Earthwork Software Services has been providing expert independent training for AGTEK earthwork modeling and quantity takeoff software since 2001. Our technical training seminars apply to AGTEK's Earthwork 3D, SitePlan 3D, SiteModel 3D, GradeModel 3D, Sitework 4D and Gradework 4D products.Earthwork Software Services is a separate, independent entity which has no direct corporate affiliation with AGTEK Development Company, Inc.

Various functions, including domestic/international marketing and sales, on-site customer training, and seminar instruction. Other than a brief stint as an AGTEK corporate employee, most of these tasks were conducted as an independent contractor to AGTEK.

Tasked with the primary responsibility of producing timely and accurate pre-bid earthwork and material quantity estimates for large site development and DOT roadwork projects. Also performed pre-bid or pre-construction existing topo verification surveys, rough grade staking, and progress topo surveys documenting extra work on an as-needed basis, using AGTEK's Graphic Survey software with optical total station for these applications. Briefly relied on Paydirt Sitework and Roadwork software for all pre-bid takeoffs but the company upgraded to a full suite of AGTEK software shortly after I was hired. I used AGTEK intensively every work day thereafter.

Although I was completing my formal education on a full-time basis during the 1988-1992 period, I continued to provide "special project" services (sales and market research in the U.S., Canada, and Europe) to AGTEK during summer breaks from school. Upon completion of my graduate studies in 1992, I returned to a full-time position with AGTEK as International Marketing Manager but at least half of my time was devoted to domestic marketing and sales responsibilities.

In 1986 AGTEK agreed to allow me to replace its under-performing dealer in Florida; to that end, I organized GeoLogic Systems, hired and trained staff, and implemented a database-driven marketing and sales system. GeoLogic Systems operated as a full-service independent AGTEK dealer/distributor providing technical sales, product training, and post-sales service and technical support for AGTEK's then complete line of civil quantity takeoff software and machine grade/slope control systems. GeoLogic Systems exceeded its sales and service targets and was acquired by AGTEK in 1988 when my attention turned to completing my formal education.

Various functions involving AGTEK software, including software testing, technical support, on-site technical sales presentations, on-site customer training, and providing technical sales support and training to independent AGTEK dealer/distributors. Also performed testing and functional evaluations of competitive software products.

Performed earthwork, storm drain, and asphalt paving quantity takeoffs, solicited and evaluated material/subcontractor quotes, priced bids, and oversaw one junior estimator for this small, family-owned commercial/residential grading and paving contractor. My initial six-month estimating "apprenticeship" at Mancebo Corporation included learning how to read and interpret a project's grading and drainage plans and the associated details, specs, and soils report (prior experience backpacking with USGS topo quads really helped me with the plan reading); learning manual quantity takeoff methods (with scale rule, measuring wheel, planimeter and calculator--personal computers with takeoff software did not exist in 1977); running equipment in the field (compactor, water truck, rollers, spreader box); checking and setting grade (with a hand level--GPS was not available in 1977); raking/shoveling asphalt; and performing "relative" laser topos for parking lot repair quotes.In 1984 we purchased our first personal computer with Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software and the new AGTEK Sitework Analysis digitizing takeoff system. The increased accuracy and productivity in both our quantity takeoffs and our bid pricing (I quickly learned how to write macros in Lotus 1-2-3 and transitioned our "paper and ten-key calculator" based bid pricing to Lotus spreadsheets) was, for me, a dramatic and influential first-hand demonstration of the impact of technology; it was also a life-changing experience because it introduced me to the owners of AGTEK and that led to the next step in my career.I owe an eternal debt of gratitude to Ken Mancebo for taking a directionless 19-year old kid (me) under his wing and providing me with an opportunity that set the foundation for a long, interesting and very satisfying career in and around the civil construction industry. Ken's friendship and mentorship also inspired me to pursue a path of higher education and self-improvement. Thank you, Ken!