Name:  Michael Meredith

Title: Operations Project Manager

Age: 31

Company:  Clemens Construction, Philadelphia, PA

Years in field:  10

Education:  B.S. Construction Management, Illinois State University

Birthplace: Peoria, IL

City of Residence: Philadelphia, PA

Family (spouse, children):  Wife Lauren & Dog Nola

What is your business motto? 
Lead by example, respect all opinions, and use all assets available.

When did you first become interested in your career path? 
I became interested in construction as a young kid working with my dad on side jobs.  I framed houses, did roofing, landscaping and pretty much anything residential during my high school summers.  My mom then pushed me to study construction management in college which has lead me to where I am now.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Least rewarding? 
The most rewarding part of the job is walking or driving through the city and seeing all the projects we have had a hand in building.  It is satisfying knowing we are such a large part of the city’s evolution.  Least Rewarding: Pricing requests you know the owner likely won’t move forward with.

What is your biggest daily challenge? 
The biggest daily challenge is responding to issues that arise throughout each and every day.  It seems right as you get going on one task, the phone rings with a 911 to respond to.  Prioritizing tasks and staying on top of everything is a daily challenge for all of us in the industry.

How do you inspire your colleagues? 
Most of my colleagues have a great sense of humor.  When things are tough, positive attitude, a great joke and a good laugh go a long way.

What goal are you currently striving to achieve? 
We self-perform all of our carpentry work.  I was recently moved to the operations side to PM our self-perform division.  I am currently working with my boss Ron Meyers and all of our superintendents and foreman to improve our processes and become as efficient as possible as we move into all of our upcoming work.

What project are you currently working on? 
Being on the self-perform side, I am involved in all of the Clemens Projects.  C3 has some great projects ongoing with The Hale Building, Boyd’s, UPenn Grand Reading Room, and Park Towne North Tower.  We have some really exciting projects coming up with East Market West Tower, The Hamilton, University of the Sciences, Park Towne West Tower and the Hyatt.

Life Motto: Work hard, play hard.  Enjoy life.  It’s too short not to.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career? 
Document control is everything.

What was your favorite CLC event?
My favorite CLC event was the most recent LEAN construction training.  It was a seven series training on lean construction over the last month.  Learning and understanding additional ways to reduce waste, overcome restraints, and run more efficient schedules is incredibly important in our industry.  It was a great training series with attendees from across the country.

How do you find that participating in CLC activities benefits you? 
It is good to network with other professionals in the industry.  We all have similar issues and interacting with them outside the everyday work environment is great. 

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

What is your favorite thing about being a member of GBCA?
Like CLC activities, we get to network with everyone else in the Philadelphia construction market.  There are multiple assets provided by the GBCA at our fingertips.  I also enjoy all the events and the job tours of different projects throughout the city.  I am looking forward to the June golf outing!