Taking It For Granted

It's amazing how easily we come to take things for granted.

I get up every morning and turn a switch which immediately illuminates the room. I head to the shower and turn the faucet which provides me clean, warm water. In the kitchen we turn the knob on the stove and are welcomed by a consistent flame for heating water or cooking breakfast. My entire day, whether for pleasure or business, is spent with data being transmitted over telecommunication lines. And all of this takes place in a comfortable controlled environment. With all of this going on and even after spending over 40 years in the industry, I rarely think of the hard work of the men and women who make this miracle happen.

I've even gotten this way about the Damage Prevention Councils across Texas. When I get an inquiry from anywhere in the State of Texas, it's ridiculously easy for me to refer that person to their local Damage Prevention Council. It wasn't that long ago when that couldn't happen, and I need to remember that.

When we first undertook this task I did some research to assess the challenges. I found out that we were talking about an area that is approximately 269,000 square miles with over 25 million people. It's an area that's 1 2/3 times the size of California, 3 1/2 times the size of Nebraska, 4 1/2 times the size of Georgia and over 50,000 square miles larger than France. You can leave Spearman, Texas early in the dark of a morning, drive for 856 miles and not arrive in McAllen, Texas until 15 hours later when it's dark again.

It's a beast!

Thanks to the yeoman like efforts of our Texas811 Damage Prevention Managers; Doug Meeks, JimBob Sims, Jaime Medina, and John Sparks this beast has been subdued. Twenty three Damage Prevention Councils have been established across Texas where anyone wanting to work on underground damage prevention with other stakeholders can find a council, within reasonable proximity. Our Damage Prevention Managers, working with our member companies, excavators, contract locators, municipalities, and other stakeholders keep these councils going as an integral part of the damage prevention efforts across Texas. I'm amazed that they continually come up with exciting, fresh new ideas to promote the damage prevention message.

So if I begin to take things for granted I hope that someone will remind me that this was a tremendous effort that should never be taken lightly.

You've done a hell of a job, guys!

David Wofford

Director of Damage Prevention
Texas811

 

 

Excuse me, but what exactly is Texas811?

Excuse me, but what exactly is Texas811?

“811” has taken on a meaning of its own. Similar to “911”, “811” is the nationwide “Call before you dig” number. Anywhere from within the United States “811” can be dialed and the caller will be routed to the Contact Center of the state from which they are calling. A Contact Center consists of agents who will take down worksite information and get the utility companies within the given area notified to go out and mark underground facilities before digging commences.

 

Texas811 is exactly that, Texas’ “Call before you dig” option. We prefer the term “contact” over call, however. Contact us before you dig. We have several different ways to be reached. There is a FastCustomer option. FastCustomer will allow an excavator (a person who removes earth) to contact Texas811 directly. “Texas811” can be texted to 936-CALL PLS or one can visit our website and enter their telephone number to receive a call back. FastCustomer will hold a spot without actually having to hold. Speaking of website, E-Locate is another option for submitting one-calls (a word used to describe the call before you dig process, make one call and almost all utility companies within a work area will be notified). E-Locates gives one the option to enter all information on the ticket form directly and once the information is received an agent will complete the process and email the confirmation. Go to www.texas811.org for more information. GeoRemote is another option. This program gives excavators full access to the program used in the contact center and allows the information to be entered automatically and the work area to be chosen.  For more information on GeoRemote email RemoteApps@Texas811.org and someone will be happy to assist.

 

Who all should contact Texas811 before digging? EVERYONE! If you’re installing a new flower bed, removing an old tree stump, getting a new fence built or simply replacing your old mailbox post, it is always smart to contact Texas811. There is a misconception that only construction companies should call, but this applies to home owners, business owners, and anyone else removing soil whether on their own property or not.

 

-Courtesy of Shakheana Fields, Texas811 Image Manager

When to Call In Your One Call

Calling Texas811 is still the most popular way to submit a locate request prior to excavation, though submitting requests online continues to gain popularity. The peak call times for the contact center are 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and then again from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Choosing to call Texas811 outside of these times will typically put a customer in contact with an agent with very little hold time.

What we are doing on our part: This year we have partnered with an innovative company to attend to our larger volume periods and save our customers time. With the help of a few really smart people, FastCustomer has figured out a way to make computers wait on hold with each other until the humans are ready to talk. Named Top Ten of Everything by Time Magazine, FastCustomer is compatible with iPhone, Android, and has a module on our home page at Texas811.com. FastCustomer uses cutting-edge technology to help Texas811 provide the best possible service to our customers: no hold time at all. Our customers will no longer have to wait on the line until an agent becomes available; technology does the waiting for them.

