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summer 2026 newsletter
As the United States celebrates 250 years, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the people and professions that helped shape our nation. Surveying played a vital role in America’s growth by defining boundaries, mapping new territories, and establishing communities.
Long before they became some of America’s most influential leaders, several Founding Fathers and early presidents began their careers with survey tools in hand:
George Washington: He started his surveying career at 17 years old as the Culpeper County surveyor in Virginia
Thomas Jefferson: He had a strong understanding of surveying and land measurement early in his life that influenced his approach to land planning and development of a young nation.
Abraham Lincoln: He taught himself to survey and served as the Deputy County Surveyor in Illinois, surveying farms, roads, and the communities that he later represented.
That same foundation is at the heart of SMH. Founded in 1989 as a two-man surveying company, SMH was built on the vision, dedication, and integrity of Tim Sloan and Siegmund Meier (the S & M of SMH). Today, we continue that legacy by partnering with clients and communities to solve challenges and create lasting impacts. While surveying technology has evolved, the values of precision and service remain unchanged and continue to guide everything we do.
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Lamar Community College - Lamar, CO
SMH is assisting with the replacement of a gas line that serves three college buildings on campus. Construction is underway!
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ROCKRIMMON ELEMENTARY - COLORADO SPRINGS
Rockrimmon Elementary students will kick off the school year with a new playground and basketball court. SMH assisted with the layout, as well as a new water service line to the school.
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COMANCHE / SOUTH DODGE TRAILS
The SMH inspection team is wrapping up services along the Comanche Trail extension in Dodge City. The South Dodge construction project will begin soon!
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Fiber Installation Inspection
The inspection team is assisting a fiber installation project along US-69 from the KC metro all the way to the Oklahoma border. So far, 26,900 ft of plowing, 4500 feet of boring, and 6 vaults have been installed. The inspection team will soon begin another fiber installation project along US-81 from I-70 to the Nebraska border.
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SACRED HEART SCHOOLS - DODGE CITY, KS
Construction crews are adding the final touches to the Sacred Heart Catholic School to kick off the new year.
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1207 Poyntz Avenue Condos - Manhattan, KS
SMH performed civil site development for the new 1207 condominium near the downtown Manhattan area and K-State.
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PAVEMENT PRESERVATION, TURNING IMPROVEMENTS, AND WASTEWATER MASTER PLANNING - LEAVENWORTH COUNTY KANSAS
Leavenworth County Public Works recently awarded SMH Consultants the project team for the upcoming Pavement Preservation and Turning Improvements project on County Route 1 and 222nd Street. Our team is ready to dive in and begin designing the roadway improvements.
james’ LATEST FAVORITES:
Favorite Podcast: 2 Bears 1 Cave / Joe Rogan Experience
Favorite Music: Country
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Criminal Minda / Tin Cup
What interested you in joining SMH, and what made you choose this opportunity? What interested me the most was starting a new career. I was in a position that I did not see myself in any longer. I chose this opportunity because it was completely different from what I was doing.
What does a typical day look like for you? A typical day starts out with performing traffic control inspections. Then putting together my notes for the day. Some days I perform concrete testing, which I have found is one of the activities I look forward to the most. Throughout the day, I keep my notes updated and have conversations with the contractors regarding the project. I wrap up the day with a final inspection and do the required paperwork.
What do you enjoy most about working in the field and being involved in construction projects? One day is never the same as the one before.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned since starting at SMH? Documentation is very important, and keeping track of all the little things can be time-consuming!
You joined SMH earlier this year...what has your experience been like so far and what has stood out to you about the company and/or your team? The one thing that has stood out to me since I joined the company is how everyone is looking out for everyone else’s best interests.
What is something about construction inspection that you think people outside the industry may not realize? All the documentation that is required.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about as you continue to grow in your career? Doing different projects with the inspection team is important
What is one thing on your bucket list that you’d like to accomplish one day? skydive
If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? A reverse seared steak, loaded baked potato, and steamed seasoned asparagus.
