What is the biggest
misconception about the industry?
Construction is a simple
field comprised of people slinging tools. This couldn't be further from the
truth. Construction begins long before a single construction worker and his/her
tool ever arrives on the scene. City and town planners, economists, engineers
and architects are not performing "simple" jobs. Neither are the
trained and skilled workers who show up every day, using modern innovation and
construction technology to build the world we live in. Construction requires a
greater ability to "think outside the box" as well as in-the-moment
problem solving skills that are not required in many other professions.
What is your biggest
current challenge at work?
Getting past the mentality
that anyone can get a job in the construction industry. In fact, most
construction workers have some college education or they are considered skilled
tradesmen. Construction is one of the only industries where employers
continually pay for, host, and/or send their employees to receive continual
training. Apprenticeships are highly competitive. From education regarding OSHA
safety regulations to classes, seminars and conferences regarding the latest
construction technology and innovation, construction professionals are
constantly increasing their knowledge bank and skill sets. Workers interested in
pursuing project management or other upper-level positions are often required
to obtain a degree or further technical training. In a competitive market,
especially the post-recession construction market, it can be very difficult for
uneducated or inexperienced workers to find a job.
What keeps you up at night?
My career comes with the
burden of keeping skilled craftsmen working full time just like every
contractor. There are days I am required to inform employees there is no work
orders at the moment and this is unnerving due to the vast amount of
contractors looking for quality employees and the amount of work going on daily
in the DC Metro area.
What project is your
company most proud of?
American Indian Museum, The
United States Capitol Building, FedEx Field, U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
Washington National Cathedral, Smithsonian Museum, The Pentagon, Georgetown
University CIA Dulles, National Building Museum, Washington Nationals Stadium.
How does your ABC
membership help your company?
ABC helps me build my
personal brand which in return helps promote my companies strengths and ability
to help contractors grow their business. ABC offers many programs including the
apprenticeship program which helps our employees and contractor apprentices to
continue to grow their careers and become successful. ABC provides us with the
opportunity to meet with decision makers in a relaxed environment typically
while enjoying an amazing meal and always quality entertainment. The STEP
program and constantly improving safety programs and classes are very important
industry tools that align perfectly with our company's core values.
Volunteering for committees has offered me insight to the concerns and issues
contractors face on a daily basis and allow us to all work on these topics
together to find the best plan of action for improvement.
What did you want to be
when you grew up?
I wanted to be a fighter
pilot.
Tell us something no one in
the industry knows about you.
I have a passion for
gardening and growing the world’s hottest chili peppers.
What do you look forward to
each day?
I look forward to working
hard to help my clients grow and complete projects on time. I also look forward
to hearing our employees tell me about the exciting new projects that they are
working on. Getting the opportunity to be on multiple job-sites daily is rare
and I never pass up the chance to take in the developing skyline.
What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with
family and friends and sitting around the wood smoker waiting for the perfect
texture of meat.
What business/career advice
do you wish you had when you began?
Never miss the opportunity
to improve yourself.
What was your first job?
I worked on a Christmas
tree farm driving the hay wagon around and cutting peoples trees and loading
them on their vehicles.