TSPS: How/why did you get into surveying?

Connor: I am a third generation surveyor. Both my grandfather and father, Gary G. Brown, RPLS #4654 worked as surveyors for Champion International Paper Company. When I was younger I swore I’d never become a surveyor. However, as I got older my interest in surveying grew. I went on to work for Michael Parker, RPLS #4527, A.L. Hargraves, RPLS #2075 while I attending Angelina College. I then went on to work for  Buster Sartain, RPLS #1978 while attending UT Tyler. After working in the GIS Industry for a few years, I decided to pursue a career in surveying and worked alongside Steven Estes, RPLS #5631 while attending Lone Star College, Montgomery to earn additional credits in order to take the SIT Exam. Afterwards, I spent five years working with my father while obtaining my SIT and RPLS. Everyone mentioned above helped instill my love for surveying and I’m thankful for their investment into my career.

TSPS: Why did you join TSPS?

Connor: My father was active in the TSPS Chapter 8 - Central East Texas for many years, holding several officer positions. Chapter 8 granted me a scholarship while I was attending UT Tyler. After I obtained my RPLS, I felt it was my duty to give back to the profession and to TSPS. I reached out to Shane Neally, RPLS #5385, who was TSPS President at the time, to see how I could get involved. TSPS has allowed me to connect with many respected surveyors across the state and provided many opportunities to serve the profession and give back. I believe the numerous networking connections I have made through TSPS outweigh any of the costs of being involved. 

TSPS: What is your most memorable surveying moment?

Connor: Mr. Parker would probably want me to mention the 5-foot long Rattlesnake, with 19 rattles that I almost stepped on, the electric fence that I shoved the range pole into or the time I fell and slid down a creek bank, ending up with a water moccasin between my legs! One moment that comes to mind was when I was once surveying inside the Hexion Chemical Plant in Diboll, which entailed running a total station with hardhat, safety goggles and gloves. That day the Hexion Safety lady wouldn’t let us take a shot on a certain tank, dressed up in a hazmat suit only to take the shot herself, and then said she had to keep the range pole for safety reasons. Or even my time spent floating around in a flat bottom Jon boat on a city wastewater treatment plant’s sludge pond to take topographic shots of the pond's bottom. Overall, my most memorable moments is when I discover an original monument. This truly brings a certain thrill that only surveyors understand. 

Connor's Favorites:

Color: Blue
Food: Seafood
Animal: White Tail Deer
Singer/Band/Group: Casting Crowns, MercyMe, TobyMac, Zac Brown Band
Hobbies: History, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros

Connor is currently the TSPS Secretary/Treasurer and Chapter 4 Representative.