Sales & Engineering Track Schedule

The Sales & Engineering Track will take place Feb 1st-3rd with classes from 12:30pm-4pm CT on Monday, 10am-4pm CT on Tuesday, and 10am-4pm CT on Wednesday.

This combined track brings our industry’s sales, technical marketing and engineering personnel together for a collaborative experience that will challenge everyone’s comfort zone. Take a moment and learn something new, whether you are a design engineer being exposed to effective technical marketing techniques or a salesperson learning an engineer design technique that can be used during your next sales call. 

Below is a description of the different classes available during the Sales & Engineering Track.  Click here to see the Technical Track schedule.

Return to Pipe School Schedule Page.
Sales & Engineering Class Outline (click to jump to track)

Virtual Plant Tour

Underground Detention

Jacking Pipe Basics

Industry Leadership Panel

Panel Discussion: Marketing Critical Route Infrastructure

Local/State Political Marketing

Basic Design of Concrete Pipe Using the Indirect Method

Innovation & Industry Advancements

Fires in Culverts

Trench & Excavation Safety

Concrete Pipe Manufacturing Methods

Concrete Pipe Week:  Make it Last All Year

Pipe Installations – Concrete or Thermoplastic – What Difference Does it Make?

Technical Sales & Engineering

Virtual Plant Tour

Michael Kusch, P.E. – Foley Products | Al Hogan, P.E. -ACPA.

Learn the inner workings of a concrete pipe plant as we go on a virtual tour inside Foley Product’s Franklin, TN, Plant.  Our tour guides will walk through the production process to produce RCP.  Students will be have a chance to learn the following:

  • How our plants utilize the local supply chain of raw materials
  • See the process and timing of combining all the local raw materials into a finished RCP product
  • Observe some of the quality control and checks that go into producing a high quality finished and engineered  product
  • and observe our most important strength confirmation test to confirm our product is structurally adequate before it leaves our plant site

Underground Detention

Speaker:  Ryan Bonell, PE, Technical Resource Engineer – County Materials

With the rising cost of property for development, retention ponds are quickly disappearing underground. This presentation provides the full complement of precast pipe and box culverts usage for a long lasting infrastructure.

Jacking Pipe Basics

Speaker:  Don Lepley, PE, Sr. Technical Resource Engineer – Forterra

The presentation provides those attending basic design and application information when considering using reinforced concrete pipe for jacking or micro tunnel installations. Beginning with preliminary project requirements, the determination of loads onto the pipe, steel reinforcement, joint variations and final performance expectations requirements. Some final discussion of the future of this unique application will close the presentation.

Industry Leadership Panel

Put on by the Women in Concrete Alliance, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA).

Engage with industry leaders and gain unique insights in this panel put on by the Women in Concrete Alliance, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA).

The panel, featuring executives at state highway agencies and moderated by Brandye Hendrickson, AASHTO Deputy Director, will provide their perspectives on issues facing every Department of Transportation (DOT) including: building for the future, state funding, challenges during the pandemic, and the engineer’s right to choose. The group of senior leaders will shed new light on pressing topics and provide implementable career tools.  Learn more about the panel.

Panel Discussion: Marketing Critical Route Infrastructure

Speaker:  Matt Childs, PE, Chief Operating Officer – The Turner Company

This course starts with a presentation and turns into a panel with industry experts sharing and discussing a new government relations initiative aimed at persuading state legislatures or state departments of transportation to strengthen the roads designated as evacuation routes by using only rigid pipe when constructing or repairing those roadways.  Participants can expect a lively and informative discussion of activities underway in various states.

Local/State Political Marketing

Speaker:  Darren Schmidt, Technical Services Manager – Forterra

Course will discuss the basics of getting out and getting to know your local politicians, DOT hierarchy structure and developing a champion in each area of need. Examples will be given in each arena.

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Basic Design of Concrete Pipe Using the Indirect Design Method

Speaker:  Josh Beakley, PE, Vice President – American Concrete Pipe Association

AASHTO allows the use of either of two design methods for precast reinforced concrete pipe; the indirect design method or the direct design method.  If the RCP design results in a Class of pipe, or a specified D-load, then by default it is an indirect design.  The majority of reinforced concrete pipe is designed this way.  Learn how the indirect design method for RCP is one of the most complete design methods used for buried drainage pipe, while also being one of the easiest to perform.

Innovation & Industry Advancements

Speaker:  Heather Christensen, EIT – Technical Marketing Manager – Geneva Pipe & Precast

Innovation is an important aspect of societal development and growth. It has led to incredible inventions that have changed the way humans live and interact with each other. But some innovations can pose risks due to unforeseen consequences after implementation. When it comes to our infrastructure, it is of utmost importance that innovations are implemented responsibly and with the highest regard to public safety. The concrete pipe industry is a great example of how responsible innovations can fuel steady advancements over time. This presentation will discuss the many advancements and innovations that have occurred within the concrete pipe industry that has resulted in the well-understood, resilient and high-quality concrete pipe that is manufactured today.

