In conversation with Jared Pogmore: Regional Sales Director (South West) KOREC Group
How did your interest in surveying as a career develop?
When I was 16, I spent a month in Uganda working in an orphanage, during my time there I was asked if I wanted to help carry out some setting out of new roads and building plots using a theodolite and tape measure. I really enjoyed the experience but didn’t think much about it for a while. A few years later, I saw an ad for a trainee surveyor role, offering the chance to travel and do fieldwork. My current employer was going through a round of redundancies, so the timing was spot on – fate even! I’ve always been into Geography and the outdoor life, so it felt like a natural fit and that’s where it all began.
What is a key memory from your time spent studying at The Survey School?
Finally understanding the “why” behind what I was doing every day in the field. I was keen to get that deeper knowledge, not just how to take measurements, but how to process and check the data properly. Anyone can collect points, but the course really taught me how to spot when something’s not quite right and how to fix it. It was also a brilliant chance to meet people from other companies and share experiences, but it was the tutors who really made an impression – they were knowledgeable, approachable and genuinely passionate about the subject. I still keep in touch with some of them now.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your time with us?
If you treat surveying as just following a process, you can easily get stuck doing things one way without considering different methodologies. This isn’t an industry where one size fits all. The school helped broaden my knowledge and understand that there are many ways to create the required deliverable within your client’s time and cost constraints.
What is it about your current role at Korec that you enjoy and value most?
What I really enjoy about being a Regional Sales Director is the variety. I get to work across the whole company and meet an incredible mix of businesses, from police forces and construction firms to local authorities. Every day is different. I love helping make things happen and solving problems for colleagues and customers and really appreciate those moments when it all comes together. There’s nothing better than seeing a colleague succeed or a customer genuinely happy. I also really value the flexibility the role gives me to balance work and family life.
How would you describe your career in three words?
Challenging, ever-changing, rewarding.
How do you encourage others to get involved in the surveying profession?
I tell people that surveying is one of the most varied and interesting careers you can have. You’re constantly meeting new people and seeing new places, so no two days are the same and it’s a world away from being stuck behind a desk. Just in the past couple of months, I’ve been at black-tie events, laser-scanned the roof of a church and inside an HS2 tunnel, helped get a GNSS system running on a dredger and supported customers both onsite and over the phone.
If you could give your younger self career advice now, what would it be?
Firstly, to get involved with personal development so you can meet more people and become more knowledgeable. If someone asks you if you can do something, or want to learn to do something, say “yes” and broaden your horizons. Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask – we’re a profession that can learn from those with long years of experience and from those relatively new to it who bring different skill sets.
Do you have any exciting projects you’re working on at KOREC that you’re able to share?
Exciting things happen all the time at KOREC, whether that’s because we are among the first in the world to try out new technology, or because we work with customers on some of the most high-profile projects in the country, visiting the sites and talking to those involved.
What has been your most memorable project to work on?
I was involved in many projects that required return visits, the most memorable of which were the beach surveys. Often working in teams of up-to fifteen people, staying away for a week, solving problems on the fly in some of the most remote coastal areas of the UK, is a great way to understand teamwork! These projects delivered glorious scenery all around the UK coastline from the far depths of Cornwall up to the Scottish boarders and often included quad bike surveys, great team spirit and, best of all, a visit from my family.
What has been your proudest career moment?
Every KOREC promotion I’ve earned has been a proud moment, especially when I became a Regional Sales Director. This role means I’m responsible for my own team and it’s been extremely rewarding.
What are three things that you enjoy regularly in your day-to-day work?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just three, but I’d say: First, I really enjoy giving talks and spending time with students, whether that’s at The Survey School or other educational settings. It’s great to see their curiosity and help spark an interest in the profession. Second, I love that moment when a potential customer is genuinely won over and can see how our team can make a real difference to their work. It’s incredibly satisfying. Third, I really appreciate when customers come back to ask for advice, saying things like “this is working so well, we need more.” It’s a great feeling to know you’ve helped them succeed and that they trust you to keep supporting them.