Self-perform Operations Manager, Swinerton
Question: What major Swinerton projects are you leading in 2024?
Answer: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Graduate Student Resident Facility, U.H. Sinclair Student Success Center, Target Waikīkī International Market Place and Windward Mall Macy’s Tenant Buildout.
Q: How did you get into self-performance specialties?
A: A friend of mine needed a lift to the union hall [and] when we arrived, the union rep asked if I was there to apply, too. I was between jobs and not doing anything. So why not? I said yes. Then she asked if I wanted to join the carpentry or drywall union. Glancing at my friend, I asked what he was going for, and he said, “Drywall.” So I went with drywall, too. After we hopped back in the car, I had to ask what drywall was!
Q: Was drywall your first industry job?
A: Yes, my first project [in 2003] was Longhi’s Ala Moana with Kelly Construction, a small drywall company.
Q: What were your major projects before joining Swinerton in 2020?
A: A couple of significant projects just prior to Swinerton were the new Kaiser building in Kapolei, U.H.–West O‘ahu’s multimedia facility and Schofield’s dental clinic.
Q: How did you advance to Swinerton drywall supervisor and then to overall self-performance operations manager?
A: My extensive expertise in drywall was complemented by a cohesive team that had been with me for about 20 years prior to joining Swinerton.
Q: Did your team move with you to Swinerton?
A: Yes. I believed [moving up to operations manager] was the optimal decision for my personal advancement and to pave the way for my team’s development.
Q: Who is on your team at Swinerton?
A: One senior project manager, three project managers, three project engineers, four estimators, four superintendents, 15 foremen and approximately 150 to 250 craft workers, depending on the current workload capacity.
Q: What were your first decisions as a manager at Swinerton?
A: We emphasized several key factors that significantly boosted our self-performance division. Our focus on productivity, scheduling, sequencing and meticulous planning played a crucial role.
Q: What have been your biggest challenges at Swinerton?
A: Recognizing that change within a large organization such as Swinerton requires patience, given its scale. However, with perseverance and the right strategies, significant accomplishments are achievable. One of the greatest challenges involved integrating divisions, people and particularly leaders. Additionally, ensuring everyone understood and effectively executed the initiatives was crucial.
Q: Are you achieving your goals?
A: Through effective guidance and mentorship, we’ve made substantial strides towards becoming a best-in-class team.
Q: What projects are you leading in 2025?
A: As a self-performing entity, we play a crucial role in all Swinerton Hawaiʻi projects. Looking forward to 2025, we are gearing up for some landmark projects like the Hilton Hawaiian Village Rainbow Tower, Four Seasons in Ko Olina, Outrigger Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel Maui, Ka La‘i Waikiki, and Block A of the Howard Hughes tower.
Q: What is your greatest strength?
A: I believe my greatest strength lies in leveraging people’s strengths to build efficient teams. I focus on encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones, enabling them to thrive and advance in their careers.
Q: What do you say to those looking to start a career in construction?
A: I began my journey with humble beginnings, lacking much formal education and starting as a drywall apprentice. As I discovered my passion for this field, I never imagined I would reach my current position. My journey in construction has taught me that hard work, consistency, a thirst for learning, building meaningful relationships and a vision for the future has helped me grow to become a self-perform operations manager at Swinerton Hawaiʻi.
Q: Any other lessons you’d like to share?
A: Large ships maneuver slowly and require time to change course. To achieve significant changes, persistence is essential. Effective communication can be challenging — it’s not just about what you say, but how others perceive it. Delivering a message in a way that ensures understanding is a skill that requires effort and finesse.
Q: How do you celebrate a job well done?
A: At Swinerton, we celebrate topping-off milestones with parties and team lunches. However, one of the standout practices at Swinerton is our commitment to providing bonuses to all administrative staff and field craftsmen for outstanding achievements. Notably, we also extend bonuses to our field apprentices, a unique initiative that sets Swinerton apart from other companies I’ve worked with.
Q: What’s your favorite plate lunch?
A: Obviously Korean BBQ!
