Behind the Build – Jason VanPaassen

Go Behind the Build with General Superintendent Jason VanPaassen as he reflects on the mentors who shaped his career, the communication that builds trust on every crew, and the lessons he hopes to pass on to the next generation.

What’s one memory from early in your career that has stayed with you?

The older guys taking the time to teach me. It showed me how important it is to pass that knowledge along to the younger generation.

How do trust and communication show up in a good crew?

You have to communicate with your crew to earn their trust. Good communication keeps everyone on the same page about where the project needs to be, and it gives people the confidence to speak up if they notice an issue you may have missed. Trust and communication go hand in hand. Without communication, it’s hard to build trust.

What’s one small thing that can make a big difference on a job site?

Keeping the jobsite clean. A clean job is a happy job. Too much clutter creates safety hazards and slows productivity because people have to work around the mess. A clean jobsite helps keep everyone safe and working efficiently.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve carried with you throughout your life?

Your demeanor and attitude set the tone for the job. If you’re agitated, the job becomes agitated. If you stay calm and steady, the crew and the job will follow. That’s something Greg Seitz taught me, and it’s always stuck with me.

What’s one lesson you hope the next generation carries forward?

Be early, show initiative, and always try to think ahead. Most importantly, be honest and own your mistakes. It’s better to admit when you’ve made one and move forward than to try to hide it and have it catch up to you later.