Texas811 continues to have a very low turnover rate, and this winter we broke industry records again! This means, year after year, the majority of our agents choose to stay with our organization rather than seek employment elsewhere. Keeping our team in place allows us to provide recurring training to our staff and communicate the focus of our organization. The result is a skilled and experienced agent serving our customers.

At Texas811 we strive to facilitate damage prevention and promote public safety with a focus on quality and service. Continuous improvement has become a big part of our company culture and we are excited to be a part of serving Texas. We hope that everyone has a safe and profitable season, and remember: Texas811 before you dig.

~Courtesy of Chris Stovall, Texas811 Director of Operations

Path to Success

Hello everyone and thank you for taking a minute to read about me. You probably have gathered by this point that I am Greg Tovar, and I am proud to say that I have been growing with Texas811 since June 1998.  It has been an incredible journey to see where we started and where we are today. We were such a small organization when I started, maybe thirty plus employees, which pales in comparison to the nearing two hundred employee status we are fast approaching.

When I started here, I was what we then called a CSR; it was stability while I tried to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. As time went on, I found myself enjoying the people who I worked with and seeing that not only was our little company doing a very big job but also learning to appreciate all the facets in which we helped in the damage prevention community. This encouraged me to give DigTESS, as we were known then, some of my time to see where it would all lead.

The potential that our company offers is amazing, for some it is something to do interim, for others it goes on to become a career, and a right good one if I do say so myself. You work for a company that does everything possible to give the employees the best that can be provided. To have been a part of this for as many years as I have, I haven’t only witnessed; I have gained and grown from all that has been designed to provide a positive and healthy work environment.

After spending a couple of years as a CSR, it was time for a change and I was moved to the Fax Department as it was then. Then came an elevation to the G.I.S. Department where I spent a couple of years learning about ESRI Software along with other sorts of software and means of which various sorts of mapping data could be utilized, manipulated and used, not only in the manner we do in house but in other avenues as well. Once again it was time for a change and I moved to the Technology Services Dept., where I learned a great deal about things that I enjoy and some not so much.

With the many opportunities I was able to see and appreciate the diversity of what our company holds behind the scenes. This is something that others outside of our world seldom get to see. Such encouragement is to be had here to shed light on yourself and let you see, whether it be here, or elsewhere, that there is so much to be had in the world, if you are willing to take the chance. I always played it safe, mostly from insecurity, but in the end I was the one who was holding myself back. So a year ago I decided to take a chance on myself and I enrolled in Kaplan University where I am currently studying for my Bachelors of Science in Information Technology and Business with my focus in New Media/Internet Marketing and Humanities to build my skills in several areas that I think will allow me to give back to the company that has given so much to me. That brings us to date, with my having finished my first year at University and with the powers that be having yet another path for me to walk here in the company.

Now I have transitioned from Technology Services to work with Mrs. Shakheana Fields as her Applications and Promotions Coordinator in the Remote Applications Dept., with Brandon Truly and Colton Charba. In addition to bringing my years of experience to the department, this is also an opportunity for me to be able to exploit and get practical experience from my education, providing me another opportunity to grow professionally and academically.

I am now into my second year at Kaplan University where I have been working very hard and I am honored to say have been extended an invitation to join The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I carried and finished my first year with a 4.0 GPA, in honor of all those who believe in me as well as to myself and have maintained my GPA and plan on graduating with honors.

When I arrived at Texas811 I was a lost child and now I am grown, and have removed the obstacles that were once holding me back.

I am Greg and this is my story here at Texas811…

Cheryl's Story

This blog entry is not so much about me, myself, as it is about my appreciation of where we work. Just for the people who don't know me (which should be many, as I'm one of the Pittsburgh gals) I'll give a bit of a blurb. I'm a 30-year old ex-truckstop waitress biker chick who has traveled to 7 different countries, and is working on the 5th novel for a children's book series that I've been developing. I enjoy exploring nature with my godchildren, playing pool with friends, random road trips to nowhere in particular, and writing awful poetry on the beach. I'm blissfully single and childless, but very close the to the family that I do have. I think that's enough for a blurb, no?

For the past 3 months, I've been struggling with some health issues. There's been a lot of pain, stress, and fear. Lots of tests, doctor's visists, a biopsy that included getting poked in the neck with a big needle (several times!), and the first of 2 different surgeries. There were two seperate times in all this that I was sure that I was dying. The first time, I was sitting in my livingroom, after the first surgery, and I was hit by the most intense pain I have ever experienced. It felt like something in my brain had exploded. All I could do was look, through tears, at my mother and mouth "I love you".



