---
title: "Amplify Episode 23: Stories From the Field: A Career Built on Curiosity, People, & Opportunity"
description: In this episode of SAM Amplify, Clay Harris reflects on more than 26 years with SAM and the company’s evolution from a growing regional firm to the organization it is today. He shares stories from his career across production, project management, business leadership, technology adoption, and executive leadership, while discussing the role that people, opportunity, curiosity, and mentorship have played along the way. Hear Clay’s perspective on SAM’s early adoption of technologies like GPS, LiDAR, and mobile mapping, the importance of developing the next generation of leaders, and the culture he hopes continues long after his retirement.
image: https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/SAM-Amplify-Clay-Harris16-9-1280X720.png
---

[![SAM Logo](https://www.sam.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SAM_TM_color_rgb.png)](https://www.sam.biz/)

[Insights](https://www.sam.biz/about/)

[INSIGHTS](https://www.sam.biz/insights/)

[Blog](https://info.sam.biz/blog/)

[Videos Stories](https://info.sam.biz/videos)

[Case Stories](https://info.sam.biz/case-stories)

[Amplify Podcast](https://info.sam.biz/amplify-sam)

[Contact](https://www.sam.biz/contact)

*search*

*close*

[About](https://www.sam.biz/about/)

*arrow\_back*

## [About](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

We deliver fast, accurate data to give our clients the insight they need to move their programs forward with confidence.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

[The SAM Experience](https://www.sam.biz/about/sam-experience/)

[Leadership Team](https://www.sam.biz/about/leadership-team/)

[News & Events](https://www.sam.biz/news-and-events/)

[Locations](https://www.sam.biz/locations/)

[Health and Safety](https://www.sam.biz/safety/)

[Community](https://www.sam.biz/community/)

[Affiliations](https://www.sam.biz/affiliations/)

[Services](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/)

*arrow\_back*

## [Services](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

Our vast scope of services plays a vital role in providing the foundational data, input, insight, and oversight needed for programs success.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

Land Surveying, Mapping & Data Collection

[Land Surveying](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/land-surveying/)

[Aerial Mapping](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/)

[GIS](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/gis/)

[BIM/3-D Laser Scanning](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/bim/)

[Survey/Construction Monitoring](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/construction-monitoring/)

Inspection

[Damage Prevention](https://www.sam.biz/damage-prevention/)

[3D Construction Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/3d-construction-inspection/)

[Engineering Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/engineering-inspection/)

[Powerline Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/powerline-inspection/)

[FAC-008 Solutions](https://www.sam.biz/FAC-008-Solutions)

Data & Digital Services

[Data Management & Quality](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/data-management-and-quality/)

[Analytics & AI Enablement](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/analytics-and-ai-enablement/)

[Geospatial Utility Network Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/geospatial-utility-network-management/)

[Network Model Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/network-model-management/)

[Unified Standards-Based Data Modeling (CIM)](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/unified-standards-based-data-modeling-cim/)

Digital Management Solutions

[Inspection Management & Analytics](https://www.sam.biz/inspection-management-analytics/)

[Disaster Response](https://www.sam.biz/disaster-response/)

[Spatial Data Integration & Visualization](https://www.sam.biz/spatial-data-integration-and-visualization/)

[Substation Digital Twins](https://www.sam.biz/gridworks/)

Utility Location

[Subsurface Utility Engineering](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-engineering/sue/)

[Utility Coordination](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-coordination/)

[Markets](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/)

*arrow\_back*

## [Markets](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

We work on programs of all sizes, from local route surveying to complex, multibillion-dollar infrastructure improvement programs for a range of industries.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

[Utilities](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/)

[Electric](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/electric-infrastructure-market/)

[Renewables](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/renewables/)

[Gas Distribution](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/gas-distribution/)

[Telecommunications](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/telecom/)

[Data Centers](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/data-centers/)

[Water](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/water/)

[Transportation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/)

[Roadways](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/highways/)

