Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, David Garcia earned his bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University in 3D Animation and Digital Effects. David packed up and moved to Phoenix, spending the next five years working in social media marketing. In his new role as project coordinator for LaunchPM, David looks forward to transferring his skillset into the world of construction project management.
We recently sat down with David to talk about his decision to change industries and learn more about the life of a project coordinator. Here is what he had to say:
What is a typical day like for a project coordinator at LaunchPM?
I like to kick off my mornings at home, checking and responding to emails first thing. Staying on top of emails is a huge priority because any delays on my end can affect an entire project. Project timelines rely heavily on thorough, prompt communication. After my 20-minute commute to the office, I immediately make a cup of coffee. Most mornings I look out the window and think “Wow, I can’t believe I get to look at this view every morning.” Most days spent in the office are filled with coordinating, reporting and filing to make sure everything stays on time and organized. I normally attend 2-3 meetings per day and enjoy catching up on everything that’s happening at all the project sites. My favorite days are the ones where I show up bright and early to the job site and we’re going nonstop all day. There’s always something different about every day and I’m always learning new things.
How did your previous experience prepare you for this role?
There are more similarities between social media marketing and construction project management than most people realize. My experience in social media marketing taught me to be organized and quick on my feet. You must be able to move with the ever-changing landscape and roll with what happens in the day-to-day. Communication is also key in both industries. My previous positions helped me learn how to effectively communicate across multiple channels with different stakeholders. Emails, meetings and phone calls are nonstop, and you need to have the answers or find them and get the message across without any confusion.
What is your favorite project you have worked on?
It’s hard to pick a favorite because the variety of projects and people we get to work with is so great. A recent project that I really enjoyed being a part of was the Trackman U.S. office relocation in Scottsdale. Trackman provides tracking and simulation solutions for golf, baseball, football, soccer and tennis. They moved their office from one building to another. The people are the best part when we’re managing these projects. It’s always fun getting to know the clients and how their businesses operate throughout the process. My favorite part about this position is getting to see the projects develop from bare bones to a fully built-out space with state-of-the-art features in only a matter of months.
What qualities do you think are most important for someone wanting to pursue a career in construction project management?
I think the most important qualities in this profession are being responsive, organized and having a good mentor. Being responsive is extremely important. Knowing all you can about your projects and being able to answer questions immediately if the phone rings or an email comes through is crucial to successful projects. One delayed email can set a project back an entire week. This is why it’s also necessary to be extremely organized. The more organized you are, the more organized the project is going to be. Lastly, having someone to learn from and lean on makes all the difference in the world. Since I work directly with Mike, I get to learn first-hand what it takes to be successful in this industry. I know if I ever have a question or need help working out a solution, I can count on him.
If you would like to learn more about how David and the LaunchPM team can work with your company on a tenant improvement or large commercial construction project, please get in touch. We are happy to answer any questions and discuss how we can help you with your tenant improvement or commercial construction project.
