We want you to get to know our team better, so from time to time we will post in our Employee Spotlight series. This month we’re getting to know Dave Ward, our Production Manager.
Dave, tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve been married to my wonderful wife for 43 years, and I have three sons and two grandchildren. I’m a sixth-generation Ward in Bowdoin, and I reclaimed my property from the town some 40 years ago. Much of my time is spent maintaining and improving our land and helping in the 24-hour Christian radio ministry I helped build.
What kinds of hobbies do you have outside of work?
My wife and I are involved with rodeo style horse racing events like barrel racing. She races our horses, and I often announce the shows. In the summer months, I also enjoy golfing, motorcycle riding, and coaching my grandchildren’s little league games. In the winter months, I love snowshoeing, skating, watching my grandchildren play hockey, and reading. I’m not a movie enthusiast; I'd rather read the book.
What do you do in your role as Production Manager?
I’m basically the leader for the production team members, all trade partners, and employees. I also make sure client communication is implemented into the construction schedule. Once construction begins, I coordinate all on-site activities, and I’m responsible for all quality and code-related issues, so I visit and monitor our team, maintaining consistent communication with our clients throughout the process until it’s completed.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I’m up early, before the construction workday begins, returning emails and texts from clients and our team. I attend a pre-construction meeting at our office and prepare for the trim phase of construction for one of our homes with the finish team. If there’s a code-related issue at a home, I work with code officials to resolve it. I work with craftsmen onsite to resolve construction-related questions, and I inspect for quality and record progress on our schedule. I finish my day following up with trade partners and clients, reviewing all communications to make sure nothing is left unanswered.
How long have you worked with Fortin Construction?
I've been with the Fortin team since 1998.
How is the company different now than in 1998?
We started small and have grown in size and process. Over the years we attended national seminars and workshops learning to develop and implement a stellar construction process. As a result, our work quality has improved, as have our client relationships.
What do you like most about working at Fortin Construction?
#1: I enjoy working with our craftsmen on the jobsite. I appreciate seeing firsthand the quality of their work and participating in the camaraderie that comes from having the same team members for so many years.
#2: I also really enjoy working with clients throughout the building process, experiencing with them the joys of the construction process and working to resolve any stresses. Most enjoyable is sharing their excitement when their homes are complete, seeing their dream home become a reality.
What’s your pet peeve?
People in our industry who don't acknowledge what they don't know. That pride has them making assumptions when confronted with an issue instead of asking the right people the right questions.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
I am a founding member of Christian radio station. I actually physically constructed the facility, including the 200-foot tower on my land, and worked as program director, community outreach, disc jockey, and general maintenance man.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
The relationship I have with my God, my family, and my friends.
What’s on your bucket list?
A one-month (at least), cross-country tour on a motorcycle.