That kind of fear can make you see things a little clearer, appreciate things a little deeper. These past months had me at my physical, emotional, and financial limit, holding on by a thread. But it's been a strong thread, mostly made up of my family, and the few friends that I told. They were wonderful. But the other part of the thread was the company we all work for. All the leads, Lance, Penny, Chris, everyone, was so supportive and understanding. I just wanted to share my experience so everyone can see one more reason how lucky we are. With all that I've been dealing with, all the time I've had to take off from work, it's been wonderful that I haven't had to worry about losing my job, on top of all this. And that is no small thing. In our economy, I am fully aware how replaceable I am, people are clamoring for jobs like ours. And, with all of my current baggage, most any other company would cut me loose as dead weight. But our company looks at its employees and sees "people", each with their own needs, not just walking productivity break-downs. They treat us with a respect, dignity, and patience, that goes above and beyond anything I've ever seen in my 15-year work history.



There's still a rough road ahead for me, at least one more surgery, radiation treatment, and recovery, but with my friends, family, and a job I really care about with people I appreciate, I'm not so scared.

So thank you, everyone that makes up this wonderful company, for making this company what it is, and for allowing me to be a part of it.

Cheryl Christophe

What Everybody Ought To Know...

As some of you might already know, my name is Oscar Ortega. Some people call me Oscar Ortega or Oscar. This is my very first time writing a blog so work with me. I will start this off by telling you something about myself. I have been working for Texas811 for about 8 years now. I started working here through a staff agency sometime around 2003. Before joining Texas811 as a part time employee, I worked at all kinds of jobs. I went from being a busboy to waiter, construction worker to working the cash register at a grocery store. I am 27 years old and on my days off I like spending time with family and friends. I have a 4 year old daughter named Arley. I also enjoy reading and a good workout at the Texas811 fitness center from time to time.

When I started working for Texas811 (Digtess), it never went through my mind how much this company would grow. I had been in different departments before becoming a team leader. I can't believe how fortunate I've been to be able to work with such amazing people. It's a great feeling to be able to say that my co-workers are not just people I work with, but are actually my friends. Its not common these days to find a good job, let alone a great company that actually cares for its employees and their close ones; hence the free onsite wellness clinic. Texas811 has proven to me that there is absolutely no limit to how much a company can expand. So what exactly is in store for Texas811 in the future? I don't know. Do I plan to stick around and find out? YOU BETCHA!!

-Oscar Ortega

An Old Dog learning new tricks, every day

I’m David Wofford, Director of Damage Prevention with Texas811. I’ve been meaning to write this blog since the Texas811 blog got started and finally had to set myself a deadline to get it done.

To give you a little background, I’ve been married for the past 35 years to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. We’re blessed with two wonderful grown kids, who I generally talk way too much about, and a stunning daughter-in-law who is poised to present us with our first grandchild at the end of May. Mindy and I grew up in Fort Worth and raised our family there. We moved to Granbury in 1997 with the intent of putting down roots for a leisurely retirement. Life is full of surprises.

I retired from AT&T in 1999 after a 30 year career that started as a 19 year old lineman and ended with a three year stint on the North Texas Area Staff, where my partner Jeff Byers and I handled Damage Prevention.  I was fortunate to also spend those last three years representing AT&T on what was then the TESS Board of Directors. Those were exciting times at TESS, now Texas811, that saw the One-Call Legislation go into effect, and the leadership of Texas811 make the determination to go from a vendor run notification center to a standalone center. I never forgot the pleasure of working with a group of people, all pulling in the same direction and focusing on Damage Prevention.

Following my retirement from AT&T I found out that I wasn’t particularly suited for a golfing career and ended up teaching Outside Plant Engineering classes for AT&T on a consulting basis. MIndy and I traveled around Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri where we spent one week or three weeks, depending on the class, meeting new people and sharing 14 years of engineering experience with new engineers. It was an enjoyable three years, but when the economy slowed down so did the teaching gig.

In January of 2002, as I was contemplating my next career move, I received a call from my old friend Lee Marrs. Lee told me that Texas811 wanted to start a focus on Marketing and asked if I would consider handling that on a part time, consulting basis. As they say, the rest is history.

From 2002 to 2008 my primary area of responsibility was Marketing, but if you work for Texas811 your focus is always on Damage Prevention. In January of 2009 I gave up my part time, which was never really very part time, status and became a Texas811 employee handling Damage Prevention and Marketing. What a ride it’s been.

In January of 2002, when Lee called me, Texas811 had around 600 members. We currently have almost 1300. Where we had one employee handling Damage Prevention in 2002, I now have five, fine managers, working with me handling Damage Prevention and Membership Coordination. The Notification Center itself is probably five times the size it was in 2002 and ten times the size it was when I first stepped in the door of Texas811 back in 1997.

It’s been a remarkable challenge and tremendously rewarding experience to be part of such a robust and thriving enterprise as Texas811. The talent and energy level there has already outgrown the borders of the great State of Texas, and who knows where it will take us next? But as I look around at the extraordinarily bright faces that make up Texas811, there’s one thing I know for certain.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet!”