Free Dive

In this episode of Free Dive, we are joined by Karl Yunker, David Brown and Matt Smith.Karl, David and Matt will be discussing all matters of the recently awarded Mt Crosby Critical Electrical Infrastructure project as part of Seqwater’s East Bank Flood Resilience Program. Having worked closely with Seqwater through a comprehensive ECI phase over 6 months, they will share their experiences, learnings and tips for future ECI tender engagements.About your host: Karl Yunker Managing DirectorAs Managing Director and founder of Pensar, Karl has witnessed the growth and diversification of the company from its origins through to its focused specialisation in process water infrastructure, non-process water infrastructure, specialist infrastructure, infrastructure rehabilitation and electrical infrastructure. Before establishing Pensar in 2000, Karl had an extensive career in infrastructure, mining and property, with leading civil, contracting and construction companies across Australia. In early 2023 RSK Australia acquired Pensar with Karl remaining Managing Director.About your guests:  David Brown, Director | PowerDavid has over 20 years of valuable practical and technical experience in electrical communications project development, management and delivery.  He combines his knowledge and skills in design and project management, LV and HV power distribution, electrical and control systems, traffic signals, renewable energy and electrical infrastructure in water and wastewater to successfully manage project delivery for Pensar clients. David prioritises quality, innovation and customer service and his integrity is reflected in the strong relationships he builds with clients, contractors and stakeholders.Matt Smith, Major Projects Manager | WaterMatt rejoined Pensar in 2023 as Major Projects Manager after fulfilling some career shaping roles within the industry. Matt is a capable and experienced project manager and leader, with a reputation for successful complex project deliveries from design through to commissioning and handover. He is well-versed in effectively managing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve high performance in oil and gas, and process and non-process water infrastructure projects for both government corporations and private sector businesses. He has an ability to form and manage ongoing client relationships, and places emphasis on ensuring potential conflicts are addressed appropriately.Email: freedive@pensar.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode of Free Dive, we are joined by Karl Yunker, Tim Down, Lewis Hayes and Peter McDonald.Karl, Tim, Lewis and Peter will be discussing “what a great project looks like”.  A great project involves careful and considered planning, effective execution and thoughtful project management.Key Points for Successful ProjectsClear vision and objectives: The project team should understand the purpose, goals, and expected outcomes of the project.Careful and considered planning: Comprehensive planning is essential to anticipate challenges, allocate resources, and set a realistic timeline. This could include relevant feasibility studies, risk assessments, and optioneering workshops as examples.Strong project management: Effective project management ensures that the project stays on track, milestones are met, and resources are managed efficiently. This could include defining roles, responsibilities, and communication channels within the team and with the client.Experienced team: A highly skilled and experienced team of professionals – collective wisdom. Their expertise ensures that the project is designed and executed with precision.Safety: Prioritising the safety of workers on site and surrounding public/community.  Innovation and design: Innovative/bespoke design and construction solutions can lead to more efficient and sustainable projects. Incorporating considered/tested technologies and sustainable practices can enhance the project's quality and longevity and ensure the best fit for each individual asset and its surrounding environment – always improving.Stakeholder relationships and engagement: Regular and transparent engagement and effective communication with the client, stakeholders and local communities. Relationships are built on trust and collaboration.Quality control: Maintaining high construction and material/supplier quality is vital for the safety and longevity of a project.Risk management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks early in the project minimises disruptions and unexpected costs.Environmental considerations: Sustainability and environmental impact play a significant role in modern projects along with doing the right thing. There are also environmental considerations in the varying landscapes and climates where Pensar delivers.Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changes, unforeseen circumstances, and evolving situations ensuring timely, informed decision making. Budget and cost management: Careful financial planning, cost monitoring, and efficient resource allocation contribute to a project’s success.Timely delivery: Completing the project on time can be a key indicator of success. Delays lead to increased costs and negative impacts with the client and stakeholders.Post completion project review: Evaluating a project's performance against initial objectives and identifying lessons learned.About your host: Karl Yunker Managing DirectorAs Managing Director and founder of Pensar, Karl has witnessed the growth and diversification of the company from its origins through to its focused specialisation in process water infrastructure, non-process water infrastructure, specialist infrastructure, infrastructure rehabilitation and electrical infrastructure. Before establishing Pensar in 2000, Karl had an extensive career in infrastructure, mining and property, with leading civil, contracting and construction companies across Australia. In early 2023 RSK Australia acquired Pensar with Karl remaining Managing Director.About your guests:  Tim Down, Director - StructuresTim draws on his construction and management experience to deliver a wide range of projects including specialised buildings, reservoir construction and refurbishment, concrete tank construction, maritime facilities, specialised coatings, and minor civil works. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Tim has a comprehensive understanding of all delivery facets and is heavily involved in the project lifecycle from the initial estimation and feasibility through to completion. Tim’s capability to deliver a diverse range of projects for multiple industry sectors is underpinned by his strong technical experience and innovative approach to solutions design.Lewis Hayes, Project Manager WaterLewis Hayes is a highly adept Project Engineer committed to building dependable solutions and strong relationships for Pensar’s clients and their communities. He has worked across the design and construction of large-scale pipelines, reservoirs, pump stations and treatment plants for metropolitan, regional and remote locations throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Born and raised in a country town, Lewis appreciates the challenges and demands of working on critical community infrastructure. Lewis joined Pensar in 2017 as an Undergraduate then Site Engineer, before progressing to the role of Project Engineer and more recently Project Manager. He is a valued team member and a natural leader.Peter McDonald Project Manager StructuresPeter McDonald has progressed his career impressively since joining Pensar as an intern in 2015 while completing his construction management studies at QUT. Today as Project Manager, he brings diverse project experience and specialised technical expertise. Peter has successfully delivered more than 30 construction and rehabilitation projects, from bridges to water reservoirs, throughout Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania. In recent years, he has developed considerable technical knowledge and experience in concrete rehabilitation, coating and strengthening. Peter has the know-how, track record, leadership skills and attention to detail demanded of Pensar’s complex infrastructure construction and rehabilitation projects. Email: freedive@pensar.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you!

