LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Michael Knapp | Rycon Construction Inc.

Name: Michael Knapp

Title: Project Manager

Age: 34

Company, City: Rycon Construction, Inc., Philadelphia, PA

Years in field: 8

Education: SUNY at Oneonta, Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and Bachelor’s Degree in History

Birthplace: Warwick, NY

City of Residence: Audubon, NJ

www.componentassembly.com

Q/A

What is your business motto?

“What you put in, is what you get out”. I think it is important to always try your hardest at everything you do.

When did you first become interested in your career path?

I started at a very young age working for my father’s carpentry company and have always had a passion for construction. I always enjoyed building and seeing the end result of my hard work. I knew I wanted to stay in the construction world and when I discovered construction management, I knew it was the perfect career path.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Least rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my job is watching all your hard work come together. To see an empty lot being turned into something that you put so much work into and becomes something that will be beneficial for your client. The least rewarding part of the job is dealing with unsuspected issues that hinder the flow of construction.

What is your biggest daily challenge?

Lead Times. I am very fortunate to work with a great team and excellent subcontractors that strive for the same goals, but material lead times are our biggest daily challenges currently.

How do you inspire your colleagues?

I work hard to have a positive attitude for the projects we handle. I think that many people can sometimes get bogged down in the negative aspects of their jobs and it can affect the people that you work closely with. I believe coming in everyday with a positive attitude helps inspire your colleagues to perform better. Also, a little sense of humor never hurts.

What goal are you currently striving to achieve?

My goal is to continue to progress forward in my project management career.

What project are you currently working on?

I am currently working on the EEW Monopile Buildings.

wm-cpa.com

Do you have a life motto? If so, what is it?

My life motto is “Never settle as life is too short”. I believe that you should always be striving to move forward in your life and never stop trying new things or learning something new.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?

It doesn’t matter what college you went to or what degree you have if you are open to learning. There are many different paths you can take to get to the same ending.

What is/was your favorite CLC event?

My favorite CLC events are the Hard Hat Tours. I always enjoy getting a tour of the jobsites in the area and meeting other professionals in the industry.

How do you find that participating in CLC activities benefits you?

There are many benefits to taking part in CLC activities as you learn about different aspects of construction, you meet likeminded professionals and some activities you get to help others like when we collected food to Camp Out for Hunger.

Do you have any advice for other CLC members/ young professionals who are looking to advance their career?

Communication with your subcontractors, project team and owners is a very important part of construction management. Everyone needs to be on the same page and need to be aware of any issues or changes that are happening with the project. It also never hurts to ask questions.

What is your favorite thing about being a member of GBCA?

My favorite thing is to meet new people and network with other professionals in my field.