Charleston, S.C. (February 17, 2022): Calling him "a visionary, an inspiration and dear friend," the South Carolina Chapter of PDCA recognizes Harry Robbins as the first-ever recipient of the J. Harry Robbins, Jr. Award, which signifies a commitment to advancing the driven pile through strength of the Chapter. The ceremony took place during the First Quarter Dinner Meeting of the group - the meeting marked the 75th consecutive gathering of the Chapter since its 2003 founding (2020 is not counted due to COVID interruptions) - at the Town and Country Inn & Suites in Charleston.
As told by South Carolina Chapter of PDCA President John King, "Harry pulled together the other contractors in Charleston to join forces by establishing a localized PDCA presence through the formation of a Chapter. The idea would ensure that driven pile foundations continue to be the preferred deep foundation method in the state and beyond. Some of you might remember how Harry said - we want our piece of the pie to get bigger! He was able to build on the collegiality of the market competitors and earn their willingness to join his vision. He emphasized involving the geotechs in this area because their role in the industry directly impacts success of the driven pile foundation type. And Harry's existing relationships with the suppliers allowed him to gain the important support and influence that they bring to pile driving."
Harry Robbins spent several decades as the President at Palmetto Pile Driving in Charleston, SC. Following his retirement in 2017, his successor Jason Moore has taken the PDCA mantle and volunteered significant portions of his time on South Carolina Chapter of PDCA initiatives. He also has become very active in the national organization where he served as President in 2020.
In his retirement, Harry has maintained membership and participation in the Chapter he founded, as well as the national organization. His legacy in PDCA extends beyond Moore with his demonstrated commitment to the organization. Current Palmetto Pile Driving field manager Scott Nigels, also a Chapter president for two terms, has spent several years on the South Carolina Chapter of PDCA executive committee and joined John King on Thursday in presenting his former boss with the special award named in his honor.
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Photo Credits: Ric Anderson, Frank Peters
