Michael, Project Manager at High-End Residential General Contractor : Advize Career Interview
A career path in high-end residential general contracting offers exciting opportunities for driven individuals.
This profession, as described by a seasoned Project Manager, involves a dynamic blend of on-site construction, collaborative teamwork, and strategic financial management.
The work demands strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in reading construction drawings and managing budgets.
While challenges exist, particularly in managing client expectations and navigating the complexities of subcontractor relationships, the rewards are immense, including the personal satisfaction of seeing a project come to fruition and the development of valuable skills in finance and negotiation.
Entry-level positions often start as project engineers, providing a solid foundation for advancement to assistant project manager and ultimately, project manager roles.
Success requires a proactive approach, including building a strong portfolio, mastering relevant software, and a relentless job search.
This career path welcomes "go-getters" and "driven negotiators" who are not afraid to make decisions and are committed to learning and growth.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Trentacosti
Project Manager
High-End Residential General Contractor
University of Colorado, Boulder
Not Applicable
Environmental & Related Sciences
Construction
Operations and Project Management
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Career Path of a Project Manager at High-End Residential General Contractor
Michael's career path was unplanned, starting with an unexpected shift from business to architecture in college, driven by a childhood love of building and fueled by "jumping in blindly" to a challenging program. This led to a successful career trajectory through model making, architecture firms, and finally, a fulfilling role as a Project Manager at a high-end residential general contractor after exploring commercial architecture and overcoming pandemic-related setbacks, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach to career development.
Main Responsibilities Of A Project Manager At A Luxury Home Builder
Michael's main responsibilities as a Project Manager encompass "every aspect of a job site," including personnel, budget, and paperwork; the role also involves extensive communication with subcontractors, architects, and engineers, managing contracts and billings.
A Day In The Life Of A Project Manager At A Luxury Home Builder
A Project Manager's day is highly variable, spending "two to three days on a job site" and the remainder in the office, with the main focus being "coordinating and problem-solving" based on daily demands and urgent issues. This involves prioritizing tasks from emails, contacting relevant parties, and addressing whatever challenges arise.
Most Important Skills For A Project Manager At A Luxury Home Builder
For a high-end residential general contractor project manager, Michael cites "organization," "problem-solving," and "good knowledge of financials" as crucial skills, emphasizing the constant need to manage "a lot of paperwork" while simultaneously tracking budgets and navigating daily challenges with "a time component associated with that, with the project schedule." Reading construction drawings is also highlighted as a critical skill in this role.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Project Manager At A Residential General Contractor
Michael enjoys the "comradery amongst" his team and the on-site construction work, finding the experience valuable for developing skills in budget management and finance. This highlights a blend of team collaboration and practical, on-the-job learning as key aspects of the role.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Project Manager at Luxury Home Builder
Michael's greatest challenge as a Project Manager is managing expectations—specifically, "managing expectations of the client with regards to budget," and effectively managing subcontractors and their evolving scopes of work. This requires careful consideration of budget constraints and ensuring that spending aligns with the client's best interests throughout the project's constantly changing dynamics.
Favorite Parts of Working in Luxury Home Construction as a Project Manager
Michael's favorite aspects of the high-end residential general contracting industry are the "comradery amongst" their team and the immense satisfaction of completing a project, describing the feeling of seeing "it come to fruition and be completed" as "one of the most gratifying feelings."
What Type of Person Thrives in the Residential Construction Industry, According to a Project Manager at a Luxury Home Builder
Michael, a Project Manager, identifies "go-getters" and "driven negotiators" as thriving in high-end residential general contracting; the ability to "make decisions every day and not be afraid of making those decisions," while "fighting for the right to move things forward" is key to career progression in this demanding field.
What A Project Manager At A Residential General Contractor Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Construction Industry
Michael, a project manager in high-end residential construction, revealed a crucial lesson learned: "a lot of politics," "managing of people's egos and expectations," and navigating "tough questions" are significant aspects of the role, both internally and externally within the company. This highlights the often-overlooked interpersonal challenges inherent in the industry.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Project Managers in Residential Construction
Entry-level project management in high-end residential construction typically begins with a "project engineer role," where one "learns the ropes" of the industry, including blueprint reading and budget oversight. Progression then involves an assistant project manager position before ultimately achieving a project manager role with increased ownership and decision-making responsibilities.
Significant Career Lesson From a Project Manager at a High-End Home Builder
Michael, a project manager, emphasizes the importance of avoiding emotional decisions in "calculat[ing] a plan," advocating for gathering complete information before acting to prevent setbacks. This approach has been a significant lesson in navigating the complexities of high-end residential general contracting.
College Experiences That Helped a Project Manager at a High-End Residential General Contractor Succeed
To achieve career success, Michael, a project manager, emphasizes "differentiat[ing] myself" through a strong portfolio and mastering relevant software like "every single program." This proactive approach, combined with a relentless job search strategy of sending "30 applications a day," demonstrates a commitment that secured Michael's entry-level position.
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