What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
People outside of the industry (and students) do not have a concept of the work that professionals across multiple disciplines and companies carry out to get a project entitled, designed, permitted, and constructed.
What keeps you up at night?
The current challenge or obstacle of that particular day or week.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
People. The steep decline in the available workforce is felt across all aspects of our industry. It's not going to improve at any point in my career and solving that issue while continuing to grow the company is my biggest challenge.
What project is your company most proud of?
It's difficult for me to say what project the company is most proud of over its 128-year history. The project I am the proudest of during my career with Shockey is The Village at Orchard Ridge, a large senior living facility in Winchester, VA. Throughout the multiple phases of the project, I served as the project manager and project executive, overseeing large project teams that bonded and had a great time together while building a very challenging project.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
In many ways, the networking aspect is foremost. I've built many great relationships over the years with subcontractors and other general contractors through the committees, training classes, and events I've been a part of (that I never would have met otherwise).
What do you look forward to each day?
I love to build, and going to our sites and seeing the progress is very rewarding for me.
What are you like to work for?
I hope the people working for me would say I'm fair and supportive.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
There are so many good places to eat and hang out, but picking one is tricky. Any place that has good seafood and cold beverages is fine by me.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A contractor. I'm the third generation of contractors in my family, and it has always been my path.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Movie - Gladiator
What do you do for fun?
Getting out on the lake with my wife and kids.
What book are you currently reading?
Between work and coaching youth sports, it's hard to find time to read; I've switched to listening to podcasts while driving. It usually has something to do with business or sports.
What was your first job?
Working for my father as a laborer on construction projects.