GGInsights: Q&A with Project Manager Mike Truitt

Mike Truitt has been a Project Manager with Gillis Gilkerson since June of 2004. Mike has worked in the construction industry for over 45 years, with responsibilities ranging from coordinating all work for multiple projects, metal building erection, field construction, negotiating, scheduling and administrative aspects of construction contract delivery. He has wide ranging experience in purchasing for institutional, commercial, medical and industrial projects. 

Mike maintains intimate involvement with all his projects from conception to completion and is known around the office for his ability to thrive with a full plate of projects. Originally from the Delmarva region, Mike graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Business Administration and is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

We wanted to highlight Mike, to celebrate his twenty-year work anniversary.  Mike 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 Project Manager?  

Being a construction project manager feels a lot like being a referee. It’s our job to keep an eye on everyone on the field and to make sure certain rules, benchmarks and goals are being followed and met. We are a resource, a guidepost, and ultimately responsible for the final results on our projects.

You’ve been with Gillis Gilkerson for twenty years now, how has your role and / or the company changed over the years? 

My role hasn’t changed much over the last twenty years, but the technology side of the business has evolved dramatically.  The days of handwritten cost estimates are over. I’ve enjoyed adopting the latest technology over the years, but I still find myself falling back on pen and paper to double check, make sure the computer still knows what it’s doing. 

Every job goes through similar phases, from buyout, scheduling, purchasing and subcontracting, which aspect is your favorite? 

Definitely the beginning!  I enjoy the start of projects- getting all of the subcontractors together, materials ordered and everything organized.  I enjoy creating a plan. Then I get to watch and see if it all really shakes out the way I thought it would.

How do you approach managing and coordinating projects? Any strategies you find most effective?

I approach every single project I work on the exact same way -every time. Big or small, it doesn’t matter.  Being methodical helps me deliver consistently on all my projects.

Are there any projects you’ve worked on recently (or in the past) that are memorable, that you’d like to highlight?

In general, I treat all my projects the same, and get the same level of satisfaction with a job well done no matter the job, big or small.  But I do particularly enjoy working on healthcare complex projects like TidalHealth, because I know it’s going to directly benefit so many people in the community.

I also enjoy working with outstanding developers. Working with Palmer Gillis over the years, and others, has been a highlight. Some of these guys really are brilliant, and know exactly what they want, it’s a treat to get to create things alongside them.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Definitely client satisfaction. It means a lot when you know the person you have been working with over the duration of a build is truly satisfied with your work.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a construction project manager?

I really believe that you need experience running projects in the field, to truly be a successful project manager.  Now I could be wrong, but for me, you can’t learn everything you need to know about this industry from a book, or a college course.  I started out in the industry as labor and worked my way all the way up. Looking back today, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

If you could change professions for a day, what would you be?

I wouldn’t.  This is what I love doing.  I do this!