Behind the Build – Zach Yergens

Go Behind the Build with Project Manager Zach Yergens, as he reflects on discovering his passion for construction, planning ahead to overcome challenges, and embracing every opportunity to learn.

What first drew you to the construction industry?

My first year of college I was looking to switch majors since what I had been studying was not what I expected it to be. I was able to sit down with the director of the construction management department about a career in construction, as I had never considered one in this field before. He walked me through what it meant to lead a construction project from the beginning to the end, coordinate all the different trades and stakeholders, and solve the different issues that came up to bring the project together. After seeing his passion and learning what a construction management role looked like, I knew it was something I wanted to spend my time working towards.

What’s been one of the most rewarding challenges you’ve taken on?

So far, it has been stepping into the project management role. Being at the front of the project to coordinate all the different aspects and teams to bring together a project is why I chose this career path. Working in healthcare, the best part of the project is seeing the staff’s reaction to the new spaces we create for them.

What’s a piece of advice from a teammate or mentor that’s stuck with you?

Always ask questions when you are unsure of something. Be humble and ask your questions with sincerity. One of your best resources when you are unsure of something are our tradesmen. They often have been honing their craft for years and have expansive knowledge on how projects get built. They want to teach what they have learned throughout their years of service to the trade.

What’s something you’re currently learning, personally or professionally?

Something that I am working on is looking forward on the project and identifying potential problems. Part of the responsibility of a project manager is to work to remove these potential roadblocks that could cause problems down the road. Being able to prioritize these problems and decide what needs to be solved right away versus what could wait is also vital. With so much thrown at us day to day, it can seem like everything is a top priority all the time. Being able to manage and prioritize these problems can remove a lot of stress from the job.

What keeps you excited about the future of your career?

I’m excited to keep learning what all goes into a project. Every project comes with new challenges and new learning opportunities. I look forward to continuing to build projects that positively impact the community and anyone who interacts with the finished product.