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ade Apao joined Layton Construction Co. LLC as a project engineer in 2017, and in just under five years he’s made his way to project manager, where he’s had the opportunity to push his boundaries working on a variety of projects.

A Kaua‘i native and high school athlete, Apao’s past experiences inform his evolution at Layton where he continues to look forward to what each new day, and project, will bring.

QUESTION: What is your role?

ANSWER: I ensure that construction runs smoothly from start to finish. I’m responsible for coordinating subcontractors and suppliers to ensure we stay on schedule and within budget. A typical day could involve visiting the job site to check on progress or meeting with the design team or the client to discuss any changes or concerns. I spend a great deal of time resolving any issues that come up during construction.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job at Layton Construction?

A: What I enjoy most is the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life from project plans to a completed structure. I love problem-solving and the fact that no two projects are the same.

Being from Hawai‘i, I also appreciate the opportunity to work in a place with such a strong sense of community and culture.

Q: Did you play sports in high school?

A: My favorite sport to play was football. It gave me a sense of discipline that has really stayed with me.

Q: What skills did you pick up as an athlete that you now apply at work?

A: Being an athlete taught me the value of teamwork, time management and work ethic. In construction, teamwork is vital and deadlines are non-negotiable, so those skills easily translate.

Q: What’s your biggest challenge?

A: My biggest challenge has been developing the confidence to trust my own decisions and leadership style. Early on in my career, I felt like I had to know everything or be perfect to succeed which often led to overthinking. I learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers right away and that asking for help or collaborating with others doesn’t mean you’re not capable. Building that trust in myself and being open to continuous learning has been critical in my growth as a project manager.

Q: What project(s) are
you currently working on?

A: I’m currently working on a residential high-rise building in Kaka‘ako, which has its own set of unique challenges related to project logistics and weather. We are planning for a high quantity and turnover of material and have implemented plans to protect against damage from production and weather.

Q: Which completed project was
the most satisfying for you?

A: There was a renovation project that we completed at my alma mater that is the same dormitory that I lived in as a student. The project was rewarding as an opportunity for my career growth and very personally rewarding to have taken part in the renovation.

Q: What’s coming up on the horizon?

A: I’m excited about our upcoming high-rise project. There’s a lot of innovation happening in construction, especially with technology and BIM modeling practices. Ensuring completion of a BIM model during preconstruction has provided solutions to potential issues prior to us getting out of the ground.

Q: Do you have advice for anyone who wants to get into project management and/or the construction industry?

A: My advice would be to always be willing to learn, especially from others. I’m always open to new ideas and input that will work for all parties. Also, having strong communication and problem-solving skills will serve you well in the construction industry. It helps to speak the language, so to speak, and to be mindful of the nuances between different trades. Staying organized by utilizing tracking logs for various construction processes also assists with ensuring overall project health.

Q: What’s your go-to plate lunch?

A: Hamada General Store is always a solid pick for lunch. I like to check their daily specials. Good luck trying to finish the 4×2!