Meet Our New Employee: Michael Maier, Mining Sales Manager, Phoenix, AZ

Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to this role?

 I started out working on a communication degree and got a part time job surveying as a rod man. I realized I truly enjoyed surveying and changed my major to engineering.

What attracted you to this position and to our company?

I previously worked at Allen Instruments and developed great relationships with many people now working at AllTerra. 
I've been working in mining for 30 years. Trimble is now putting a lot of energy into mining which is being focused on the geospatial dealers. Moving over to AllTerra gives me the chance to help build opportunities in geospatial engineering solutions using Trimble technology.   

What are you most excited to accomplish in your new role?

Today, the world's demand for copper & precious metals are at an all-time high.  Many new mines are opening and world-class existing mines are going into over production.  In the gold rush of late 1800's it wasn't the miners getting rich it was the people selling shovels.  We are the modern shovel salesmen.  I am really looking forward to building a mining team at AllTerra. 

You've worked around the world—what's one project or location that really stands out and why?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Africa. I made several trips to Tenke Fugurumi in central DRC.  Tenki Fugurumi is one of poorest places on the earth but at the same time is one of richest copper and cobalt deposits in the world. The mines in central DRC are mining around 5% copper right out of the ground while the mines in Arizona are working with less than a half of 1% (0.45%). Seeing the extreme poverty of the DRC makes your head spin. It gave me a whole new perspective on the world and corporate influences on communities.   

What’s a professional accomplishment you’re most proud of?

I am very honored to be functioning as an industry leader and consulting with business partners to solve highly complex challenges.  All of my varied experiences and knowledge have come to play surprisingly useful roles in my ability to be creative and well respected.  I feel very fortunate.

You're well-known for speaking and writing on geospatial tech—what’s a topic you’re passionate about right now?

Mining. Mining is a fantastic place to be an engineer.  Mines need to produce more with less resources as there is a tremendous amount of environmental pressure. There is only one way to do that - technology - and we are just getting started.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing? Any hobbies or interests?

Mountain biking helped me recover from a hugely traumatic rock-climbing fall in my mid-20's, and it continues to be a joy and an opportunity to explore everywhere I travel - to places I couldn't easily see otherwise.  All four of our kids raced and we have been involved in developing high school teams around mountain biking racing. We ran a non-profit youth cycling for several years.  https://nationalmtb.org/

What’s a fun fact your coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?

I grew up on a horse ranch high in the Rockies, above Boulder CO, at over 8,000-foot elevation.  My older brother and I raced dirt bikes all around the southwest.

Favorite quote or motto that inspires your work?

When in doubt go higher.

Anything else you’d like to share with the team?

I am honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to put together a top-notch mining program at AllTerra and excited to have fun along the way.  Thank you.