[Rail](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/rail/)

[Aviation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/aviation-infrastructure/)

[Ports](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/ports/)

[Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/)

[Federal](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/federal-market/)

[Local Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/local-government/)

[Commercial & Industrial](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/commercial-industrial/)

[Natural Resources](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/natural-resources/)

[Oil & Gas](https://www.sam.biz/oil-gas/)

[Success Stories](https://www.sam.biz/success-stories/)

[Mergers & Acquisitions](https://www.sam.biz/about/mergers-and-acquisitions/)

[Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers/)

*arrow\_back*

## [Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers)

We’re looking for talented individuals to join our team. At SAM, we are committed to driving technological change while promoting and supporting a culture of inclusion.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/careers)

[LIFE AT SAM](https://www.sam.biz/life-at-sam)

[BENEFITS](https://www.sam.biz/benefits)

[GRADS & INTERNS](https://www.sam.biz/internship-opportunities)

[MILITARY](https://www.sam.biz/military)

[PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT](https://www.sam.biz/professional-development)

[Job Opportunities](https://careers.sam.biz/jobs)

[![SAM Logo](https://www.sam.biz/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SAM_TM_color_rgb.png)](https://www.sam.biz/)

[About](https://www.sam.biz/about/)

*arrow\_back*

## [About](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

We deliver fast, accurate data to give our clients the insight they need to move their programs forward with confidence.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

[The SAM Experience](https://www.sam.biz/about/sam-experience/)

[Leadership Team](https://www.sam.biz/about/leadership-team/)

[News & Events](https://www.sam.biz/news-and-events/)

[Locations](https://www.sam.biz/locations/)

[Health and Safety](https://www.sam.biz/safety/)

[Community](https://www.sam.biz/community/)

[Affiliations](https://www.sam.biz/affiliations/)

[Services](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/)

*arrow\_back*

## [Services](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

Our vast scope of services plays a vital role in providing the foundational data, input, insight, and oversight needed for program success.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

Land Surveying, Mapping & Data Collection

[Land Surveying](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/land-surveying/)

[Aerial Mapping](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/)

[GIS](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/gis/)

[BIM/3-D Laser Scanning](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/bim/)

[Survey/Construction Monitoring](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/construction-monitoring/)

Inspection

[Damage Prevention](https://www.sam.biz/damage-prevention/)

[3D Construction Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/3d-construction-inspection/)

[Engineering Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/engineering-inspection/)

[Powerline Inspection](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/aerial-mapping/powerline-inspection/)

[FAC-008 Solutions](https://www.sam.biz/FAC-008-Solutions)

Data & Digital Services

[Data Management & Quality](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/data-management-and-quality/)

[Analytics & AI Enablement](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/analytics-and-ai-enablement/)

[Geospatial Utility Network Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/geospatial-utility-network-management/)

[Network Model Management](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/network-model-management/)

[Unified Standards-Based Data Modeling (CIM)](https://www.sam.biz/xtensible/unified-standards-based-data-modeling-cim/)

Digital Management Solutions

[Inspection Management & Analytics](https://www.sam.biz/inspection-management-analytics/)

[Disaster Response](https://www.sam.biz/disaster-response/)

[Spatial Data Integration & Visualization](https://www.sam.biz/spatial-data-integration-and-visualization/)

[Substation Digital Twins](https://www.sam.biz/gridworks/)

Utility Location

[Subsurface Utility Engineering](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-engineering/sue/)

[Utility Coordination](https://www.sam.biz/our-services/utility-coordination/)

[Markets](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/)

*arrow\_back*

## [Markets](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

We work on programs of all sizes, from local route surveying to complex, multibillion-dollar infrastructure improvement programs for a range of industries.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

[Utilities](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/)

[Electric](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/electric-infrastructure-market/)

[Renewables](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/renewables/)

[Gas Distribution](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/gas-distribution/)

[Telecommunications](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/telecom/)

