What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
The biggest misconception about the AEC industry
is that it is primarily male-dominated. This is
becoming less so as more women are entering
architectural, engineering and construction firms
every year. The number of incredibly talented
women that our team has hired, engaged with and
worked with has been steadily growing and that is
fantastic - for the entire industry as a whole.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
Managing work across so many jurisdictions and
continuing to expand into new areas while ensuring
we continue to deliver the best work possible across
the board. This is made more challenging by
staffing shortages across the industry.
What keeps you up at night?
The desire for market growth and continuing to
provide the quality of service that our clients have
come to expect. The fight for talent is also a
challenge.
What project is your company most proud of?
We've been fortunate to have worked on some
iconic projects throughout Metro DC including the
Wharf, Audi Field, Amazon HQ2, the French
International School, and the Kennedy Center.
However, City Ridge is a personal favorite of ours.
Getting to work on something that is now part of our
community and a place that our families can be in
and around on a weekly basis is professionally very
satisfying. Every time staff is in the Wegmans there,
we get this amazing feeling because the Gorove
Slade team was a part of delivering this amazing
space that so many people can now take advantage
of.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Joining ABC has provided us with the opportunity to
engage with a broader group of potential teaming
partners and affords us additional visibility within
the construction industry.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a soldier. I did it, it was amazing. I can’t stress enough the positive impact it had on me as a person, a teammate, and a leader.
Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.
Stevie Nicks bought me lunch once and I didn't
realize who she was until her assistant told me.
What do you look forward to each day?
My bike ride to work, interacting with teammates,
working together to engage on projects and provide
great products for our clients. We also blast records
all day in our Maryland office which is a lot of fun.
What are you like to work for?
Hopefully great! I try to have our team be an open,
collaborative and supportive group that puts the
needs of the team and each other above our own.
What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?
Restaurant, it's Taco Bamba. Pick a location, it's the
best. Favorite place to hang out...Capitol One Arena
or Audi Field for DC sports.
Who would you trade places with for a day?
My wife. She's a 4th grade teacher and I think it
would be pretty cool to see what a day at school is
like for her (and if I could deal with all those 10 year
old's!!)
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
It's a 138 minute master class on leadership and its
challenges.
What do you do for fun?
Run, bike, play/watch soccer. I also love walking my
dogs, hanging out with my family and going to the
beach as much as possible.
What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?
Three days before I started my first job post military
I realized I didn't own any work clothes, would've
been nice to get a hint about that more in advance!
What book are you currently reading?
The Exiles by Jane Harper
What was your first job?
Lifeguard