At Godfrey Hoffman Hodge (GHH), our strength lies in the people who bring expertise, history, and dedication to every project. Few embody this more than Kevin Gallagher, one of the original members of the Hodge survey team acquired by Adam Hoffman in 2010. With nearly four decades of experience in the field, Kevin has witnessed firsthand how surveying has evolved—while the principles at its core have remained constant. In this interview, he shares insights from his career, what makes his work rewarding, and the challenges and changes that continue to shape the surveying profession today.

Who are you and how long have you worked at Godfrey Hoffman Hodge?
Kevin Gallagher, Last of the original employees from the “Hodge” survey team Adam purchased in 2010.

What do you do and why do you do it?
Currently I manage the survey office and survey duties in the Unionville office. I enjoy the variety of projects and interaction with our client base.

 What does a typical day look like for you?
Luckily there isn’t a typically day, from doing wetland flag locations a boundary stakeout to being on a roof locating steel framing to retro fit an additional…. It never seems typical.

What is challenging about your day to day?
The biggest challenge is making sure our clients who are unfamiliar with what a surveyor does has a clear understanding of what is required for their specific project .

What has changed during your career?
EVERYTHING!  Started surveying in 1985 just before the introduction of EDM’s.  So I started with a transit, steel tape, rod and note book.  Now its robotic total station & GPS. If George Washington could see us now.

What has not changed?
Understanding that even though the technology has change, the principle have not.

What keeps you going back?
The challenges of each project and the clients we work with.

These days, most towns host online GIS (Geographic Information System) portals that let residents explore property lines, zoning, and other local data with just a few clicks. They’re usually very user-friendly and give users a sense of confidence in what they see. But appearances can be deceiving.

You might notice a lot where a line appears to cut straight through the middle of a house—or lots where the lines seem to fall neatly around the property. Surprisingly, there’s no difference in terms of accuracy. In fact, all the lines on these maps are approximate, and most GIS sites include a disclaimer stating as much. Many users overlook the small print and assume the lines are precise.

For example, in one neighborhood, (see above),  a GIS map shows a line slicing right through a home. Having worked in the area, I can confirm that the depiction is not accurate—it’s no more correct than lines that appear properly aligned. These maps are meant to give a general sense of property boundaries, not survey-level precision.

This distinction becomes especially important when clients reach out about survey needs. We often take the time to explain that assessor lines are compiled from various sources and are not the result of a professional survey. While GIS portals are a useful starting point, resolving property line questions always requires a licensed professional.

Bottom line: GIS maps are a great tool for exploration, but when it comes to legal property boundaries, trust a surveyor—not a screen.

From Field Dog to Big Dog…

As many of you know, our firm recently celebrated its 100th year in business — a milestone that speaks to the strength of our people, our reputation, and the trust of our clients. Today, we’re excited to share an update about the leadership that will carry GHH into its next chapter.

After nearly fifty years with the company, Adam Hoffman has decided it’s time to step back from the day-to-day operations. While Adam will remain actively involved in guiding the firm at a strategic level, this transition allows him to focus more on long-term planning while ensuring that the daily operations are in experienced hands. Adam’s decades of leadership have shaped GHH into the strong, resilient firm it is today, and his influence will continue to be felt well into the future.

Taking the reins of daily management is someone who needs no introduction — Calvin Weingart, L.S. Calvin has been the backbone of our company for close to thirty years. From his early days in the field to his leadership across major projects, Calvin’s dedication, expertise, and steady hand have been essential to GHH’s success. For clients and colleagues alike, he represents the reliability and excellence that define who we are.

This is not just a change in roles — it’s the natural evolution of a partnership built on trust, experience, and a shared commitment to our clients. We extend our sincere congratulations to both Adam, for nearly five decades of stewardship, and to Calvin, for stepping into this leadership role with the full confidence of our team.

We look forward to continuing to serve you with the same dedication, accuracy, and integrity that have defined GHH for more than a century.

We’re Hiring At Our Farmington Office –  We’re looking for a self-motivated, engergetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, independently and as part of a team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with modern surveying tools and a desire to grow professionally in a dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities & Requirements:

• Conduct fieldwork using Robotic Total Stations, GPS, and data collectors
• Perform land record research and site reconnaissance
• Apply basic CAD and computer skills to support survey documentation
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to high-quality results
• Work in varying field conditions on diverse project types across the state

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Party Chief or lead field technician.
• Approx. 7-10 years’ experience in the field as well as CST or FS preferred.
• Proficiency with robotic instruments and GPS systems
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and other standard survey software
• Ability to read and interpret deeds, maps, and construction plans
• Strong communication skills and a valid driver’s license

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Health, Life & Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• A collaborative and supportive work environment
• Exposure to a diverse workload with excellent professional growth opportunities

At GHH, we take pride in our history and our people. Come be part of a company that values integrity, teamwork, and a job well done.

All inquiries will be kept completely confidential.
To apply, please send your resume to: ahoffman@godfreyhoffman.com