Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing profound shifts in the construction industry. From my early days as a student until now, I’ve not only navigated through economic booms and recessions but also learned to embrace the changes with adaptability and creativity. My career has evolved much like the construction industry has, responding to challenges, embracing innovation, and focusing on long-term growth despite the industry’s cyclical nature.
Resilience is Key
I started my career at Hoar in 1997 as an intern in the newly formed Healthcare Division. By the time I graduated from Auburn University two years later, I had transitioned into a full-time role and jumped into one of the largest healthcare projects at the time, Owensboro Mercy in Kentucky. The early exposure to such a variety of project types allowed me to grow quickly. So, when an opportunity came up in 2006 to help grow our healthcare portfolio in Florida, I eagerly signed on for more responsibility. That soon led to a leadership role where I ended up steering the entire Florida Division.
But just as I was getting settled into my new responsibilities, the 2008 recession hit, and the construction market came to a grinding halt. Our office dropped down to about six people, and we even considered closing the division. However, our company’s leadership placed their trust in me, and I set out to rekindle relationships with key clients, particularly in the entertainment sector. By 2009, after some strategic maneuvering, we were able to secure significant work at a theme park. That project helped rebuild the division and set the stage for future growth.
From there, the division grew rapidly, and by 2019, it had become the largest in the company. But, as history often shows, just as things seemed to stabilize, another challenge emerged: the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, my team found ways to adapt. Healthcare became the primary driver of our business, while other sectors like retail and multifamily slowly began to recover.
A Cyclical Journey
One thing I’ve learned throughout my career is how to adapt to the cyclical nature of construction. The industry is influenced by a variety of factors, economic shifts, market trends, and even external influences like tourism. Tourism has always been a major driver in Central Florida, with hotels and theme parks playing a significant role. But even sectors like retail and healthcare have their ups and downs, which is why diversification is key to surviving and thriving.
In the recent past, we saw a lot of movement in the apartment market, especially with people flocking to Florida. But lately, financing has slowed that growth. I believe this is just another part of the cycle and multifamily will bounce back.
The design and delivery of projects have also changed. The trend of mixed-use developments, blending retail, multifamily, and other components, is more common than ever, especially in cities like Orlando. Additionally, parking requirements are decreasing as alternative modes of transportation, such as ride-shares, scooters, and bikes, become more common, which can really change site layouts. Construction is evolving not only in terms of physical space but also in how it’s managed and executed.
Technology and Innovation
While the construction industry hasn’t always been quick to embrace new technology, I believe that’s changing, especially with younger generations entering the workforce. There’s a growing willingness to try new things, like robotics to improve safety and AI to drive efficiency, which is pushing the industry forward.
We still need to be on the job site, but technology is making things easier. Virtual meetings, online submissions, and scanning technologies are all becoming more common. Robotics can help with strength and safety, which is exciting. And AI is coming, whether we like it or not. The key to evolving is figuring out how to use it to our advantage.
These advances represent more than just trends to me; they’re opportunities to make the industry safer and more efficient. But I also think it’s important to balance innovation with the tried-and-true methods that have served us well. We need to try new things, but we also need to stick to what we know works. It’s all about finding that balance.
The Evolution of Healthcare Construction
Healthcare construction is an area where I’ve seen significant transformation. As healthcare becomes more localized and accessible, the design of medical facilities is shifting from large, intimidating hospitals to more welcoming, community-oriented spaces. Integrating healthcare with retail and other services has made it easier for patients to access care in a more comfortable, less stressful environment.
Construction technology continues to steer towards integration and prefabrication, which has streamlined healthcare construction, improving coordination and reducing logistical challenges. People are looking for comfort, and technology is helping us deliver that in ways that weren’t possible before. I see this as an exciting development for the industry because it not only enhances the patient experience but also makes the construction process smoother.
Building Stability and Relationships
Through all the ups and downs, I’ve learned that relationships are crucial in this industry. People hire construction companies based on relationships. Maintaining those relationships, especially through giving back to the community, is key. I’ve built many of my connections through boards and committees, whether through participating in organizations like the Victory Cup or supporting nonprofits like Children’s Home Society of Central Florida.
Working at the same company over the past 25 years has been a differentiator for me, and that stability has benefited not just my career but also the clients I serve. In a world where people are constantly moving on to the next project, having stability in relationships matters. It shows up in our work and expertise.
Looking Ahead
I’m optimistic about the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive. The challenges we’ve faced, recessions, market shifts, and a pandemic, have only made us stronger. And as technology continues to evolve, I believe we’ll continue to find new ways to be more efficient, safer, and more innovative.
I’ve seen firsthand how the construction industry can weather the storms of change while staying focused on growth, innovation, and delivering value to clients. The next 25 years will undoubtedly bring more challenges, but with a mindset built on adaptability, the future looks bright for professionals in this field.
