Jerry Pillath of Pound, Wisconsin originally established M & O Land Surveying in 1973 and offered his services in Marinette and Oconto counties. Back then, measurements were made with a steel chain and transit instead of global positioning systems and laser technology.

In 1986, Jerry accepted the job of Marinette County Surveyor, and M&O Land Surveying quietly slipped to the back burner as Pillath turned his attention toward the colossal job of remonumenting nearly 5,000 public land survey corners in Marinette County. The county board voted in the spring of 2006 to eliminate the county surveyor department, and Pillath suddenly found himself looking to the past for inspiration.

Although he officially retired Sept. 1, 2006, the former Marinette County Surveyor has no intention of putting away his mapping software or field equipment. Instead, Pillath has revived M&O Land Surveying and is drumming up his own business, accepting clientele for his private surveying practice.

"My private and government service has given me a unique perspective on the importance of private land ownership to our American way of life," Pillath said. "Having settled boundaries of private land is as important to individuals as having secure borders to a nation. I really enjoy using this knowledge and modern technology to help people with their land concerns."

In addition to land surveying, Pillath and his wife, Ruth, handle assessing for the townships of Beaver and Wausaukee in Marinette County. For questions about boundary lines, land divisions or lot surveys, contact Pillath by phone at (920) 897-2681 or e-mail him at jpillath@ez-net.com.