Writing
Writing is my way of working through problems, shaping my thoughts, and conveying my ideas. I gain a lot from wilderness experiences and use my Substack newsletter, Hess Mountain Group Field Report, to translate those experiences into daily work and life. It’s built on the idea that clear thinking often occurs far from the office, and the best decisions come from a willingness to go slow enough to understand a problem.
I write about risk, uncertainty, decision-making, grant strategy, harbor economics, and what wilderness teaches about those topics, plus the occasional trail report to bring you to the places I love. My posts range from reflections to deep dives, and each one aims to capture wisdom earned in the field through experiences, rigor, and appreciation for the unknown.
Hess Mountain Group Field Report on Substack
My Substack publication is a collection of essays, reflections, and practical advice spanning multiple topics, that share the central themes of planning, managing uncertainty, and developing deep understanding. In my writing, you can expect an exploration of topics where I’ve applied what I’ve learned from wilderness experience to daily life and business life. You can think of it as a glimpse into the thinking that drives all that I do.
Hess Mountain Group Field Report will launch June 1, 2026, and will generally be published every three weeks, with variation in publishing cadence and article length based the seasons.
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Books
I have self-published two books, on cost estimating and project risk management, each developed from my academic work, one for graduate-level coursework I taught at the University of Alaska Anchorage, the other based on my final project for my Master of Science in Project Management degree. Additional books are in the works.
My books are written for practitioners, people who need to understand theory as well as practical application.
Cost Estimation and Management
Cost Estimation and Management, 2/e, is a practical guide to the tools and techniques for estimating and managing costs. It is written for managers, either of projects or operations, who may not be the ones developing estimates but who need to understand how costs are derived and how to manage them during execution. A third edition is currently in development.
Available at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1463506341
Project Risk Management for Alaska Oil and Gas Capital Projects
This book, adapted from my final project for the Master of Science in Project Management degree, applies project risk management principles to Alaska’s oil and gas sector. Drawing on direct experience and original research, this work addresses the risk factors and management approaches specific to this challenging operating environment. It is a specialized resource for project professionals in this industry.
Available at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1540423832