Constructing Greatness

Career changes are scary no matter what, but taking the leap to own your own business is a different level of risk. 

Many of us experience a variety of roles in our careers and some of these take place in companies that at first seem great, but then the dysfunctional work culture is uncovered. In today’s episode, my guest and business partner, Michael Parnell describes his journey to owning his own construction business. He dives into his roles on mega projects, working within a dysfunctional work culture, starting his own business, and his passion for nonprofits.

Michael Parnell is a seasoned Project Manager who has worked on well over a half-billion dollars in construction work. He has worked on projects over $100 million dollars such as the RedBull Arena and the Conrad New York Hotel. His negative experience working with The Holder Group led to him starting his own business, MPC Builders. Through MPC Builders Michael donates 10% of each project to the Cure JM Foundation which raises money and awareness for the autoimmune disease, juvenile myositis, which his daughter suffers from. 

Learn about project management of mega projects, owning a construction business, and juvenile myositis on Episode 5 of Constructing Greatness.  

Questions I Ask: 

• How many people are working on projects of this magnitude? (2:00)
• What were your responsibilities as a senior project manager on large projects? (3:40)
• What were your responsibilities as a project engineer? (7:31)
• What was your role in the Holder Group? (12:39)
• When did you decide to open up MPC Builders? (18:13)
• When did you know you wanted to get into the construction management world? (23:39)
• Tell us about how you became an adjunct professor? (29:36) 
• How will Covid-19 change the construction industry? (33:51)
• Tell us about the Cure JM Foundation? (38:24)
• Are you considering starting your own nonprofit? (45:41)
• What do you do outside of work? (50:48)
• What would be your advice for someone that wants to get into the construction industry? (53:58)

In this Episode, You will Learn:

• Michael’s experience working on the Red Bull Arena (2:14) 
• Senior project manager duties on large scale projects (3:52) 
• The beginning of Michael’s construction career (7:35) 
• Michael’s experience as a project engineer (8:13) 
• Michael’s career journey (12:03)
• Michael’s dysfunctional experience within the Holder Group (15:35)
• What led to Michael opening up his company, MPC Builders (21:47)
• What sparked Michael’s interest in construction (23:44)
• How teaching helped Michael overcome public speaking fears  (31:11)
• How Michael thinks Covid-19 will be affecting the construction industry (34:16)
• Michael’s daughter’s experience with juvenile myositis (39:23)
• Michael’s upcoming fundraiser (47:27) 
• Michael and Nicholas’s hiking endeavors and goals (52:19)
• Michael’s advice for people interested in construction (54:26)

Connect with Michael

• Michael’s LinkedIn
• MPC Builders Website 
• Cure JM Foundation
• Support Michael’s Fundraiser 

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• Twitter
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook 

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How do you respond to moments of failure in your life? 

Failures are inevitable; no one can get everything right the first time. However, how you respond to failures is crucial to how you set yourself up for success in the future. 

For my friend Chris “Handles” Franklin, he always knew that he wanted to play basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters. The first time he tried out for the team, however, he was turned away and told that his window of opportunity was up. He persisted, kept working hard, and stayed passionate, and now Handles has played for the Globetrotters for 13 years. 

In this episode, Handles illustrates his life trajectory so far, from where he started to where he sees himself in the future. He shares stories about what it’s like to achieve your ultimate goal, how he’s grown during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what it takes to be great and stay passionate. 

Tune in to hear more about Handles’ journey and what it’s like to achieve your dreams. 

Some Questions I Ask: 

• When did you realize your dream? (2:30)
• What Guinness world record did you set? (4:08)
• What’s your favorite country you’ve been to? (6:07)
• How long did it take for you to become a Harlem Globetrotter? (7:09)
• Outside of work, what are you passionate about? (15:09)
• Do you still keep in touch with high school friends? (22:26)

In This Episode You Will Learn: 

• What Handles’ introduction to basketball was like. (2:43)
• How Handles’ “failure” in 1999 opened up to so many more opportunities. (11:27)
• What is the Chris Handles Franklin Foundation? (13:11)
• Where Handles’ passion for helping others stems from. (15:31)
• What Handles is currently working on. (20:12)

Connect with Chris “Handles” Franklin: 

Instagram

Twitter

Handles Foundation

Let’s Connect!

LinkedIn

Instagram 

MPC Builders - Website

MPC Builders - Facebook 

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The path to a career in trades is not a one-size-fits-all trajectory. 