Fires in Culverts

Speaker:  Aaron Pettit, Business Development Manager – Thompson Pipe Group

Course will discuss the importance of fire resilient infrastructure. Emergency  routes are critical so all underground infrastructure needs to be sustainable. The effect on the environment, including air and water quality can have long-term aftereffects.  

Trench & Excavation Safety

Speaker:  Walt Catlett, PE, Regional Engineer – American Concrete Pipe Association

In the United States more than 800 construction workers die every year while on the job. One of the most dangerous types of work is trenching, which kills 40 construction workers every year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Excavation standards, 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1926, Subpart P, contain requirements for excavation and trenching operations. This training highlights key elements of the standards and describes safe work practices that can protect workers from cave-ins and other hazards.

Concrete Pipe Manufacturing Methods

Speaker:  Don McNutt, PE, Regional Engineer – American Concrete Pipe Association

There are several different processes used to produce high quality concrete pipe. New and improved machines and methods are continually being developed. This class focuses on the component materials, techniques and equipment used to consistently produce high-quality precast products.  

Concrete Pipe Week:  Make it Last All Year

Speakers:  Steve Smart, Technical Resource Engineer – County Materials | John Susong, Technical Resource Engineer – Rinker Materials

Concrete Pipe Week recognizes the importance of the reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) and precast products industry to our nation’s infrastructure, the importance of the industry to our economic well-being, and the substantial contribution of the individuals in the concrete pipe and precast concrete products industry to the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of our citizens and states. Now imagine making Concrete Pipe Year. This course will highlight successful techniques for strengthening partnerships with local agencies and developers to enhance the use of concrete pipe and precast.

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Pipe Installations – Concrete or Thermoplastic – What Difference Does it Make?

Speaker:  Don McNutt, PE – American Concrete Pipe Association

There are several similarities and then quite a few significant differences in the requirements for proper installation of reinforced concrete pipe and thermoplastic pipe products. Concrete pipe installations are based on ASTM C1479 and thermoplastic pipe installations are based on ASTM D2321. This class will provide a side by side comparison of these two unique specifications.

About Our Virtual School

Pipe School is the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA)’s annual event where members, DOTs, consulting engineers, subject matter experts, and other industry personnel get together to discuss, learn, and engage with one another.  The school advances the industry by teaching classes on production, advanced production, and quality, while engaging with industry stakeholders to ensure that they are provided with information vital to their decision making process.  Keeping the safety of the participants at the forefront, the 2021 Pipe School will move to a virtual platform, but promises to provide as engaging of presentations and allowing for more participants than ever before.

Don McNutt, PE

Great Lakes Region Engineer
American Concrete Pipe Association

Don has over 35 years of experience in the precast industry as a quality control manager, production engineer, design engineer, engineering manager and chief operating officer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Cincinnati and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio. Don is the Great Lakes Region Engineer for the American Concrete Pipe Association.

Ryan Bonell, PE

Technical Resource Engineer
County Materials

Ryan Bonell graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in 2006 with a degree in environmental engineering. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Wisconsin and brings 14 years of experience to the table. In his current role as Technical Resource Engineer with County Materials, Ryan’s main function is to educate and promote the use of concrete pipes and structures to the engineering, municipal and DOT communities. Prior to joining County Materials, Ryan started his career in consulting working on a wide range of municipal projects in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Don Lepley, PE

Sr. Technical Resource Engineer
Forterra

Since April 2001, Don Lepley has been a Sr. Technical Resource Engineer for Forterra in the Northeast United States. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Don graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Youngstown State University. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration degree and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Ohio. Don has spent his career working with steel, plastic and concrete pipes and provides a unique understanding of those various materials.
Don is a member of ASCE, ASTM Committees C-13 on Concrete Pipe, F-17 on Plastic Pipe and C-27 on Precast Concrete Structures. Committee C-13 recently honored him with their Frank J. Heger Memorial Award for technical excellence.

Matt Childs, PE

Chief Operating Officer
The Turner Company

Matt Childs is currently the Chief Operating Officer with The Turner Company in Rhome, Texas. Previously, Matt was the Vice President – North American sales for HawkeyPedershaab. Before joining HawkeyePedershaab Matt was with the American Concrete Pipe Association and served as president for 12 years. Matt has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University and a bachelor’s and Masters of Civil Engineering from the University of Texas Arlington.

Ashley Isaacson, EIT

Technical Resource Engineer
Forterra

Ashley Isaacson began her career with Forterra Pipe and Precast, formerly Hanson Pipe and Precast, in 2006, shortly after receiving a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University. She has held positions within Forterra that include project manager and lead project manager, and is currently serving as a technical resource engineer for the North Texas area. She is also working toward a master’s degree in structural engineering. She resides in Keller, TX with her husband and two children.

