Today we recognize Greg Hesse as our SMS Standout. Greg was recently nominated by Aaron Billiot for living the SMS mission. Greg recently adjusted his schedule so his co-worker, Aaron Billiot could get home to help his high-risk pregnant wife for the birth of their second child. Greg immediately stepped up without hesitation because he understands the importance of being a dad. Greg’s selfless action is a great example of what living the SMS mission looks like. Please, help us congratulate Greg on an amazing job. Thank you for being a team player!
We spoke to Greg about what a typical workday looks like through his eyes.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
G.H. I start my day off at 5:00 a.m. preparing for the 6:00 a.m. safety meeting, where I handle all of the computer functions. After the meeting, I check emails, enter safety observation cards, and wait for the men to come by with their medical complaints/needs for the morning. Throughout the day, I also perform HSE duties. I audit the JSAs and check on the ongoing projects. As I meet with the crew members, I speak with them to assess them for any changes, sickness and mental health. Also, I inventory and test the equipment, and I assist with helicopter operations as they arrive during the day. I lead the simops meeting between production and drilling crews. Finally, I wrap up the day with the production meeting. I am on 24-hour call so I never know when I will get a knock on my door.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
G.H. The Smoky Mountains with my family.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
G.H. The one you want to be in the same foxhole with during a crisis.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
G.H. Taking care of and diagnosing patients with our basic equipment.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
G.H. Seafood.
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
G.H. Yard work and keeping up with 40 acres of farm property.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
G.H. I have a great crew, they are my second family.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
G.H. There are too many to list. Acadian has been my life. The greatest honor was receiving Medic of the Year in 1990.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
G.H. Daniel Craig
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
G.H. The birth of my son Thomas because we had to wait 14 years for the blessing.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
G.H. Be a leader of the crew by being there for them but do not be the policeman of the crew.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
G.H. Being there for my family.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
G.H. Emergency Care in the Street by Dr. Nancy Caroline.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
G.H. The ability to tell government leaders that they have forgotten the people and they would listen and care for the people.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
G.H. Slow is fast. Take your time, don’t rush, and do the job right the first time.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
G.H. I don’t have a bucket list.
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
G.H. Zoe, a 13-year old Cocker Spaniel, and Baylor, a 6-year old Cocker Spaniel.
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
G.H. Look out the quarantine is bringing a cold winter, so let’s chill!