For my friend George Bergey, he didn't jump on the college train or head straight into trade school. Instead, he joined the Marines, built up some of his skills, and then began his career in trades years after his high school graduation. Now, he’s worked his way up from carpentry apprenticeship to working as the Project Superintendent for Hunter Roberts Construction Group. 

In this episode, George details his experience transitioning from Marines to the trades, including what it was like to take certification tests and find his first job. He shares why he chose carpentry over other trades, what his day-to-day looks like, and how he’s keeping his team safe during these COVID times. We also bust the myth that college is the pathway to success, and why working in trades is a great way to make a living. 

Tune in to hear more about George’s professional journey from Marine to Project Superintendent! 

Some Questions I Ask: 

• How did you get started in the trades? (4:28)
• What responsibilities fall under the jurisdictional work that carpenters do? (10:49)
• Did you ever consider any other trades? (15:21)
• What are the procedures like regarding COVID on the big job that you’re managing right now? (28:00)
• If I were to take your Jeep or boat away, which one would get you more upset? (31:07)

In This Episode You Will Learn: 

• What George’s transition from the Marines to trades was like. (4:40)
• What is a roadman? (8:58)
• Why George chose carpentry as his civilian career. (15:26)
• What a day in George’s life as a project superintendent looks like. (17:06)
• How George cultivates a team that holds health and safety as top priority during these COVID times. (28:09)
• Why George believes that college is not the right path for everyone. (33:35)

Let’s Connect!

LinkedIn

Instagram 

MPC Builders - Website

MPC Builders - Facebook 

Connect with George Bergey: 

LinkedIn 

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There are many different aspects that make the Construction industry what it is today. Over the years, attitudes towards pursuing a trade have shifted and as we learn more about the ins and outs of this amazing field, we inherently create a more welcoming environment for budding tradesmen. 

In today’s episode, I’m joined by a personal friend of mine and General Foreman at ‘Tracey Mechanical’, Kevin McGuigan! Kevin has had over thirty years in the business and offers his unique perspective as someone who has both worked in a trade for a number of years, as well as pursued a College degree. He has also coached a high school wrestling team and has used his experience across many different fields in order to effectively climb the professional ladder.    

We dive into the logistical side to the Construction industry, why being a Steamfitter is such a diverse field to pursue, as well as the monetary benefits that are such a significant part of being a tradesmen.  

To hear more, tune in to Episode 2 of Constructing Greatness!

Some Questions I Ask:

• What does your day to day look like as a General Foreman? (2:25)
• What were some of the challenges you faced while working on the ‘Tyler School of Art and Architecture’ project? (5:48)
• Could you touch on your experience in College & How you eventually ended up working in the Construction trade? (12:41)
• What is the current Journeyman hourly rate? (22:14)
• Is there anything else you’d like to share with me and my listeners? (33:14)

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• A brief background on Kevin McGuigan (0:59)
• What stood out to me about Kevin when first meeting him & What factors into his mindset towards his profession the most (8:16)
• How Kevin helped his Daughter overcome her fear of dogs & The impact that having a dog has had on her (11:23)
• What inspired Kevin to climb the professional ladder in his field (16:51)
• How the public perception and culture surrounding the Construction industry has shifted over the years (19:43)
• Kevin’s background as a High School Wrestling Coach at ‘George Mason University’ (24:09)
• Overtime opportunities that are present within the trade industry & The financial aspects of working in a trade (34:32)

Let’s Connect!

• LinkedIn
• Instagram 
• MPC Builders - Website
• MPC Builders - Facebook 

Connect With Kevin McGuigan:

• LinkedIn 
• Tracey Mechanical - Website
• Phone: (856) 217-6916 

Resources:

• Steamfitter Resource: ‘UA Local 420’

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Nowadays, colleges are so inherently overpriced that they make one wonder whether they’re worth it. It seems to be so drilled into some people’s heads that college is the only available option after high school.

Truly, the world is full of opportunities not limited to a college degree. Options such as trade schools are equally as brilliant and show us that kids should not be pressured to go into college, but to follow their hearts instead.

Today, I bring to you my personal experience in the trade world and why I passionately believe it to be an amazing opportunity, and college alternative, with so much to offer.

If you want to learn more about the possibilities offered by trade school, join me in the first episode of Constructing Greatness, with myself, Nicholas Ofak. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• What this episode is about (01:29)
• Some insights into college alternatives (05:02)
• What different types of trades are there (07:50)
• Why you shouldn’t worry if college is not the path for you (12:26)
• What can be expected of the continuing episodes (15:43)

Let’s connect!

Instagram

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