What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
That construction isn't a challenging and rewarding industry to work in. The results of our efforts are physically shown every day. There is nothing completed in the abstract. The work is complex and rewarding and there are tons of very smart professionals making it happen every day. Real estate is the largest asset class in the world and we have a hand in creating it everyday.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Recruiting, hiring, training, developing, and retaining talent. The "Great Resignation" is making its way towards the commercial construction industry and is top of mind. Making sure our employees feel equipped to do their jobs, have room for growth, and feel valued is top of mind. It is our job as leaders now and always to make sure CB is a great place to work.
What keeps you up at night?
Inflation. Commercial construction contracts are fixed price. Our cost structure in the last 12 months has been anything but. This is the most challenging environment to effectively budget, bid, and execute work that I have seen in 10 years. You either include the monies necessary to protect yourself and don't win the bid, or you price aggressively and fight to the finish.
What project is your company most proud of?
The West Rosslyn project we recently completed for Whiting Turner & Penzance. This was the largest contract in company history ($5.2M) and a very complex & demanding job. The project consisted of dual track towers containing over 884 residential units at 1,200,000 square feet of flooring.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
The merit shop contracting industry is under regulatory assault by the current administration. ABC is the top voice and advocate for us. As a small business owner all we want is for the government to at least not hurt us. We aren't asking for preference. ABC understands this.
What do you look forward to each day?
The challenge of convincing clients why they should use us over our competitors. Anybody can quote work and compete on price. Real business is generated from selling on value. It's not easy.
What are you like to work for?
I hope our employees would say that our leadership group is meritocratic, performance driven, and empathetic in the right blend. We strive for this everyday and are always learning.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
Frisco Taphouse, Columbia.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Succession on HBO.
What do you do for fun?
Travel, play golf, and scope out new restaurants with my Fiancé.
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
Leaders should tell it like it is.
What book are you currently reading?
I am re-reading "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by entrepreneur Ben Horowitz. Quite possibly the best book on business you will ever read.
What was your first job?
Making cheesesteaks at "Surf's Up" restaurant in Bethany Beach, DE.