History
WDM USA’s Parent Company, W.D.M. Limited, was founded in 1945 by the late Chairman, Mr. L.A.J. Gardiner, MBE, to provide engineering support for industry and government.
It expanded rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, designing, manufacturing and installing high-energy physics, high vacuum, remote and mechanical handling, hypersonic wind tunnel and gas purification equipment.
WDM USA’s innovative development and manufacture of the SCRIM® road survey vehicle, for the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, proved to be a watershed in the Company’s development.
Since 1972, its research and development team has used its unrivalled experience and technical expertise to increase the range of advanced technology equipment, software and road surveying services.
The 1970s saw the growth of a Survey Services Department, using the Company’s equipment to provide high quality road condition assessments. Additional expertise was developed in manual inventory, road condition and road safety surveys using hand-held computers.
During the 1980s and 1990s, the Company introduced a Consultancy Service to provide a complete road monitoring and road maintenance management service for UK and international clients.
The development of the international role of the Company continued during the 1990s and 2000s. In 2017, the SCRIM® road survey vehicle successfully completed a trial in five US states and has been rated “exceptional” in quality by the US Federal Highways Administration.
The Computer Services Department has expanded to include the provision of comprehensive computerized road maintenance and integrated asset management systems.
WDM USA was set up in 2018 and has been offering survey services to US highway authorities since 2019.
* Registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office
Meet The Team
Ryland Potter
Vice President
The opportunity to help make American roads safer for all road users was the key incentive for Ryland to join highway asset management specialists, WDM USA.
A Fulbright Scholar with more than 15 years’ experience as an international consultant to corporate, non-profit, and government organizations, Ryland has held senior roles advising corporate strategy and market entry with Accenture, the United Nations, and Hanover Research in Washington, DC.
While a Managing Director with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, she played an instrumental part in persuading WDM USA to set up its US subsidiary in Virginia – the Best State for Business. She holds a business degree from Case Western Reserve University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Texas.
Ryland and WDM USA aim to significantly reduce the more than 35,000 annual fatalities on U.S. roads by working with transportation authorities to expand their use of continuous friction and proactive pavement friction management.
Contact Ryland directly at Ryland.Potter@wdm-int.com
Isaac Briskin
Director of Analytics
Isaac has a background in medical statistics and a profound love for problem-solving. After completing an undergraduate degree in statistics and a Master of Arts in Applied Statistics from the University of Pittsburgh, he joined the Cleveland Clinic as a statistician. He worked primarily in orthopedic research, as well as across other departments, and co-authored over 20 publications.
A stint with analgesic pain medication clinical trials followed, but always looking for new challenges, Isaac made his way to WDM USA, where he looks forward to applying his background studies, skills and interests to solving road safety issues.
Daniel Galvis
Senior Technical Lead / Client Services Manager
A strong technical background and over 10 years of experience as a transportation engineer has given Daniel a deep understanding of the practical challenges DOTs face while managing their transportation assets. From maintaining asset management databases and developing Transportation Asset Management Plans to quantifying pavement friction management's economic benefits, Daniel brings to WDM USA an innovative perspective on incorporating SCRIM data into the asset management process. Daniel sharpened his interest in road safety and transportation management systems while earning his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in Colombia and his Master and PhD in Transportation Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He hopes to further that work at WDM USA by helping DOTs develop cost-effective strategies to reduce roadway crashes.
Amanda Lentz
Business Support Manager
Amanda has a diverse background that has equipped her with a unique perspective and skill set. Prior to joining WDM USA, she was a Certified Nursing Assistant, where she excelled at multitasking to provide excellence at every level of patient care. She holds a degree in Business Management and Marketing, formerly served as Associate Editor for the Young Virginia Writers Club, has spent many volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity, and enjoys any outlet in which she can express creativity. Being all too aware that there are enough issues with distracted and impaired drivers without controllable issues like road condition being a factor in crashes, Amanda is thrilled to be a part of WDM USA's mission to make roads safer for everyone.
Carl Traynor
SCRIM® Operations Supervisor
Carl jumped at the opportunity to help establish the company’s newest venture, WDM USA, even working alongside the UK team that designs and builds vehicles for WDM’s global fleet.
Home for Carl Traynor is Exmouth, Devon, UK, where he and his wife Michelle have raised two sons. After serving in the British Army and the Royal Marines as a military advisor for the cadets for 21 years, he embarked on a new career in goods transportation, driving tankers, loaders, and ship containers all over the UK and Europe.
He joined WDM in 2016 and soon took the helm of the company’s flagship SCRIM® vehicle and takes great pride in helping to reduce crashes. He looks forward to working with WDM USA for many years to come, expanding his knowledge of the business, and training new SCRIM® drivers and operators.
Laura Thriftwood
Senior Data Scientist
Laura received her BA in Business Administration from Oregon State University and MS in Data Science from the University of Washington. Certified in Project Management, she is committed to the delivery of human-centered, data-driven solutions. She spent much of the last decade in higher education administration and looks to continue her commitment to support public service and infrastructure in her transition to the transportation sector. She looks forward to making a positive impact on road safety in her new role with WDM USA.
Zac Clement
GIS Data Manager
Zac has a passion for geography and received his BA in Geography from the University of Colorado Boulder. He has a background in computers and data science, which he leverages to further his GIS skills. Zac’s background is also in Human Geography researching social issues, and he enjoys real-world applications for technical solutions. Outside of work, Zac loves soccer, reading, and music of all kinds. He is excited to join the WDM USA team and assist with his knowledge of geography and GIS.