What does construction mean to you? Building everything: friendships, business relationships, careers. And along the way, we create remarkable projects that stand as a testament to that collaboration.
What is the most exciting thing about working in this industry? Every project is different. My father worked in retail for 32 years, repeating the same cycle annually. He always told me he was envious because I get to start fresh every few months.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career? Share the hard truths—and do it quickly. Delaying only makes problems worse and reduces the time you have to fix them.
What was the most important thing you learned from your greatest teacher? A mentor taught me the Fearless/Tireless/Egoless triangle—a quick tool for evaluating associates. He also taught me the 51% rule: in any conflict, assume 51% responsibility for resolution. Focus on solutions, not being right.
What do you do to stay productive? I keep a task list covering at least two days of work. If I’m running low, I fill gaps with calls to clients. I also carve out time to relax and recharge. Beyond that, my wife and kids keep most of my spare time occupied!
Leaders are made through experience. Some may have innate traits, but the best leaders are egoless, fearless, and tireless—qualities honed over time through intentional growth.
What is the biggest challenge in construction—or business in general? Margins are thin, and fees don’t always outweigh risks. This can create a claim-based environment. The most important thing is to aggressively avoid legal battles.
What is the biggest opportunity for Truebeck in the near future? Data center work. It offers the fastest path to revenue growth, strong fees, and many cost-plus projects. With our sophistication, Truebeck is well-positioned to win this work.
Would you rather have a less productive team with diverse opinions, or a more productive team with a less diverse mindset? Generally, I prefer a more productive team with a less diverse mindset. Quick, accurate decisions are critical in our industry. There’s a time for brainstorming, but it’s the exception, not the rule.
What do you love most about your job? Working with others. I’ve led both small and large companies, and collaboration energizes me. Working alone can feel isolating—being surrounded by people fills the room with energy.
What kind of impact do you want to have on the world? I want to look back and know that others succeeded in part because of their relationship with me.
What do you look forward to most outside of work? Any activity with my wife. She’s my best friend and the person I most enjoy spending time with. We both work hard, so relaxing together on weekends recharges me.
Education
- Engineering Studies
University of Utah