If you’re looking for the heart behind Creative Environmental Solutions, look no further than George Foster. Read on to meet our founder and learn what makes our company unique.
If you ask George Foster why he became a geologist, he will tell you it was a close call between rocks and snakes. Growing up barefoot in the woods and swamps of Brooksville, Florida—known as the “mountains of Florida” for its limestone-rich hills—George spent his childhood collecting both. When it came time for college, he reasoned that geology offered a better chance of making a living than herpetology, and he has never looked back.
George attended the University of South Florida (USF) and later earned his graduate degree from the University of Florida (UF), where he studied under the esteemed Dr. James Eades. His coursework included exploration geophysics, hydrogeology, and sedimentology, all of which still inform his work today.
Inspired by Dr. Eades’ practical approach to solving client problems rather than focusing on theoretical research, George carried that philosophy into his professional life—a mindset that ultimately led to the founding of Creative Environmental Solutions, Inc. (CES).
From Mud Logging to Environmental Consulting
After earning his degrees, George embarked on an adventurous career that took him to unexpected places. His work as a mud logger in Wyoming introduced him to harsh weather, long hours, and blizzard-filled nights driving back to the drill rig. His time with Environmental Science & Engineering in Jonesville, Florida, exposed him to contamination assessments at military installations and Superfund sites across the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Bahamas.
One of George’s more memorable experiences occurred at the Lowry Landfill Superfund site near Denver, where he stumbled upon a group of western bullsnakes living in tire piles. A lifelong snake enthusiast, George couldn’t resist catching a few—until the site safety officer discovered his impromptu reptile collection and promptly sent him packing back to Florida.
Founding Creative Environmental Solutions
In 1994, after a decade of managing contamination assessments at Superfund sites and military bases, George decided it was time for a change. Tired of bureaucracy and eager to take a more personalized approach to environmental consulting, he founded Creative Environmental Solutions, Inc. in his hometown of Brooksville. His vision was to build a company that delivered expert environmental services and cultivated lasting client relationships by focusing on practical solutions.
Nearly 30 years later, George is proud that many of CES’s earliest clients are still with the company today. CES provides a wide range of environmental consulting services across Florida—from Pensacola to Key West.
Over the years, George has had his fair share of unforgettable experiences. From uncovering Pleistocene-era mammal bones 100 feet below the surface to encountering albino crawfish in limestone caves, his career has been anything but ordinary. He has navigated sinkholes, endured Level A protection suits in the Bahamian heat, and even survived an encounter with armed guards at a nuclear arms facility in Texas.
Yet, for George, the most rewarding aspect of his career is not the adventures—it’s the legacy he has built. Seeing CES continue to thrive after three decades and watching former employees succeed is a source of immense pride.
Leading with Science and Integrity
While George admits he’s “not the best people manager,” he leads CES by focusing on what he loves—science. He encourages a culture of teamwork, innovation, and client service while delegating the operational side of the business to trusted colleagues. His hands-on approach and insatiable curiosity drive CES’s commitment to delivering top-notch environmental solutions.
Looking to the Future
As the environmental consulting industry continues to evolve, George remains committed to maintaining CES’s independence and focus on client satisfaction. While he acknowledges that industry consolidation may one day come knocking, for now, George is content leading a company that reflects his values, expertise, and passion.
George offers sage advice for aspiring geologists and environmental consultants:
“Learn practical skills, make lots of friends, and never underestimate the value of good communication.”
He also suggests finding hands-on experience early on—whether through internships or summer jobs—and staying active in professional associations.
A Life Beyond Geology
When he’s not chasing contaminant plumes or drilling core samples, George enjoys fishing—although he humbly admits he’s not very good at it. Whether rod and reel, spearfishing, or lobstering, fishing is his reward for years of hard work.
If given the chance to revisit any location from his career, George would return to Guam, where he spent three unforgettable months drilling monitor wells at Andersen Air Force Base. With memories of luxury apartments, balut and spam steaks, and diving on vibrant reefs, George says the work was a small price to pay for the experience.
George Foster: The Heart Behind CES
George Foster’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for science. His dedication to Creative Environmental Solutions, Inc. has left an indelible mark on the environmental consulting industry, and his commitment to solving environmental challenges continues to drive the company’s success.
If you’re ready to meet our founder and partner with a company that combines expertise, experience, and a personalized approach to environmental solutions, contact Creative Environmental Solutions, Inc. today.