Darren Schmidt

Technical Services Manager
Forterra

Darren Schmidt is a Technical Services Manager for Forterra based out of Lexington, KY. Darren has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology specializing in Construction. He has (23 Years) in the Pipe, Precast and Construction industry with much of that time in sales and promotion of RCP, Box Culvert and Precast products. Darren is active in the ACPA Infrastructure and Technical Committees and is a member of the following ASTM committees – C13, C17, F36, and A05.

Josh Beakley, PE

Vice President Engineering
American Concrete Pipe Association

Josh Beakley is Vice President of Engineering for the American Concrete Pipe Association. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Virginia. Josh received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ and received his Masters in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Josh has been with the American Concrete Pipe Association since 1994. Prior to joining ACPA, he worked as a Civil Engineer for the Bechtel Power Corporation.

In his job functions for the American Concrete Pipe Association Josh represents the industry on national standards making committees. He also coordinates research and design programs for the precast concrete culvert industry. Occasionally, he assists engineers with the design and specification of precast concrete pipe and box culverts as well as performing educational seminars.

Josh is a member of ASCE, ACI, ASTM, and participates in AASHTO meetings. He is a Spangler Award Winner, and an Award of Merit Honoree of ASTM, as well as a Heger Award Honoree of ACPA.

Aaron Pettit

Business Development
The Thompson Pipe Group

Aaron started his professional career in logistics spending five years as a logistics director, dealing primarily with chemical manufacturing and warehousing. During that time, Aaron pursued a degree in Business Management with a minor in Finance at the University of Redlands. Upon graduation he took a job with a consulting Construction Management firm, where he worked on, managed, and assisted numerous projects in the home development and capital improvements industry. Many of the projects were valued in excess of $100 million, dealing with underground utilities (Both wet & dry), roadway improvements, water treatment and sanitary sewer treatment facilities along with home development. In 2016, Aaron was hired by The Thompson Pipe Group as Business Development Manager / Sales Manager.

Walt Catlett

Region Engineer
American Concrete Pipe Association

Mr. Catlett brings over 25 years of experience in urban drainage and stormwater management. As a member of the American Concrete Pipe Association, he has designed, specified, manufactured and installed both flexible and rigid pipe systems. He provides education and technical assistance on proper installation of storm drainage products to contractors, consultants, local agencies and state DOTs. He serves on Virginia’s Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) Advisory Board. He also serves on the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Research Advisory Council. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. Mr. Catlett served in the United States Marine Corps and United States Army Reserves for a combined 30 years.

John Susong

Product Resources Manager
Rinker Materials

John Susong has been with Rinker Materials for 23 years, holding roles as a technical resource engineer, account manager, sales manager and general manager. Currently, John is the Northeast Region Product Resources Manager for Rinker Materials. John is involved with the American Concrete Pipe Association as Vice Chair of the Government Relations Committee, working to advance the ACPA’s interests with the U.S. Congress and state legislatures.

John is a graduate of Purdue University, B.S. Civil Engineering, Associate Degree in Building Construction Management and is an Indiana Licensed Professional Engineer

Steve Smart

Technical Resource Engineer
County Materials

Steve is a Technical Resource Engineer for County Materials Corporation based out of Indianapolis, IN. Responsible for providing technical services for the states of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. County Materials is a full service producer of concrete pipe, precast box culverts and other associated concrete products.

Actively involved in the concrete industry for over 40 years in marketing and production precast pipe, box culverts and 3-sided bridge systems.

Held leadership positions in the Illinois Concrete Pipe Association, Board member of National Precast Concrete Association, founding member of the Derby City Chapter-ASHE and currently Indiana State Director of IKO Concrete Pipe Association.

Married to Martha, a real estate broker, they have 2 grown sons, Patrick and Andrew, who have blessed them a with granddaughter Journey and grandson Oliver.

Heather Christensen, EIT

Technical Marketing Manager
Geneva Pipe & Precast

Heather Christensen is currently working as the Technical Marketing Manager for Geneva Pipe & Precast. Her main job duties include managing technical product presentations, plant tours, online media, advertising, and promotional events. She also works as part of the engineering department participating in structure design and design consultation. In this position, she has become an enthusiast of the precast concrete industry and concrete drainage systems. Prior to her work with Geneva, she worked with several consulting engineering firms in the Salt Lake area. Heather graduated with a Civil & Environmental Engineering degree from the University of Utah. She lives in Utah with her Husband (Scott), her niece (Madeleine), and her two pooches (Hugo and Sherman). She likes to spend her free time outdoors gardening, hiking, snowboarding, or just enjoying some hammock time.

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