With his roots in geological fieldwork and exploration, Thad Sandford’s leadership as vice president and chief financial officer at Wayne Perry Inc. (WPI) grounds the company’s strategic and operational achievements. Over his 35-year career, Thad has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning, blending his geological background with his business acumen to drive WPI forward.
From Subsurface Exploration to Groundbreaking Business Results
After earning a bachelor of science in geology from the University of Southern California, Thad held a series of roles as a staff geologist at American Geotechnical, Environmental Science and Engineering, and Nolte Associates. Across these various positions, he honed his critical eye and analytical skills, often being lowered hundreds of feet beneath the surface of the earth to collect samples, analyze soil stability, and assess landslide and earthquake risk.
“There’s a surprising amount of overlap between analyzing rocks and soil and analyzing data on markets, investments, and companies,” he says. “It’s about interpreting what you see and using the data to solve problems and assess risk, whether you’re predicting the likelihood of a landslide, an earthquake, or a supply chain issue and market shift.”
Managing More than Finances
Thad’s analytical perspective caught the attention of Adam Leiter, a fellow geologist and senior vice president at WPI, who convinced him to join the company in 1993.
Starting out managing the company’s billing operations, Thad quickly expanded his knowledge across all functional areas—construction, environmental consulting, maintenance operations, human resources, marketing, and other business areas—and within four years was named vice president and CFO.
“I’m different from most CFOs,” he says. “I speak operations, administration, HR, IT, legal, and marketing. A company executive needs to have expertise and insight into all of a company’s business areas to be truly effective as a leader.”
Emphasizing the importance of considering a wide range of factors when exploring threats and opportunities, he says, “By considering the structure of a situation and weighing all the variables, a more complete picture emerges, and better, more strategic decisions can be made.” The approach underscores the importance of establishing comprehensive processes for understanding situations. “By looking holistically at a situation, you can discover the gaps and fill them in. For instance, we’ll be discussing how A, B, and C result in X, Y, and Z, and I’ll ask, ‘What about D and E? How do they impact the situation?’ This broader assessment allows us to understand all contributing factors comprehensively to make sound decisions.”
Valuing Relationships with All Stakeholders
One of the most critical factors to grasp in any organizational environment is the significance of relationships. At WPI, relationships form the bedrock of success. Recognizing the vital role of cultivating strong connections with clients, employees, subcontractors, town officials, and local communities, Thad says, “Building trusted relationships is essential to establish robust project foundations and nurture a collaborative network that fosters mutual growth and achievement. This commitment defines our reputation both inside and outside the company.”
Industry Evolution and Embracing Change
Throughout his career, Thad has witnessed significant transformations in the geotechnical and environmental consulting industries as a result of technological advancements and stricter regulations. Leveraging his industry knowledge to anticipate trends and implement proactive strategies, he sees emerging trends such as stricter environmental regulations and the application of generative AI integration and data analytics as opportunities to optimize WPI’s operations and enhance customer service.
Advice to Excel in One’s Career
Thad prioritizes continuous learning and personal growth and offers a simple yet powerful word of advice to team members, prospective employees, and anyone looking to grow their career: “Always lean in and step up to the plate. Never say no. When opportunity knocks, answer. Approach every opportunity with humility, and put your best foot forward when you take on a new challenge.”
Thad Sandford’s story is one of evolution, adaptation, and leadership. By leveraging his geological background and business expertise, he has helped transform WPI into a powerhouse, continuously driving innovation and excellence. His holistic approach to business and commitment to personal growth ensure that both he and WPI remain at the forefront of the industry.
