Josh Nelson, a General Superintendent within SCI’s Site Division, presented at the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Conference in Richmond, Virginia, this February. The IECA Annual Conference is the premier event for professionals in erosion and sediment control as well as stormwater management, emphasizing innovative solutions and best practices. This year’s theme was “Dive into Innovation.”

Josh was invited to lead two sessions at the conference. The first was a fireside chat where he shared his daily approach to erosion control. The second was an interactive Q&A workshop in which he addressed scenarios posed by the audience. Reflecting on this opportunity, Josh said, “It means a lot to be recognized for how you approach your work. Committing to excellence every day takes hard work and dedication, so having this acknowledged is a real accomplishment.”

A standout aspect of Josh’s involvement is his passion for guiding the next generation of erosion control professionals. He noted, “It’s nerve-wracking to get up in front of others and teach – but it is so worth it to share your experience with younger people who may need guidance. Don’t shy away from learning opportunities and share your knowledge with others – this is what has helped me along my journey!”

This year’s conference isn’t Josh’s first; he was also a guest speaker at the 2020 IECA Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. His exceptional skills have led to numerous additional opportunities to share his expertise, including presentations alongside Wake County staff at seminars and appearances on Wake TV. These opportunities stem from his solid relationships with Wake County Environmental Services inspectors, who have consistently recognized and valued his meticulous work.

So, what is the key to erosion control excellence? According to Josh, it’s thorough preparation and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing. “I don’t want to fail, and I want to go home at the end of each day knowing that I did everything I could to ensure my sites are compliant. You must have a solid plan upfront and continue to think ahead as you progress. Preparation is crucial – it’s the Sanford Contractors way.”