Jeff Gutierrez did just that — from a summer surveying job to heading a survey crew of his own and beyond.

And he did it at one of Bakersfield’s most established local firms — DeWalt Corporation. Dennis DeWalt established the company in 1965.

“I started at the lowest position, learned all I could and worked my way up the ladder,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez was always a math whiz and found it quite rewarding to discover there was a practical use for his skills.

When he first started surveying, Gutierrez found himself putting geometry and trigonometry to use on a daily basis.

Rather rapidly, Gutierrez climbed even more rungs, going from “surveying grunt” to becoming the head of the surveying department at DeWalt. This, all during a time when the job still entailed using tapes, then infrared electronic measuring.

Today, a surveyor doesn’t even have to stand behind an instrument, yet can get even more accurate information. GPS, in particular, “changed everything,” Gutierrez said.

However, as Gutierrez points out, technology is a wonderful tool — but without the human element to know the principles behind the equipment and its results, nothing will be gained.

The newest engineering approach in the industry — sustainable living, multi-use, green developments — brings a new excitement for Gutierrez and his team.

“It’s the future of development projects,” he said.

DeWalt’s reputation for reliability further ensures its adaptability to these changes. It’s the company’s goal to always stay in front of the trends, according to Gutierrez.

Just another reason DeWalt Corporation, some 45 years later, remains a leader in the trade. It’s also why Gutierrez is so dedicated to the company.

“My identity is so entrenched in coming here to work everyday,” he said. “We identify with our passion for all things engineering and surveying.  We revel in it, we embrace it."

In 2004, Mr. DeWalt sold the business to Gutierrez.

The rest, as they say … well, it’s still history in the making.