What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
That “construction training, craft & management has no future for entry level persons”. To the contrary, "construction" is one industry that, with the right training and the desire to be successful, offers an incredible future. Computers will improve our work practices but will never eliminate the need for trades people and management staff. The predicted reduction of jobs by 35-45% due to computers making many jobs obsolete will not occur in construction. The need for trained personnel is greater now than ever as we move into the uncertainty of global warming and environmental degradation and its effect on the built environment.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Our biggest challenge by far is finding trades people and Management Staff, Estimators, PM’s and Superintendents.
What keeps you up at night?
Retaining staff and training staff.
What project is your company most proud of?
Over the last 30 years (1987-2017), I would say the Embassy of Sweden/House of Sweden.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
ABC has provided constant exposure to business conditions, legal, political and economic, plus insight into the future trends. It is very important to keep current in the business world to identify potential impacts on the daily operating condition that the business is exposed to. We tend to focus on the “next job”, not the effects on the next job due to the business environment.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to work with my hands/brains on buildings.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
That my Ancestor "Bellingham" came to England in 1066 with William the Conqueror, and I was originally German!
What do you look forward to each day?
Seeking new challenges, satisfying our clients and imparting my experience to the next generation.
What are you like to work for?
Apparently, demanding but supportive.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
My wife's kitchen, with our young adults and Rugby, our Lab.
Who would you trade places with for a day?
Linda Rabbitt (Rand) - she is my female construction hero!
What is your favorite movie or tv show?
Masterpiece Theater on PBS
What do you do for fun?
Travel, garden, kayak
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
I believe I was extremely lucky, and I was taught most things by Career Path Training.
Perhaps better Leadership Training, such as my son and daughter are receiving through ABC's Young Professionals Program.
What book are you currently reading?
The History of the World's Lighthouses from 1812.
What was your first job?
An Indentured Trainee to George Wimpey Construction based in London. Six Year Sandwich Degree.
