What is your biggest current challenge at work?
In my opinion the biggest challenges we are currently facing are the volatility/availability of materials, and finding the right individuals to join our team to support our continued growth.
What keeps you up at night?
We have an outstanding team here at Chesapeake Construction Group, supported by tremendous trade partners serving great clients. I sleep well.
What project is your company most proud of?
Our company is a collective of successful, talented, and passionate people. Each one is invested in many different and unique ways through their contributions and efforts, and with that I know that each one likely has a different answer to this question. I can only answer for myself, and the answer I come up with changes daily. The reason for the change in answers is why I continue to do what I do and enjoy it. I enjoy solving problems that lead to projects moving forward from concept to reality. Each client, and each project presents unique opportunities for us to provide value. I am tremendously proud every single time we provide that added value.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
I have always found ABC to be a great resource to the contracting community. I most enjoy the networking component which provides opportunities to put faces to names, events to break bread and toast a drink aside from the daily grind. The education, legislative, and community enriching services and activities are tremendously beneficial to our industry and in kind beneficial to us.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I wanted to be an NBA player, or an Architect/Builder. I loved playing basketball in addition to other sports, but more than anything I have always love to create. The combination of competition and creativity are key aspects to my career in building.
What do you look forward to each day?
Solving the puzzle, winning the race, and striving to elevate everyone around me.
What are you like to work for?
I do not consider that anyone on our team to works for me, they work for Chesapeake Contracting Group. Our associates work with me. Our team is relentless, responsible, and innovative. We are heavily focused on relationships and adding value wherever possible. It’s hard work, but very rewarding.
What is your favorite Metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
I have a soft spot for a good Irish pub. I always enjoyed Fados outside China town, and was sad to hear they closed last spring during the onset of the pandemic. I look forward to when this is behind us, and I can seek out another in the area.
Who would you trade places with for a day?
My six year old. Life through the lenses of a youngster is amazingly brighter, fresh, and new.
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
Too many to pick one. Action and thriller movies are my favorite types.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like to watch sports, fish, and build projects around the house or build projects helping friends.
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
In ten years you will look back and find it hard to remember what you did on a particular day or week at work, but you’re more likely to remember that family trip. I have sacrificed some of that in my career, but appreciate the journey so far and the knowledge I have now to act accordingly going forward.
What book are you currently reading?
Acid for the Children by Flea, but unfortunately I haven’t picked it up since my last real vacation.
What was your first job?
I grew up working as a farm hand for cash starting at very young age. The first job I had with a business pay check was a piece rate machinist at Metal Industries building window screens for the summer between high school and college.