In this episode, we are joined by Pensar’s managing director Karl Yunker, water estimator Aaron Chan, water project manager  Laura Arias and water project engineer Edgar Barretto as they share their experiences of moving to Australia and how they came to working at Pensar. About your host: Karl Yunker Pensar Managing DirectorAs Managing Director and founder of Pensar, Karl has witnessed the growth and diversification of the company from its origins through to its focused specialisation in process water infrastructure, non-process water infrastructure, specialist infrastructure, infrastructure rehabilitation and electrical infrastructure. Before establishing Pensar in 2000, Karl had an extensive career in infrastructure, mining and property, with leading civil, contracting and construction companies across Australia. In early 2023 RSK Australia acquired Pensar with Karl remaining Managing Director. About your guests:Laura Arias Project Manager WaterLaura is an exceptional engineer and Project Manager, her attention to detail is present in every aspect of her work from understanding the project expectations through safety performance to the handover of the site. Delivering over and above expectation is a common theme to Laura’s project delivery. She has been recognised with an industry award for her capacity to deliver complex, multi-disciplinary projects with zero lost time or defects.  Maintaining an open and honest line of communication with her clients ensures that Laura understands your expectation of the job, down to every detail. Aaron Chan Estimator WaterAaron is involved in the preparation and delivery of high-quality tender submissions to both local and regional Councils in Australia, specialising in water and wastewater.  He is experienced in determining construction methods, materials and quality standards, drafting and interpreting specifications, drawings, plans and procedures.   Edgar Barreto Project Engineer WaterEdgar’s experience in project management, customer service, and sales is evident in his leadership and interpersonal skills. He has an active and dynamic approach to work and getting things done and is willing to achieve, learn and develop new skills to overcome new challenges. Edgar works collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure critical benchmarks and best outcomes are achieved.

