On October 29, GBCA’s Construction Leadership Council hosted a virtual Coffee Chat with Ed DeAngelis, Founder of EDA Contractors, Inc. This informal meeting provided GBCA’s young construction professionals an opportunity to hear from an experienced construction executive, and to ask frank questions about working in Philadelphia’s commercial construction industry.
Ed discussed his path to founding his own company, and creating a space in the construction industry that is his. Some key takeaways:
- If you want to start your own business at some point, treat every workplace as yours: take ownership and be accountable. Always look at your work from the perspective that it represents you.
- Be comfortable with disruption. We—the construction industry—need to be leaders, not laggers.
- Diversity should be valued and not because it’s currently trendy. In construction, we should want to tap into as much talent as possible.
- Younger and emerging professionals should get involved and learn. Be willing to be uncomfortable and learn from others. Engage and seek help to grow in the industry.
I didn’t get here by myself. People helped me. So I’m here to help others.
Ed DeAngelis, Founder, EDA Contractors, Inc.
Read a more detailed recap of the Coffee Chat, courtesey of MRG – Madison Risk Group:
Thanks to Ed for sharing his thoughts and advice with us, and thanks to all who attended!
