Tanks for the Memories:
Rob Schroeder Leaving a Lasting Legacy at SD1

When Rob Schroeder arrived at SD1 in September of 2011, he didn't have a particularly high learning curve. Rob brought with him 32 years of experience at Greater Cincinnati Water Works, and he put that experience to work right away as a project manager at SD1. 

Since his arrival, he progressed from PM to Director of Planning to his current role - Senior Director of Engineering, a title he's held for about two years. 

In that role, Rob helped develop the strategy for achieving our Clean H2O40 goals, including introducing the idea of storing system flow in equalization (EQ) tanks during wet-weather events. That approach is projected to save SD1 ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars between now and 2040.

Rob isn't one to seek the spotlight, but we were able to convince him to sit with us for a brief talk about his time at SD1 and what's next for him. 

What do you like most about working at SD1?

The people. But also, I like that a public utility is run more like a business than a government agency. I do like that.

What will you miss the most about working at SD1?

I think just the excitement of implementing so many construction projects and the fast-paced nature of doing that. And another thing that is similar to that, but probably my most enjoyable assignment was my participation in developing the Updated Watershed Plan. Formulating all the stuff.

But one thing I'll miss - and it could go on for a long list. But Brian Hudson down at the cashier's cage; Linda Hamburg down there; Karen Denham; Jen Adamson; Janeen Rutherford; Dane Boggs; Jason Burlage; John Warndorf, Dave Radford, Brian Thompson, Angela Cook, Casey Watkins, Ashley Bode. Those people are always friendly and have a kind word for people. Cap always makes a day more enjoyable. I hesitate to list names because you always forget someone.

And just the whole engineering group as a whole. And I guess I particularly like talking to the inspectors. I've got a soft spot for all the field people. 

And Annette is just fabulous. I've never worked with anyone who worked harder or who was more dedicated to accuracy and thoroughness. And I've been working a long time. She's just phenomenal. I will miss my daily interactions with Annette.

Once the Updated Watershed Plan was approved, did that play a role in your decision to retire now?

Yeah - I very much wanted to be here when we hit the first (Clean H2O40) metric, which we've done in the past few months. It was supposed to be July 1, but we got it done early. Not only met those goals but significantly exceeded them. But yeah - I did want to see that first milestone get met.

Who have you worked with here that you learned from and particularly enjoyed working with? Who stands out?

Adam played a big role. Just the business sense. And Lydia (Watkins), Phil (Sebastian), Bob (Wilson) and Andy (Aman) - they are very hard workers. I think the team that Lydia has put together is very much set up for success in the future. I supervised them, but they have no idea how much they taught me.

I always loved interacting with the field staff. The guys in Collections and the Engineering inspectors. I enjoy hearing their perspective on various issues. They are out there on the front lines and more times than not will contribute to any decision that needs to be made.

What do you think the engineering team's biggest challenge will be?

Volume of work. There's a bunch. 

You have been working a long time - what's next for you?

I do want to get a part-time job somewhere. Something to do with construction projects. I'd like to be involved with building buildings. I've rehabbed 10 buildings throughout my life - I enjoy swinging a hammer. My middle son - I've got three boys - my middle boy Matt is just like me. He's good at building and he wants to get into rental property. So I'll help him.

And I hope to take 20 shots off my golf score and 20 pounds off my waist. So I'll spend time doing that. That’ going to be interesting.

Speaking of your sons, one recently filmed scenes for a movie here at SD1, right?

Yeah - back in March my son Daniel, me and Paul Coulter spent an evening over at Dudley filming scenes for an independent documentary he's working on. That was really fun. And my other son, Nick, is finishing up nursing school at the University of Louisville.  He recently accepted a job in Phoenix, so I’ve got a warm winter spot to go to.

If you'd like to say goodbye to Rob and thank him for his service to SD1, you have a great opportunity today at 3:30 p.m., Dickmann's (479 Orphanage Road). Rumor has it the first $200 in drinks is on Rob!