As part of Careers in Construction Month, we spoke with some of our team members to learn why they first joined the construction industry and their advice for someone considering a construction career. We’re proud to celebrate the unique paths that brought these talented people to the industry.

“I was first inspired to join the construction industry while attending an architectural camp in middle school. I always enjoyed taking things apart to understand how they work, and it was at that camp where I learned that I could contribute to building structures that people use daily. I thought it was amazing that an idea could turn into a set of drawings and then eventually a whole building, school, or park. I then gravitated towards estimating to get involved at the beginning of the process. I often get to see the first iteration all the way through to the final drawing set. Then, if I’m lucky, I can visit the site during and/or after construction and see the drawings come to life. It’s really cool to witness.

“For someone considering joining the industry, I would say to try to get a chance to see and experience things as much as possible. Construction is very much a live-it-to-learn-it type of industry, so the best way to learn is almost always to go see it in real time so you can see how different issues get solved.”

—Tatianna Auguste, Estimator

“My career in construction began early, working alongside my father in his residential construction company. While I initially disliked those summer days on the jobsite, they laid a foundation that would shape my future. After high school, I joined the carpenters’ union to help pay for college, gaining valuable hands-on trade experience. Following college, I transitioned into project management at a residential construction company, a role that later opened doors to opportunities with Commodore and Strategic Projects Group (SPG). While managing projects in SPG, I helped the group apply for permits, which ultimately led to my transition into the company’s newly established Permitting Department.

“Looking back, I realize how much my early experiences — such as accompanying my father to the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) — prepared me for success in unexpected ways. My advice to the next generation is to give attention to every task, no matter how small. The skills and lessons you gain today may prove invaluable later in your career.”

—Marcus Gonzalez, Director of Permitting

“My dad was a union laborer in Local 721 and did concrete on his own on the side — I always admired his hard work. I grew up helping on his side work projects, and I immediately loved construction. I never knew exactly what I wanted to study at college until I toured Keene State College. During my tour, the hockey coach recommended the Construction Safety Management program to me, and I instantly knew that was the route I wanted to take. Since graduating and getting into the field, I’ve loved working in this industry. Building relationships with subcontractors and project teams, as well as coordinating different safety plans to ensure all workers went home safely to their families each day, makes me love what I do.

“I would highly recommend anyone with any thoughts on the construction industry to give it a try, as it is very rewarding and enjoyable. You learn skills that extend beyond the workforce.”

—Cullen Gustafson, Safety Manager

“Construction careers span multiple generations in my family. I have memories as a child visiting projects my father was part of, and I can recall many conversations with my grandfather about the work he himself had been involved in. Their sense of pride and accomplishment influenced my start years ago, and their mentorship has guided me along the way.

“As a superintendent, I value opportunities to problem-solve and be part of something tangible, collaborating with our trade partners, design teams, and clients throughout. It’s rewarding to look back at a project and know you played a role in how it got there. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many projects that have served different purposes and end users.

“As I continue to build, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that the next 10 years will look and feel very different from the previous 10 years.

“My advice to anyone considering a career in construction would be to ask questions. Construction is as much of a relationship business as it is a building business. Be a sponge and be open-minded and know that roles and responsibilities will reflect what you put in. Most problems have multiple solutions, and while it’s important to bring suggestions to the table, contributions from your counterparts are necessary. It’s a team game. There are endless opportunities for those that are reliable and apply themselves.”

—Jonathan Regis, Superintendent

“I grew up in a construction family, so it kind of feels like I’ve always worked in construction. My dad was a residential builder and developer, and my mom was a real estate agent. When I was in high school, my dad would pay me to vacuum the sawdust out of the cabinets and drawers in the homes that he built before the owners moved in. He never let me drive the backhoe or swing a hammer, though!

“When I went to college at UMass Amherst, I majored in theater and was required to take courses in scenic design, which I loved. In those classes, I learned how to read and produce basic construction drawings and make 3D diagrams of my designs out of foamboard. I also learned to climb ladders and use power tools! Being able to operate a power drill or table saw made me feel empowered in a way I never would have imagined. My carpentry skills were not good — but just finding them made me feel good!

“After graduation, I bounced around a bit before figuring out what I really wanted to do professionally. I tried selling houses with my mom and realized I wasn’t cut out for that. I worked as a paralegal at a couple of law firms and in the legal departments of several Fortune 500 companies. It wasn’t until I landed in the legal department of a General Contractor firm in 2014 that I finally felt at home. The projects we worked on were tangible, and my coworkers spoke my language. I loved that I was able to combine construction with my legal background. Eleven years later, I can’t picture myself doing anything else!

“My advice to others considering entering the construction industry is to always say yes to something new, especially if it makes me nervous. That’s how we keep growing.”

—Sara Whitman, Risk Management Associate