Senior Project Manager Jim Beckerle is celebrating his 35th anniversary at Alberici this month. In honor of this milestone, we asked Jim to share some thoughts about his experience.
In your time at Alberici, which project was your favorite and why?
I have several favorites projects. Melvin Price Locks and Dam 26 was my first job, and I was in awe at all of the new equipment we bought for the project.
I enjoyed working on the three plant model changes that Alberici completed at Chrysler Belvidere from 1986 to 2006. Starting projects at the beginning of the construction scope development was a new way of doing business, and the owner completely trusted Alberici, knowing we were the contractor to follow through and complete the work.
The Holcim Ste. Genevieve Cement Plant is a recent favorite of mine simply because I was able to focus exclusively on the work in the field.
What do you enjoy most about your current role as Deputy Project Director at the Olmsted Dam project?
I enjoy being the lead Alberici representative and selling the resources Alberici has to offer to our joint venture (JV) partner and the owner. Hopefully exposure to the Alberici culture will positively influence the other members of our project team.
You’ve been at the mega-project, Olmsted, for a number of years. Can you share a little bit about your experience there? What makes this project different from others you’ve been on?
The size and scope of the project are amazing. Everything is big—including the largest Super Gantry Crane in the world and the 10-million-pound loads that the crane moves. There have also been a number of engineering innovations developed at the site to accomplish building the first “in the wet” navigable inland river dam.
What are you most proud of in your time at Alberici and why?
I am most proud of being with Alberici for this long and being a team member at one of the top construction firms in the country.
What do you like most about working at Alberici?
I’ve always liked the small, family-owned atmosphere Alberici has to offer. Although we are a much larger company now than when I started, access to top management is not intimidating and that family-owned atmosphere still exists.
How has the construction industry changed since you started?
I think the two things that have changed the most are the attention we, as an industry, pay to safety and increased documentation of what you do in the field.
What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting in the construction industry?
I would advise someone just starting out to get as much field experience they can and to get experience in the many markets and geographical areas Alberici serves.