In this episode of Free Dive, we are joined by Pensar’s Managing Director Karl Yunker, Director of Water Pat Newell and Water Construction Manager Troy Elder as they discuss the success and motivation behind high performing teams and the parallels between elite sport and business.About your host:Karl Yunker Pensar Managing DirectorAs Managing Director and founder of Pensar, Karl has witnessed the growth and diversification of the company from its origins through to its focused specialisation in process water infrastructure, non-process water infrastructure, specialist infrastructure, infrastructure rehabilitation and electrical infrastructure. Before establishing Pensar in 2000, Karl had an extensive career in infrastructure, mining and property, with leading civil, contracting and construction companies across Australia. In early 2023 RSK Australia acquired Pensar with Karl remaining Managing Director. About your guests:Patrick Newell Pensar Director of WaterPat Newell is a widely experienced and highly respected water infrastructure specialist. He has built long standing working relationships with some of Australia’s largest water utilities and delivered successful projects for municipal authorities across metropolitan, regional and remote locations. As the Director of Pensar’s Water division, he maintains a hands-on role in the design and development of innovative solutions to complex water and wastewater infrastructure challenges. Pat is a regular contributor to regional industry advisory panels. He is a member of the Australian Water Association and has participated in numerous subcommittees such as WaterAid. Troy Elder Pensar Water Construction ManagerTroy has a keen eye for detail and manages his projects with meticulous planning and budget controls. He has consistently delivered over and above client expectations due to his high level of stakeholder management and attention to the most minute detail of works. Troy has extensive experience in delivering multidisciplinary projects for a range of large and small scale works for utility providers in water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment. His capacity to concurrently assess the detailed needs of differing work teams is an asset to any project. Prior to his career with Pensar, Troy played for the Kookaburras, winning two medals for Australia in men’s hockey, a bronze at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and gold at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Links from the episodehttps://pensar.com.au/about/our-principles/    Please contact us if you have any feedback or suggestions on how to make this show better or email us at  freedive@pensar.com.au 

About your host: Karl Yunker Pensar Managing DirectorAs Managing Director and founder of Pensar, Karl has witnessed the growth and diversification of the company from its origins through to its focused specialisation in process water infrastructure, non-process water infrastructure, specialist infrastructure, infrastructure rehabilitation and electrical infrastructure. Before establishing Pensar in 2000, Karl had an extensive career in infrastructure, mining and property, with leading civil, contracting and construction companies across Australia. In early 2023 RSK Australia acquired Pensar with Karl remaining Managing Director. About your guests: Mark HaydockMark has over 20 years’ experience leading international consultancy businesses in the UK, Europe, Singapore and Australia. He joined RSK in 2021 via the acquisition of EDP where he had been Group Managing Director for seven years. More recently, Mark has taken up the role of Managing Director of RSK Australia and within the first 18 months grown the business from scratch to over 400 employees and revenues in excess of $250m. Mark leads the growth of the RSK Group in Australia with the aim of developing a full suite of environmental, engineering and technical services across every State and Territory of Australia. Mark has a strong background in Mergers and Acquisitions and has successfully delivered six acquisitions for RSK since late 2021. James ChillcottJames is the Finance Director of the E&P Division for the RSK Group. He has many years’ experience in the finance industry having worked in leadership roles in the UK prior to joining the RSK Group in 2019.Links from the episode https://rskgroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rsk-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/-rsk-australia/ Please contact us if you have any feedback or suggestions on how to make this show better or email us at  freedive@pensar.com.au

In this pilot episode of Free Dive, we are joined by Pensar’s Managing  Director, Karl Yunker. Karl Yunker founder and managing director of Pensar.  Proud husband and father of four children aged between 14 and 17.Graduated from Civil Engineering at QUT in 1991. Went onto work for a few large construction and infrastructure firms for the next 10 years where he learnt a lot about the craft of construction but Karl saw an opportunity for a smaller contractor in the market to use the same level of professionalism and apply it to smaller specialised construction projects.  Pensar was established in 2000 in a spare bedroom of Karl and Louise’s apartment and the name Pensar was conceived through considered Google searches of many adjectives and verbs with the result meaning ‘To Think’ in Spanish.  About your host: Michael Blucher from The  Third HalfA published author, columnist and radio commentator, Michael has had more than 25 years experience in the Marketing and Public Relations fields, working initially in sport, and subsequently for a large corporation actively involved in sport.Through his company, The Third Half, he now works with professional service providers – in particular accountants, lawyers and bankers – helping them build “personal equity”. In the professional world, technical excellence is just the beginning – of equal importance is an ability to relate to and connect with clients.Michael also includes among his clients some of Australia’s highest profile athletes, whom he helps survive and thrive in the public spotlight, by developing life’s “critical non-essentials”.Please contact us if you have any feedback or suggestions on how to make this show better or email us at  freedive@pensar.com.au.