[Data Centers](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/data-centers/)

[Water](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/utilities-market/water/)

[Transportation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/)

[Roadways](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/highways/)

[Rail](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/rail/)

[Aviation](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/aviation-infrastructure/)

[Ports](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/transportation-market/ports/)

[Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/)

[Federal](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/federal-market/)

[Local Government](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/government-market/local-government/)

[Commercial & Industrial](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/commercial-industrial/)

[Natural Resources](https://www.sam.biz/our-markets/natural-resources/)

[Success Stories](https://www.sam.biz/success-stories/)

[Mergers & Acquisitions](https://www.sam.biz/about/mergers-and-acquisitions/)

[Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers/)

*arrow\_back*

## [Careers](https://www.sam.biz/careers)

We’re looking for talented individuals to join our team. At SAM, we are committed to driving technological change while promoting and supporting a culture of inclusion.

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/careers)

[LIFE AT SAM](https://www.sam.biz/life-at-sam)

[BENEFITS](https://www.sam.biz/benefits)

[GRADS & INTERNS](https://www.sam.biz/internship-opportunities)

[MILITARY](https://www.sam.biz/military)

[PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT](https://www.sam.biz/professional-development)

[Job Opportunities](https://careers.sam.biz/jobs)

[Career Path Explorer](https://www.sam.biz/careers/career-path-explore/)

[INSIGHTS](https://www.sam.biz/insights/)

*arrow\_back*

## [INSIGHTS](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

[Learn More](https://www.sam.biz/contact/)

[Blog](https://info.sam.biz/blog/)

[Videos Stories](https://info.sam.biz/videos)

[Case Stories](https://info.sam.biz/case-stories)

[Amplify Podcast](https://info.sam.biz/amplify-sam)

[Contact](https://www.sam.biz/contact)

*search*

*close*

[< View More Episodes](https://info.sam.biz/amplify-sam)

![](https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/SAM-Amplify-Clay-Harris16-9-1280X720.png)

# Episode 23: Stories From the Field: A Career Built on Curiosity, People, & Opportunity

[Listen to "Episode 23: Stories From the Field: A Career Built on Curiosity, People, & Opportunity" on Spreaker.](https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-23-stories-from-the-field-a-career-built-on-curiosity-people-opportunity--74902910) 

In this episode of SAM Amplify, Clay Harris reflects on more than 26 years with SAM and the company’s evolution from a growing regional firm to the organization it is today. He shares stories from his career across production, project management, business leadership, technology adoption, and executive leadership, while discussing the role that people, opportunity, curiosity, and mentorship have played along the way. Hear Clay’s perspective on SAM’s early adoption of technologies like GPS, LiDAR, and mobile mapping, the importance of developing the next generation of leaders, and the culture he hopes continues long after his retirement.

  

 

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/sam-companies/> <https://twitter.com/SAMCOMPANIES> <https://www.facebook.com/samcompaniesllc/> <https://www.instagram.com/samcompanies/> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL7-QUfmWFPd8ZtI39_HO8Q>

© 2026 SAM, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Texas Firm Registration No. 10064300.

- [Digital Library](https://www.sam.biz/digital-library)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.sam.biz/terms-of-use/)
- [Contact](https://www.sam.biz/contact)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Christopher Zmijewski",
    "url" : "https://info.sam.biz/amplify-sam/author/christopher-zmijewski"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-09-04T17:07:45.064Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-09-04T17:07:45.000Z",
  "headline" : "Amplify Episode 23: Stories From the Field: A Career Built on Curiosity, People, & Opportunity",
  "image" : [ "https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/SAM-Amplify-Clay-Harris16-9-1280X720.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://info.sam.biz/amplify-sam/amplify-episode-23-stories-from-the-field-a-career-built-on-curiosity-people-opportunity",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://info.sam.biz/hubfs/Logo/SAM_TM_color_rgb.png"
    },
    "name" : "SAM Companies"
  }
}
```