The people who plan, manage, and build our projects are all experts in their field, and an integral part of our company’s success. Stephen Straub is a project executive with more nearly 30 years’ experience in the industry, specifically in healthcare construction. Here’s eight questions to get to know him.
1. What’s your current day-to-day look like?
Day to day is very different due to the pandemic. First of all, my commute is much easier to the main level office in my house as opposed to the office. My 1-year-old goldendoodle has gotten used to me being home and lays under my desk when I am working, I love it. My wife even seems to like me being around which is a first in our 33 years of marriage. All interactions with my team have been over Microsoft Teams. We have become very efficient working this way, sharing screens, collaborating virtually, and communicating on a daily basis.
2. What’s the one lesson you’ve learned in this industry that’s stuck with you?
Never burn a bridge. Clients and colleagues jump and move around a lot in this industry for many reasons. You never know when you will need to work with them, earn their business, or even hire them in the future.
3. How did you get started in the industry?
I earned a BS in Construction Engineering. My first job was with a third-party inspector. I inspected rebar, concrete, soil compaction, etc. I worked for a large painting and wallcovering company as a PM/Estimator before taking my first job with a general contractor. Before joining Hoar a year and half ago, I was with my previous employer for 18 years.
4. What’s your most memorable project?
I worked on the INOVA Emergency Addition, ambulance parking addition, and rooftop helipad with rooftop refueling — 13 Phases, 3 years, and many long hours. It changed my career and I learned a lot about healthcare construction.
5. What’s the best part of your job?
I take pride in the fact that because of my work building healthcare facilities, I feel like I have helped saved lives in an indirect way.
6. What’s your best memory from your time with Hoar Construction?
Hiring my son-in-law to be on my team was a great day. It’s kind of a long story, but I hired Senior Project Manager Mike Dramby at our previous employer. We worked side by side for 15 years and a earned a reputation for building great healthcare projects. Jump forward 17 years – he is now married to my daughter and they have a baby girl named Isla who will turn one on May 31st. I’m blessed God placed this man into our lives. I’m so happy I got to hire him to my team, building successful healthcare projects for Hoar. Great times and memories are still ahead.
7. What’s your favorite band or song?
Kenny Chesney – “Beer in Mexico”
8. What’s your proudest accomplishment?
I have been a director of construction for over 15 years and have been building for over 30 years. I take pride in the people I have mentored and the teams I have built growing young folks into technically excellent, well-rounded, ethical builders.
