Trainer Spotlight

The PRWA Trainer Spotlight is Stephen Sharps who is a partner with Rockacy and Associates, a manufactures representative agency for the water and sewer industries.  Stephen graduated from Robert Morris University and the University of Texas.  He got into this particular industry working with a third party contractor for sewer camera inspections.  Like so many in the industry, it is the relationships with the people in the industry that has made him stick around.  He likes how he shares the same goals with his customers. 

He would like to see a bit of a change in the bid process used in the industry where, rather than going with the lowest bid, the highest and lowest bid is thrown out and the median is used.  He believes this allows for more competent contractors and higher quality products for the end user. 

One of the biggest challenges he has noted in the industry is the turn over rate.  Hitting the reset button as staff change overs occur is not easy on any level.  His favorite training topic is fluid dynamics and he enjoys talking about and solving problems with attendees in each class he teaches.  He notes that in every class there are ideas bounced back and forth about what works and what doesn’t.  He finds it fun to be in a problem solving conversation.  A bit of wisdom he has gained over the past 15 years in the industry is to be patient, own problems, and say what you mean while meaning what you say.  The biggest piece of advice he will give is to always deliver bad news fast. 

Like most parents, his hobbies include his three children’s sporting events however, in his free time he enjoys hiking with is family, playing golf and guitar, and skiing when he has the time.