As part of Careers in Construction Month, Scorpio has asked our team to share their stories about how and why they chose a career in construction. Our first profile is Aaron Rogers, Senior Superintendent. Aaron is currently ensuring the successful delivery of the University of Florida Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium‘s multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation.
How did you get started in the construction industry?
After I graduated high school I started attending college for electrical engineering and started looking for a job. A friend was working in residential framing and got me started at the very bottom: carrying lumber, retrieving tools, and cleaning the site. I would look at the blueprints every time I had a chance and quickly learned I was good at reading plans and laying out walls. After about a years and half, I worked my way up to lead foreman and then moved to commercial construction. I haven’t looked back since.
Tell me about your job. What does an average day look like?
Every day is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most. The first hour or two is planning the day, adjusting activities based on what was completed the day before. I am in the problem-solving business. Most of my day is finding solutions for on-site issues/problems. I walk the job to verify all the trades are in place, the proper manpower is on the job, and answering questions. As the jobs get more complex and the schedules get shorter, the knowledge and experience from previous projects play an important role. Every day I get better at making the right decisions or knowing how or where to get the answers.
What do you love most about your work?
I love looking back on my projects. My kids laugh at me when we drive past one of my projects because I have to make a comment or tell a story. While they make fun of me for telling the same stories over and over, I laugh at them because in their mind their dad built all of Gainesville. It gives me a very accomplished and proud feeling.
The relationships I have created is a close second. I had no idea going into construction that it was such a people business. I have met some of the best people, made life-long friendships and learned a tremendous amount from them.
What advice do you have for students considering a career in construction?
College degrees are important and, in many situations, required. But nothing will ever be more valuable than field experience. I thought I wanted to have a career in engineering, but once I started in construction I knew I had found the right industry for me. So I worked harder than those around me so I could move up faster. I believe I am a better superintendent because of my trade experience. I make a very good living. I get to work with new people in new locations every year. I see the tangible results from my efforts. I consider myself blessed to have stumbled into this industry. And it is with hard work and determination that I have gotten to where I am today. It has been a fantastic career so far. The industry is growing so fast and I am excited to see what the future has in store for me.