Two of Pueblo Water’s best and brightest were honored recently by the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Pueblo.

Construction Engineer Justin Richardson and Customer Services Supervisor Ryan Dalton were named two of Pueblo’s 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders for 2021. They, along with 38 of their peers, were feted on July 30, 2021, at the Pueblo Convention Center.

Ryan’s job is one of the most important in providing more than 113,000 Puebloans with water – their most precious resource – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He oversees a department of 10 Customer Service Representatives (he is younger than most of whom he supervises), he interacts directly with customers regarding their accounts, and he communicates with many outside vendors and service providers. All of this at just 31. Then again, he is a ‘young’ veteran of Pueblo Water’s elite workforce.

Rather than show disdain or callousness toward customers with delinquent accounts or who are experiencing difficulties, whether caused by the pandemic or other situations, Ryan uses care and compassion to work through problems. And he does this every single day. The entire CSR team follows his lead as they interact with a gentle hand to those who need assistance while maintaining the professionalism of doing business.

Ryan’s calm approach and deft touch help making doing business with Pueblo Water a hassle-free experience, even during tough times.

Away from the water world, Ryan is a devoted husband and new father. He enjoys hunting and spending time with his family. He also volunteers for the YMCA’s Chocolate Indulgence, has coached youth sports, and is a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge No. 90.

As Pueblo Water’s Construction Engineer, Justin Richardson is charged with making sure water flows freely through that complicated underground maze. He is tasked to figure out ways to fix breaks, broken links and any other problems that would prevent water from flowing to homes and businesses. He is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of most features within Pueblo Water’s transmission and distribution system. As far as important jobs go in this community, Justin’s is right there at the top. And he does his job superbly, though in relative obscurity, at 36 years old.

Justin is responsible for millions and millions of dollars’ worth of water-related projects each year. His work includes dealing with subcontractors big and small, as well as governmental agencies. He is a problem-solver of the highest magnitude.

A 2018 class member of Leadership Pueblo, Justin has attended several national leadership conferences and workshops and is on several Pueblo Water committees.