It has been an honor for Empowering Pumps & Equipment over the years to shine a light on the professionals behind the industries that are vital to life and share their stories with our #PumpTalk Community. We are proud to have Skylar Lipson as our September #Pumptalk Celebrity. Currently, Skylar holds every available water and wastewater license that is issued in Georgia and is employed by Harry Warren of GA as a product specialist & trainer.
We hope you enjoy his story!
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Skylar: I got started in a small rural water system in Kansas. My neighbor was on the water board and asked me to come talk to them about what all they had going on…little did I know that it was a job interview for the lead operator position!
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Skylar: I had a student that was in a Collection systems class who after the first day asked if he could stay after with me. I had mentioned in passing when drawing an analogy that the process was similar to balancing a check book or you bank account. His question was how a budget worked and what balancing your bank account was. Come to find out he was living in his car and had just landed this job…fast forward and he now has insurance and an apartment!!! His review after that week of class was “I wish I had a teacher like Mr. Skylar…I might have finished High School”. Playing a small part in his life journey and seeing that change that getting his license has made has been a shinning moment that I will always carry with me!
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Skylar: If you take a chance and step out of your comfort zone you just might find your people…We (operators) are high kinesthetic learners and daily invest in our communities to keep them safe! You will wake up every day and know you are essential!!!
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Skylar: This is my personal mission statement: I endeavor to create a legacy that is marked with a deep determination to imbue excellence into all areas of my life. The ruler that will measure my successes are the lasting impacts that positively influence water professionals and my industry as a whole. I will inspire the next generation to take each day of their career and “write the good book of their life” by calling themselves and others to the highest form of excellence as I call myself to that same good work. Mentor, motivate & coach. Our industry upholds the values of honesty, integrity, equity and altruism. These intrinsic qualities are that deeply imbedded in every Water and Wastewater Professional. Every facet of society benefits from our industry’s service and sacrifice!
Connect with Skylar at 101publicworks@gmail.com & on LinkedIn.
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