Character Spotlight ‘OWN Inc’

Welcoming OWN Inc, who are one of the wonderful new sponsors of the upcoming Surveying in Space poster. Let’s learn some more about them:
Company Name – OWN, Inc.
Location – North Florida
Why is it important for your company to help Get Kids into Survey? 
Getting kids excited about the surveying profession aligns with our purpose of building futures for our team, our partners, and our communities by fostering a pipeline of future talent equipped with the skills and passion necessary for our industry’s growth.
What do you do? OWN, Inc. is an employee-owned engineering firm with core offerings of Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Land Surveying, and Field Services. Our talented team helps shape the built environment across the country from our offices in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Florida.
How long have you been in the survey industry? 70 years
State a funny fact about you… Our land surveyors are so dedicated, they’ve turned dodging angry geese, rogue lawn sprinklers, and the occasional 6-foot rattlesnake into an Olympic sport. We’re still waiting for the official gold medals to arrive.
Favorite piece of kit and why? A cloth tape is so underrated and is one of my most useful tools.
Favorite Survey technique and why? Retracement surveys are the most interesting and fun. As a surveyor and orangutan, I love being in the forests retracing the steps of our fathering surveyors. Reading through GLO notes and then finding an original monument is the most rewarding experience.
How did you choose the character and what does he/she/it represent? Mean to you? What’s his/her name? 
Ollie the OWNer, our beloved orangutan mascot, embodies the perfect blend of fun and professionalism that defines our surveyors at OWN. With his bright eyes and playful demeanor, Ollie reminds us that while we strive for excellence in our work, it’s equally important to enjoy the journey and maintain a positive, vibrant work environment. His curious spirit and love for exploration mirror our dedication to discovering new information and providing valuable insights for our clients, partners, and community.
Ollie’s presence encourages us to approach challenges with a light heart and an open mind, fostering creativity and innovation. He symbolizes our commitment to excellence in surveying while emphasizing the importance of joy and laughter in a productive workplace. With Ollie by our side, we are inspired to achieve great things and have fun along the way, ensuring that our work remains fulfilling and enjoyable.