The roar of machinery, the rhythmic hammering, the constant hum of activity—a commercial construction site is a symphony of progress. It’s an environment that demands strong leadership, clear communication, and a collaborative spirit. At the heart of this controlled chaos lies the superintendent, a vital leader who orchestrates the symphony of construction.
At Crain Construction, a Nashville-based general contractor with over 90 years of experience, our superintendents play a crucial role in the work that we do. Crain is renowned for our values-driven approach and our focus on fostering a positive, relational work environment. Our superintendents are the cornerstones of our culture, shaping the atmosphere on each job site they oversee.
This blog post offers a glimpse into a typical day for a commercial construction superintendent at Crain, highlighting the diverse responsibilities and the unique rewards of this challenging yet fulfilling career path.
1. Building Culture and Collaboration
Stepping onto a Crain job site, you’ll immediately feel a difference. Our superintendents are the cornerstones of our positive, collaborative environment. They provide strong leadership, fostering a sense of teamwork and open communication among all on-site personnel. This includes building relationships with our industry trade partners, subcontractors, vendors, and inspectors. As Superintendent Alex Ward explains, “Crain understands that a positive culture is the foundation for individual and project success. It’s contagious, and it fuels the entire team.”
2. Coordination and Supervision
Superintendents are the conductors of the construction symphony. They oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring a smooth workflow. This involves supervising and coordinating the work of various trades and subcontractors. They make sure everyone understands their tasks and are working efficiently. They also manage the planning and scheduling of staff, advising on construction methods throughout the project.
3. Safety First: Leading by Example
Safety is paramount on any construction site. Our superintendents don’t just preach safety—they embody it. They lead our project’s safety culture by following Crain’s established safety protocols and procedures. This includes conducting regular inspections and ensuring all workers adhere to safety guidelines.
But safety isn’t a chore at Crain. Our superintendents find creative ways to make safety engaging, keeping everyone motivated and vigilant. They are also responsible for addressing any safety concerns immediately and providing additional training or briefings if necessary.
4. Maintaining Quality Control
A project you can be proud of starts with meticulous attention to detail. Crain superintendents take pride in the quality of craftsmanship throughout every stage of construction. They conduct regular inspections to ensure ongoing work complies with project specifications, building codes, and the highest quality standards. They also provide workers with constructive feedback and direction to correct any deficiencies.
At Crain, our values of “Owning It” & “Doing the Right Thing” resonate deeply with our superintendents. They quickly acknowledge and rectify mistakes, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable learning and growing. Superintendent JR Howell echoes this sentiment: “Crain values their employees, and they care about doing what’s right. They build relationships and structures to last a lifetime, and I truly believe that.”
5. Navigating Permits and Approvals
Nashville’s building codes and zoning requirements can be intricate. Thankfully, Crain superintendents possess a deep understanding of these regulations. Many of them have built long-standing relationships with Metro departments, allowing them to navigate the permitting process efficiently. They obtain all required permits and licenses and work collaboratively with inspection agencies. When issues arise, they implement solutions based on the inspectors’ reports, ensuring the project stays on track.
6. Real-Time Problem-Solving
The unexpected is an inevitable part of construction. Our superintendents are adept at handling challenges without derailing the progress of a project. They address problems head-on, whether it’s dealing with weather disruptions, equipment failures, or labor shortages. They make quick, informed decisions to keep the project moving forward and minimize delays.
Superintendent Brian Hopwood offers a valuable perspective: “You can have the best plan in the world, but a problem will arise. Embrace these challenges—you’ve been given an opportunity to learn and adapt.”
7. Wrapping Up the Day: Tying Up Loose Ends
A superintendent’s day isn’t over when the last tool is put away. They are responsible for making sure the job site is secure and prepared for the next workday. Crain superintendents write detailed daily reports, conduct weekly inspections, and ensure all project documents are up-to-date. They also inform the project manager with a comprehensive summary of the day’s activities, progress made, and any issues encountered.
Building a Rewarding Career at Crain Construction
If you want to grow in your commercial construction career and be part of a team that values its people as much as the projects they build, then Crain Construction might be the perfect fit for you. We offer a dynamic work environment where you can hone your skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and collaborate with a supportive and experienced team.
Visit our careers page to learn more about what it’s like to work at Crain.