What is one thing many people don’t know about you? I am a twin and can juggle
2026 SUMMER INTERNS
SEAN SLATTERY
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY - DECEMBER 2026
CIVIL ENGINEERING INTERN
HOMETOWN - DODGE CITY, KS
Describe your internship in three words: Fun, Satisfying, and Revealing
What is something you’ve learned at SMH that you may not have learned in the classroom? One thing I have learned is how to mold the preferences of the client into the design standards.
What has been your biggest accomplishment this summer? Working on the design of a roundabout and roadway in my hometown that I will be able to use every day
What is your favorite part about working at SMH? My favorite thing about SMH is the people. Everyone I have worked with is always helpful, and they allow me to jump into projects and get my hands dirty, but they are always there if I have questions.
If you could switch jobs with anyone at SMH for a day, who would it be and why? Courtney or Jeff. Very opposite sides of SMH, but with good reason. I think going to college career fairs and talking with students would be a great job. Trying to find someone that allows the company to keep growing in a positive direction could be really fun. I would switch with Jeff, as I think being able to see how a business operates day to day could be really informative in how I fit into the big puzzle that is SMH.
What advice do you have for students preparing for an internship for the first time? Go in ready to learn and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you go into the internship with the mindset of wanting to learn one thing a day, by the end of the summer, you can say that internship was a success.
You need some caffeine...are you grabbing an energy drink or coffee? If I need caffeine, I would grab an energy drink. I’ve never had a full cup of coffee before.
IAN WOOLDRIDGE
JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MAY 2027
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION INTERN
HOMETOWN - OVERLAND PARK, KS
Describe your internship in three words: Fun, Empowering, and Immersive
What is something you’ve learned at SMH that you may not have learned in the classroom? How to thoroughly navigate through plans while physically on a job site.
What has been your biggest accomplishment this summer? The skillset I’ve been
able to build over my time at SMH.
What is your favorite part about working at SMH? The community feel whether in the office or field.
If you could switch jobs with anyone at SMH for a day, who would it be and why? I would switch with Lee so that I could get a deeper diver into everything SMH does as a company.
What advice do you have for students preparing for an internship for the first time? Have confidence, ask questions, and don’t forget to have fun.
You need some caffeine...are you grabbing an energy drink or coffee? While I’ve only drank caffeine a handful of times, I would pick a coffee.
MARK MEIER RETIRES FROM SMH CONSULTANTS AFTER 31 YEARS
Congratulations to Mark Meier on your retirement from SMH Consultants as a Land Surveyor! You have made a huge impact on our surveying team and the entire company. Your humor, dedication, and willingness to lend a hand have left a lasting impression on everyone who has had the pleasure of working with you.
NEW HIRES IN 2026
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MICHAEL YACCINO
Survey Crew Chief - Colorado Springs
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HUNTER MOSER
Construction Inspector - Kansas City
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BRAD SCHLUBEN
Design Engineer - Kansas City
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CHANCE HIGHT
Survey Field Technician - Manhattan
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JACOB ASHMORE
Design Engineer - Manhattan, KS
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JAMES TROMBLEY
Construction Inspector - Dodge City
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IAN WOOLDRIDGE
Construction Inspection Intern - Kansas City
KC office attended a Royals game together
Colorado Springs hosted a Client Appreciation Event
SMHers participated in the "Run for the Roses 5K"
Surveyor Troy Mead attended a NASCAR event with our Seiler Instruments
Courtney Swanson attended an AEC Marketing event
CAD Tech Ryan Claussen designed this glass art piece of scenic Manhattan landmarks
Caleb Williams received a scholarship from KSLS to continue his surveying education
The surveying team attended the KSLS Salina Seminar Series, gaining insights and making new connections in the land surveying industry
KSLS YOUNG SURVEYORS GOLF TOURNAMENT - SEPTEMBER 14
Join SMH Consultants and others for the KSLS Young Surveyors Network Golf Tournament in Manhattan, KS! This event supports the new generation of land surveyors in Kansas. Please come out and meet new surveyors, make connections, and have a great time!
The registration deadline is no later than September 7th. Hole Sponsorships deadline is no later than August 30th.
Register online at https://ksls.com/event-6751589
Interested in joining our fun and dedicated crew? Check out the job opportunities in the careers page!
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