What is the biggest misconception about the industry?
Construction is a very challenging and rewarding industry. A lot of young people steer away from Construction because they are not aware of the career opportunities that are available or look down upon construction as negative. There are College degrees related to construction and there are plenty of “white collar” jobs that are available and offered in many facets of construction from management, estimating, procurement, sales, and marketing.
What is your biggest current challenge at work?
The biggest challenge right now is workforce development. Trying to find and develop young skilled labor, craftsmen, and tradesmen.
What keeps you up at night?
Construction is very cyclical with ups and downs. The market has been really strong and active for the last several years so you never know when is the next downturn.
What project is your company most proud of?
Without a doubt, our proudest moment was being involved in the reconstruction of the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack in 2001. The Phoenix Project. The industry and the country came together and united for one common cause and the entire team worked around the clock to reopen the Pentagon one year to the day it started.
How does your ABC membership help your company?
Construction is all about relationships. As a subcontractor, we have the ability to be introduced and advertised to the many General Contractor members as well as suppliers, financial partners, and other professionals. Some of our best customers are other ABC Members. The education and training programs are also very beneficial.