GGInsights: Q&A with Jamie Heath

Jamie Heath joined the Gillis Gilkerson team as Superintendent in February 2024, after an extensive career in residential homebuilding, renovations and repair.  Jamie graduated from James M. Bennett High School, while completing the Parkside High School Career and Technical Education Carpentry Program.  He particularly enjoys the hands-on aspects of the construction industry, and is known for his positive attitude, reliability, attention to detail and excellent communication skills. In a short period of time, Jamie has made contributions on a wide range of projects, proving himself as an invaluable member of the GGI Team.   

We wanted to highlight Jamie, and his time with Gillis Gilkerson so far.  Jamie was a good sport and participated in a light-hearted Q&A.

Q&A Questions:

In a nutshell, how would you describe your role as Superintendent?  

My role as a Superintendent is to oversee a job-site from a comprehensive perspective.  It’s my responsibility to ensure that what needs to be done is done – in a safe way and to a high degree of quality – while ensuring tasks are completed efficiently to keep the job on track.  Most importantly, it is my role to be available to tackle issues as they arise, which they inevitably will.  Problem-solving alternatives need to be developed, and decisions implemented quickly with clear communication with all parties involved.  There are a lot of moving parts on a job-site, so it’s important to always be mindful of how pivoting to solve a problem with one trade could affect the work of another.

How do you approach managing and coordinating projects? Are there any strategies that you think are critical to the process?

I have personal strategies and practical ones.  First, it’s important to establish good rapport with your subcontractors, and to maintain a positive attitude.  Establishing lines of communication and a positive baseline makes handling issues so much easier, so it’s always worth making the extra effort up front to get to know who you are working with.  From a practical standpoint, pushing the schedule is probably my biggest strategy.  The schedule is my guidepost, it’s always top-of-mind.

What initially drew you to the construction industry?

My grandfather was in construction, and I was able to learn a lot from him at an early age doing woodworking projects together.  In my teens, I was able to put the skills I learned from my grandfather to good use on our family farm building lean-tos, mending fences, and whatever else needed fixing.  In high school, I was able to develop my skills further by participating in the Parkside Career and Technical Education Carpentry Program, which enabled me to enter the residential construction industry upon graduation.

You’ve been with Gillis Gilkerson for over a year now.  Are there any projects that stand out as most memorable over the last year?  If so, what did you enjoy about them?

I’ve enjoyed all the projects I’ve worked on so far, but two do stand out.  The Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront Expansion Building stood out just from the sheer size of it.  By far the biggest project I’ve ever been a part of.  Working inside a multi-story, post-tension concrete structure that is open to the elements is definitely memorable.  Then being there to close it in and seeing it through to the end, with all the details involved, was a great experience.

The other project that stands out is my current project, Hebron Savings Bank in Berlin.  This project is the first project that I have been on from start to finish.  The other projects I have worked on, I would either get things started to hand-off to someone else or come in mid-build to finish things up.  Now that I have gotten to oversee a build from beginning to end, I can appreciate the extra layer of satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment that comes along with it – it’s very cool. Driving by the branch will probably always be special for me.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

Well, I like working with my hands, so this job is certainly rewarding in that sense.  But seeing a finished product come together and knowing the customers are happy has got to be the most rewarding part of any project. 

What are some challenges you face in your role as Superintendent?

Adapting to things that are out of your control is a constant challenge.  People and weather!  It could be a subcontractor needing to reschedule, or waiting for an answer from an architect, or torrential rain… sometimes there is simply nothing you can do about it. You have to adapt and overcome.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a Construction Superintendent?

You’re going to want to have a positive attitude, be patient and keep a cool head.  Getting upset doesn’t solve any problems.  You will need to learn quickly, and communicate – and don’t be afraid to reach out to your coworkers and counterparts to ask questions, sometimes they are your best resources to bounce ideas off to find the best solutions.  And keep a clean job-site, it’s safer, easier to manage, and such an important habit to stay on top of.

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests? How do you unwind and recharge? 

For me, it’s all about spending time with my family.  I have young kids, and we love to play and be outside together.  It’s all for them.  I love spending time with my family and traveling with family and friends.  We love warm weather and swimming – anywhere tropical – I’m in!