Dick Church, Director, Engineering Services

What do you do at Absolute Consulting?
As the Director, Engineering Services, I focus on creating relationships with client organizations to develop business opportunities regarding engineering / technical support activities.

What is your background?
I have over 35 years of experience in the nuclear power industry with specific expertise in nuclear engineering, power plant start up and operations, project management, program effectiveness assessment, human error investigation, and causal factor determination and correction. Additionally, I am a Subject Matter Expert regarding engineering training and qualification, and knowledge worker human performance, and was highly involved in the development of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operation’s industry guidance regarding these subjects (ACAD 98-004, Training and Qualification of Engineering Support Personnel, and INPO 05-002, Human Performance Tools for Knowledge-Based Workers.)

What was your first paying job?
When I was growing up, I would repair radios and electronic devices in my neighborhood. Most of the time, it was just an adjustment or a simple vacuum tube replacement – for a kid, it paid pretty well, about $5-10 per radio.

What is something you have been or are currently involved with that most people would not know?
I have a 1990 Honda Goldwing motorcycle that I enjoy riding and maintaining. I recently performed an extensive overhaul (done periodically ~every 4 years) to keep it working and looking like new and to replace and add new parts.

I enjoy designing and building all manner of home projects. I’m very meticulous about the work I do and often apply nuclear standards to the project to ensure high quality and longevity. As a consequence, my wife describes many of my home projects as “seismic.” I also use home projects as an excuse to purchase new tools.

List/describe the person/people you admire the most:
Hans Bethe, Paul Newman, Mario Andretti, and Allan McNish

What trait did you inherit from your mom or dad?
My dad was a deep thinker and I inherited this trait from him; he told me to always consider the consequences of my actions. My mother was a hands-on person; I got my mechanical aptitude from her and a spirit to never give up.

What is currently playing on your iPod, Zune, MP3 player?
Various southern rock / R&B artists such as Kenny Wayne Shephard, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jonny Lang, Muddy Waters, etc. I also enjoy various new rock artists (Tool, Radiohead, Incubus) as well as such as traditional rock artists (Led Zeppelin, Blood Sweat & Tears, Aerosmith, etc.).

What is the most obscure item you own?
An intact 1918-vintage Edison light-bulb I found in a deserted and decaying barn.

What is first concert you attended? When?
The Doors – 1967.