Introduction

Rani is pleased to announce that Bill Cook has joined our team as a  consultant.  Bill is available to support our clients with his wide range of experiences in project design, project leadership, client perspectives, client management, organizational consulting and operation consulting to his projects. Bill previously worked for the Metropolitan Council Environment Services (MCES) as an Engineering Planning Manager.  In addition to his planning role, he was given the manager’s position of municipal services, engineering plant design, quality control and records groups. In his role he was able to deliver significant organizational improvements to the MCES.  We are excited to add Bill’s unique perspective.

Bill comes to Rani with 32 years of engineering design consulting experience covering both water and wastewater facilities throughout the country.  His experience includes the smallest residential systems, industrial and medical systems to some of the largest systems in the country.  His projects include, wells, surface water intakes, multi pressure distribution and collection systems, pumping station of all types, water and wastewater treatment systems of all sizes, swimming pools, snow making systems, point of use treatment systems and many others.  He has worked as a certified wastewater treatment plant operator on contract operations and has experience in many types of project deliveries methods.

Bill’s recent accomplishments have included:

• Responding to deteriorating incineration facilities at the MCES Metro Plant, Bill developed a strategy to engage operations, maintenance and engineering staff to change their approach to incineration to a collaboration model. That model was implemented with a $17M renewal capital project, changed operational strategies and more proactive maintenance activities to provide more efficient operation and maintenance for the benefit of the customers.
• Responding to the need for increased solids processing capacity throughout the MCES system, Bill developed a plan to provide solids handling services for the entire service area. These plans included green utilization of digester gas, solids processing improvements, and focusing on incineration improvements to increase energy production and reduce air pollutants

Question 1

Q: What brought you out of retirement to join Rani Engineering?

A: I like doing interesting work. Rani was a great vehicle for me to continue working on projects and programs.

Question 2

Q: What attracted you most about working for Rani?

A: The ability to provide services to several important projects being completed by many firms.

Question 3

Q: Out of all the projects you have worked on, which one was your favorite and why?

A: A long time ago, in a faraway galaxy, I was approached by a client who had legionnaires’ disease in its hospital. They had contacted the state university and after an initial attempt by the university were told that the university could not help. Christmas was in two weeks.  I was too naïve to understand that it could not be done, and was off to find a contractor, order equipment and organize installation. Due to the critical nature of the assignment, everything had to be done at warp speed. The system was procured and installed in a short week just before Christmas. When I asked the client, who should I train to operate the system, I was told that the university was going to a bowl game and there was no one to operate the equipment. So, I got to operate the equipment through the holiday season until I could turn it over to the client.

The project was a success and the incidence of legionnaires’ disease was eliminated in some part to the disinfection system and related activities that I helped install. I learned a lot.  I was given lots of credit at the next owners meeting and my career was moving forward.

Question 4

Q: What do you like most about your career?

A: I like completing projects that have helped my clients and their customers.

Question 5

Q: What advice would you give to an individual just starting their career as an engineer?

A: Do a unique design project as soon as you can. It doesn’t matter the size. It will give you confidence. It will help you know when to use the traditional cut and paste design method and when you need to be creative. It’s often best to be creative.

Now, let’s continue with what the readers really want to know.

Question 6

Q: What are three things still left on your bucket list?

A:   1. Trip to China

2. Catching a Tarpon

3. Driving my motorcycle across the country.

Question 7

Q: What movie title would you choose for the story of your life?

A: Dumb and Dumber

Question 8

Q: Are you a dog or cat person?

A: Cats and Dogs: I have a cat. Growing up in AK, my family had a husky dog team.

Question 9

Q: Where is your favorite place in the world and why?

A:   1. Belize – Coral Reef is a great place to scuba dive.

2. Downtown Chicago- Love the architecture.

3. Shark Valley FL: Love the birds and animals.

4. Anywhere I can fish.

5. Alaska: Many good childhood memories and the scenery to go with them.

6. My house on a nice summer day.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about Bill, both professionally and personally.