Bob Crossen is the senior managing editor for Water & Wastes Digest. Crossen can be reached at [email protected].
Why Water?
I have been working in the water sector for more than 22 years. The one thing I enjoy most about the industry is how dedicated and hard-working everyone is. They are all driven with the same purpose - to help others remove unwanted water or have access to it. This basic need will never change and I am honored to be part a life-changing industry.
What about your current position excites you?
We have a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. As part of my role, I help our customers engage with their communities to change for the better. One of the bigger projects I lead is working with retired NFL player, Chris Long & his charity program Waterboys as well as our local distributor and contractors to help give the gift of water to someone in their community. Some other projects that excite me involve working with my team and our customers to clean up water ways to continue to protect this valuable resource. I am also excited about setting the strategy for our markets and helping to lead some other innovative solutions that will make our customer’s lives easier.
What is your moonshot idea for solving what you consider to be the most important water industry problem today?
There are more than 2 Million Americans who live without access to potable water. I want to try to be a catalyst for change, helping these families live better lives. No one should have to go without access to water. One of the other major issues in our industry is shortage of qualified workers. I would love to help by putting together a trade training and apprenticeship program.
What role has mentorship played in your career to date?
I had many great mentors in my career, between family members, co-workers and supervisors. I have been blessed with learning from some really great people. I have also had the opportunity to work with our summer interns to help them understand what a marketing career will entail and to assist them as they try to further their career.
What piece of media (books, TV shows, movies, games, podcasts, etc.) has had the greatest impact on you in the past 12 months?
I think podcasts have had the greatest impact. Like many other professionals, there is never enough time in the day so whenever I am driving or going for a run, I find a great podcast to inspire me. I especially love Ed Mylett, I think he has a lot of great information in regard to business as well as self-care.
What does it mean to you to be a woman who works in the water industry?
I am very proud to be part of this industry. My parents have always taught me to work hard and I think the rewards of dedication speaks for itself. The vertical markets that I lead (Commercial Buildings, Agriculture and Residential) are dominated by men. When I first started my career, one of my mentors told me that I would have to work a lot harder than some of my male co-workers to prove myself. I think early on in my career this was truer than it is today. There have been some situations that prove more difficult than others, but overall I have earned the respect of my colleagues and customers and I am proud to call many of them my friends.
