Constant innovation and new applications
According to Robert, education and training are key. “Even today, many countries are still developing their responses to air quality monitoring for the first time, so it is essential to provide the best possible solutions and help agencies implement them.”
Throughout his career Robert was invited to countries like Mexico, Thailand, USA, Germany, Cyprus, Hong Kong, and South Korea to deliver conference addresses, train technicians and help environmental agencies fulfill their obligations. He was instrumental in changing people’s perception of the importance of data accuracy in air quality monitoring. After a visit from Robert, the US EPA embraced digital data reporting – which had until then only relied on analogue systems.
Although he will not be involved in the day-to-day operations at Ecotech anymore, that does not mean that his interest has waned. “Air quality monitoring of indoor spaces has always interested me and now more than ever, I believe we will see a huge growth in demand for accurate monitoring of interior areas. Viruses can ride on particulate matter, so it’s vital that buildings like hospitals, schools, offices etc. monitor their inside air quality to keep users safe,” he remarked.
When I asked him what he was looking forward to most in retirement, his answer was immediate. “I want to continue travelling and catching up with all the people I formed business relationships and personal friendships with over the years,” he said.
We wish Robert well and remain eternally grateful to him for everything he has done to elevate the air quality monitoring industry and Australian know-how on the world stage.
The way contracts were agreed upon may have changed, but what hasn’t changed during the past 40 plus years is Robert’s commitment to always producing the highest quality equipment and going above and beyond to exceed customers’ expectations.
In many ways he was a visionary when it came to anticipating new technology, identifying industry trends, and travelling to remote parts of the planet to see how his monitoring systems were commissioned and operating. He positioned Ecotech to be a forefront of change, innovation and strategic decision making.
As Ecotech grew and Robert would interview prospective job candidates, he would always ask them “What makes you get out of bed in the morning?” He only wanted to work with passionate people, people who cared about what they did, and more importantly enjoyed what they did.