Construction

A Day In the Life of an Executive in Construction

As President of IoEnergy, I mostly work with clients to design and build Energy Efficiency and Sustainability projects. Behind that, I run the day to day operations of our Construction and Engineering Company, and finally I work with current and potential employees and partners. 

Educational Pathway

I studied Economics and Finance in College, but I had no idea what I would do when I got out (this was a long time ago). I was not a great student, but I knew I needed a degree. 

I interviewed with the normal companies that would hire an econ major (banks, insurance, consulting) and hated the cultures and environments. I took a big chance on a weird job that paid better than others with a tiny company that was doing energy efficiency before that was a thing, but it made sense to me. I'd say I was ahead of my peers paycheck wise within a year or so. 

Characteristics/Skills/Inspiration

I definitely didn't know if this was the career for me in any way, but I knew I needed a job that paid good money. Eventually I got good at it, and with others we built some companies, and by then I was pretty committed.

Corporate sustainability is very esoteric, and costs money which could reduce profits. We have to be able to cut through complex decision making process and make it easy for companies to understand that this is a profitable investment that makes money, not costs money.

The ability to take in the big picture and create actionable steps towards a goal critical, but that is how it is in life! 

Pros and Cons 

Pros: Very popular, everybody likes the idea, easy to talk to clients/people about it, doing something of value with your life's work

Cons: Knowledge and experience intensive, dependent on others to do what you recommend, many positions might not pay as good as they should considering the mission 

Biggest Challenge Faced In Getting Where They Are Today - How did they overcome it?

Being a "founder" in a new industry means there are no guidelines, so when we were getting started it was really hard to know "what to do next". My answer ended up being to focus on delivering our value proposition in a manner than our specific customer can relate to. In a world of digital marketing that is hard to do! 

Money is always a thing - I suspect most entrepreneurs fail because they don't do the basic things of managing money (or any other resource). Don't waste and plan ahead. 

Advice For One Pursuing this Career

My profession happens to be very popular right now - which is fantastic. However, we all need to start somewhere, no matter how good our education or back ground is it takes a minute to develop valuable, tangible skills. 

Don't be afraid to take a job that seems beneath you in a field you are sincerely interested in. And most importantly, if you love what you do for work you are not working, you are living. That should be the goal.

Lastly, anything worth having is worth sacrificing for 

Extra Notes/Interesting Facts

I started my current company when I was 50 years old and with (3) children expecting college in the immediate future. Nobody does that, and I needed to provide real value and get paid for that value from day one. That was 10 years ago... You get up early EVERY DAY and go after it, no other choice. 

A Day In the Life of a Facilities Director 

Planning, goal setting, developing department budgets, and coordinating construction projects, staffing, and project management to carry out the department’s responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner in conjunction with and support of Montage Health’s strategic plan.

The Director is responsible and accountable for tasks such as supervising the department’s daily operations, including but not limited to, being a resource and role model to staff for problem resolution with issues related to construction projects, safety, supplies, equipment, computer software, staff and administration concerns. Also, responsible and accountable for supervising department projects, general contractors, vendors and subcontractors. 

The Director ensures staff have the appropriate orientation/training and competence for the service provided and that all staff adhere to Exceeding Expectations standards for professional conduct. This is achieved through supportive training, coaching, developing, evaluating staff performance, policy/procedure enforcement, and corrective action, if necessary. 

The Director plays a major role in the development or revision of department policies and procedures, space planning, and capital expenditure budget.  The Director performs the roles of collaborator, convener, and connector as he/she shepherds stakeholders through the construction process and project life cycle.  The Director will be required to participate in and lead meetings, as required, to fulfill his/her job duties. 

The Director supports financial stewardship with attention on expenses, resource utilization and productivity in assigned cost centers, and tactical execution of the project life cycle.  

Educational Pathway

Undergraduate and Masters Degree earned in Business Administration 

Characteristics/Skills/Inspiration

Problem solver, analytical thinker, multi-tasker, foresight to anticipate future events and developments

Pros and Cons 

Pros: Organizational Culture is great fit for me . Location of job allows me to live where I want. Type of work is diverse and rewarding 

Cons: Dealing with regulatory agencies. Work/Life Balance can sometimes be challenging. Some colleagues do not play well in the sand box with others 

Biggest Challenge Faced In Getting Where They Are Today - How did they overcome it?

Negative attitudes.  Overcome by staying positive and always looking for options to compromise and solve problems.

Advice For One Pursuing this Career

Younger persons need to be patient and give themselves time to learn the job duties related to their career choice.  Career advancement rarely happens quickly.  Choose your mentor wisely.  Resiliency is another good trait to learn.