PDCA TRAILBLAZER
The construction industry doesn’t make ’em like Janssen
“Butch” Casey anymore.
Anyone who knows Butch can attest to his kindhearted
and honest nature – not to mention his extensive knowledge
and experience in the pile driving industry that spans more
than 50 years.
Following his personal mandate, “Always do your job in a
professional and timely manner because your reputation will follow
you, and assist or hurt you depending on the way you act,” this
native of New Orleans, La., got his start in the construction industry
during high school in 1965.
“I began working in construction during summer vacation
from high school,” said Casey. “My brother and I worked for an
underground company called Pratt Farnsworth. After finishing
high school, I went to work for them full-time. I had an inclination
for equipment and began as an oiler on some of the equipment
through the local union hall. Then, in 1966, I joined the Navy
Seabees and was deployed to Vietnam. After finishing my two
years in the Navy, I went back to work for Pratt Farnsworth.”
Casey also later worked for contractors Landis Construction
and Gurtler Hebert before taking a position selling equipment for
the Mississippi Valley Equipment Company. It was during this
time that he met his future partner at Gulf South Piling and ended
up buying him out in 1982.
Currently, Butch and his wife, Mary Ann, run Gulf South
Piling and Construction Inc.
“Together, we make a good team,” he said. “I worry about the
jobs and she worries about the money. Along with our estimators
and project managers, we have a good team.”
There are projects that Casey is especially proud of. One is
the University Medical Center where the Gulf South Piling team
installed nearly 5,000 14-inch square concrete piles that were 83
feet to 165 feet long and 1,200 treated timber piles.
The other project – the North Terminal Expansion at the
New Orleans Airport where the Gulf South Piling team “furnished
and installed nearly 7,000 14-inch square concrete piles, and
200 75-foot long treated timber piles,” said Casey.
“Both of these projects were completed on time and we
received many compliments for the professional manner with
which our employees performed.”
Industry changes
Casey has seen numerous changes in the industry over the decades,
which includes many advances in equipment to how contracts are
written and how projects are managed.
“I think you will see the use of more alternative types of pile, such
as auger cast and soil displacement piles,” he said. “Owners and engineers
are more aware of the litigation being caused by vibration and
settlements caused by pile driving and are looking for ways to mitigate
the liability in those areas – whether it be actual or perceived.”
Additionally, he has seen big changes in the workforce and says
it is more difficult to find good employees.
Going
Strong
Butch Casey credits
a strong work ethic
and teamwork to his
longevity in the pile
driving industry
By Lisa Kopochinski
Photo courtesy of Butch Casey
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