President, Chief Executive Officer
Red Plains Surveying Company
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Industry: Architecture/Construction
Field: Land Surveying

James M. Powers, PLS, RPLS is the president and chief executive officer of Red Plains Surveying Company. A registered federal surveyor, he is qualified to survey federal lands, national parks, bureau of land management properties and American Indian lands. Mr. Powers has developed a particular expertise in the performance of ALTA/ACSM surveys. Additionally, he has established internal processes enabling them to handle large portfolios of properties in remarkably short turn around times.

Established in December of 1999, Red Plains Surveying Company is a full-service land surveying firm offering a wide variety of surveying services including boundary, topographic, right-of-way, construction, subdivision platting, single and multi-family projects, FEMA elevation certifications and ALTA/ACSM land title surveys for both urban and rural properties. While personally holding professional land surveyors licensure in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Utah, Mr. Powers’ company also maintains license in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington. [At time of publication, the States of North Carolina and Hawaii are pending, with further expansion into Iowa, Oregon and North Carolina slated for 2009.]

The impressive portfolio as surveyor of record includes: The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino and The Hughes Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; Greenway Plaza comprising 80 acres in the heart of Houston; four of the largest paper mill complexes in the country consisting of thousands of acres; the Redbud Energy Plant; and literally thousands of franchise operation sites for BP, Tesoro, Shell Oil, Applebee’s, Church’s Chicken and Pep Boys across the country. Large and complex; or high quantities of small locations are the specialties of Mr. Powers and company.

Conversation with James M. Powers

Who’s Who Publishers: What would you like to promote most about yourself or your business?

James M. Powers: We are a firm committed to client satisfaction, and the professional representation that is required to maintain such an aspiration. Additionally, we are a firm that is consistently sought after to bring the huge projects and portfolios in with “on time, error free excellence.”

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

Providing a source of livelihood for many employees, sub-contractors, and associates.

What topic do you consider yourself to be an expert on?

Public lands cadastral surveying and ALTA/ACSM land title surveys.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Becoming a certified federal surveyor, and leading one of the largest privately held survey firms in the industry.

How do you stay current in your profession?

I keep up with the statutory requirements and participate in continuing education programs. I continually pursue licensure in differing jurisdictions. I participate in the daily supervision of projects as well as the analysis and calculations involved therein.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals? What specific steps have you taken to achieve those goals?

Short term goal is to continue to build a comprehensive business plan to accommodate “on time, error free, excellence.” Long term goal is to create an enduring business to leave behind as a legacy for others to enjoy.

What is the most significant issue facing your profession today?

The ever-present need to adjust to new technologies, while continuing the checks and balances of yesterday, which insures accuracy.

What is the most difficult obstacle or challenge you have faced in pursuit of your goals?

The in-house shifts and adjustments required to transition from a small, one-horse business to a large corporate structure.

What advice can you offer fellow members who work in your industry?

Faith, hard work, and good people will make the way a probability, and not just a dream.

What are you passionate about?

Excellence, commitment, dedication and the privilege to pursue them all.

What is your motto?

God has provided me with all things concerning life and Godliness!