Meet Our People: Jared Runyon, Technical Specialist

Please tell us about yourself

My name is Jared M. Runyon. I’ve been with GroundProbe since May 2019. During this time I’ve excelled quickly to become a Superintendent. My interest in the company and the work I do has been a big contributor to my drive and fast advancement, not to forget the support and backing of my co-workers. I know that the time and effort that I devote to the company will be reciprocated.

The photos were taken in March 2022 off the Hudson Bay, Canada. During this time the temperature reached -27°C with a windchill of -33°C! The surrounding area, flat for miles, only had a cluster of rocks peppered here and there to give the surface any texture. With several beautiful bright-blue frozen lakes scattered around the surroundings made me feel like an alien on a different planet!

I was there to install a GroundProbe SSR-FX safety radar system. Normally we would build it in Tucson, test and send it pre-assembled to the site for further testing. However, building the radar directly on site was a new experience – one that I was challenged by but enjoyed.

By the time the build was finished and we were receiving live data, I had completed one-on-one customer training covering the mechanics of the hardware, software, dismantling the system and had answered any questions.

What’s the best part of working at GroundProbe?

I love my job! It is so unique, mostly because of the travel because I get to meet new people, learn about different cultures and experience new foods. My job also challenges and encourages me to step out of my comfort zone – something that I enjoy because I know I’m backed by a great team. I’m also constantly learning from the wide pool of knowledge within GroundProbe – from diagnosing software or network issues to changing glow plugs or doing a valve adjustment on the onboard generator.

It hasn’t always been easy, especially during COVID-19 – as it made travelling tough, with a lot of late nights and staying on-site longer to ensure the customer was satisfied. However, for me it’s been worth it because I know when operated properly our solutions save lives! I could say it makes me feel like Superman, no wait even better than Superman because he saves people in trouble, we help save people before trouble.

I came from an automotive mechanical background, working with my hands, fixing and building. However, working at GroundProbe now has so much more meaning and purpose. Diagnostic and repair are what I do best and on such a unique piece of equipment, it’s a real pleasure. Also, being able to share and receive knowledge from my fellow Technicians is great as we’re all open to advancing our skills and ensuring we’re continually offering the best and safest solutions. Outside of work I love to travel, something new for me since joining GroundProbe, now I find myself booking trips all over North America, even during my time off!