps separate REGENESIS from its competitors. He continues, “No other firm that I know of is tied to their projects the same way RRS is. Our vested interest in success runs much deeper because we are part of the team that has developed, designed, manufactured, and applied effective remediation technologies. No one wants our products to succeed more than we do.” As one might expect, much of Clogan’s work takes place in the field, so he routinely relies on his experience when encountering a challenge. He shares, “One recent project involved a compressed timeline, working with a client who quoted us just two weeks to complete a project.  Based on field experience we knew we could successfully complete the project in less than a week.  We ended up saving our client time and money because our experience allowed us to work more efficiently. Another project included working near a canal with many conduits. The initial plan had product loss through the conduits and into the canal.  Based on field experience we were able to make recommendations on how to place the product in place and still be effective. Without understanding the technology, how it’s applied, and site conditions, these adjustments could have been unsuccessful.”

“We have such a strong team; I would like to bring as many people on board as possible to learn from this group.  Finding qualified candidates has been a struggle for a few years.”

When asked what he feels is his biggest challenge in work, Clogan responds quickly about the need for qualified staff. “We have such a strong team; I would like to bring as many people on board as possible to learn from this group.  Finding qualified candidates has been a struggle for a few years.” And while he faces day-to-day challenges in his work, he feels he’s more than ready to tackle each one head-on. He shares, “I think my integrity and perseverance come into play often in my work. I’ve always felt it is paramount, above all else, to do the right thing. Next on the list is working through challenges and finding a way to succeed. I like putting in hard work that pays off.  Seeing results at the end of the day keeps me motivated and passionate about my job. I think success can be defined in many different ways. But in most instances, I define success as reaching remediation goals while providing the services our clients want.  Defining success this way has helped align my goals to our clients.”  And how would he define REGENESIS’ strengths? “I would say we have high-quality products which are proven again and again in the field, specialized experience in in-situ remediation, and solid determination- we are a small enough company that most people wear many hats.  This forces us to work through issues and get creative, which can also be fun.” To stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends Clogan participates in continuing education and trainings and is currently working on getting his PMP certification.

Residing in Richmond, VA, Clogan finds time outside of work to enjoy an array of hobbies and activities, such as cooking, spending time with his dog, and volunteering. He shares, “I have always had a passion for food, so I love to challenge myself in the kitchen. Trying to make things from scratch is what I enjoy most.  I love animals too, and often try to find activities with my dog, Watson. For example, I have taken him on my kayak to float down the James River. We both love being on the water. My volunteer activities include working with the Big Brother Big Sister organization. I have had two “little brothers” through the program thus far, one in Philadelphia and one in Richmond.  I meet up with my “little brother” on a weekly basis. When asked what he feels the future holds for RRS, he points to the likelihood of greater project complexity. He concludes, “I’m convinced we will see larger and more complex remediation efforts.  As more prospects become aware of our capabilities, they will hopefully want us to be part of their remediation plans.”

REGENESIS is proud to have Will Clogan, RRS East Region Project Manager II, as a valued RRS team member in environmental remediation, and they appreciate his expertise and leadership in providing successful remediation outcomes for REGENESIS and its clients.