In the world of construction, the journey from novice to expert is often a long and winding road, paved with hard work, dedication, and continuous learning. At Gray & Son, nurturing talent and fostering professional growth are at the core of Gray & Son’s values.
This is perfectly embodied in the stories of Patrick Krouse, a project manager, and Chris Drussell, an operations management specialist, whose journeys from interns to experts serve as inspiring testaments to the company’s commitment to its employees. Their journeys from interns to experts serve as a tribute to Gray & Son’s commitment to its employees.
Introduction and Background
Patrick Krouse has been involved in the construction industry his whole life. His career began alongside his father as a residential home remodeling contractor. He later ventured to Florida, where he built docks and seawalls before returning to Maryland to continue working with his father. Eventually, Patrick decided to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree at Towson University, where his path crossed with Gray &Son.
To complete his bachelor’s program, Patrick needed to secure an internship. A visit to the Towson University job fair introduced him to Gray & Son. Patrick’s construction background piqued his interest, and after researching the company, he was drawn to its family-oriented nature and solid reputation. “I liked the fact that it was a family company with a good reputation,” Patrick recalls.
Chris’s journey was rooted in a lifelong love for building and fixing things, a passion he shared with his father. “My dad had me remodeling bathrooms and kitchens in our house from the age of 5,” he recalls. His enthusiasm for construction led him to study Civil Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Construction Management.
Internship Experience
Patrick and Chris both found Gray & Son’s internship program to be comprehensive and immersive. Patrick rotated between estimating, operations, and project management, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the construction process. “I was involved in multiple projects during my internship,” Patrick recalls, including work at Towson University and Martin State Airport.
Patrick’s internship at Gray & Son was comprehensive and immersive. He rotated between estimating, operations, and project management, spending three weeks in estimating, six weeks in various field divisions, and concluding with a stint in project management. This diverse exposure allowed him to gain a well-rounded understanding of the construction process.
Similarly, Chris valued the diverse exposure the internship offered. “Interns were able to experience field experience and office experience with both the PM department and the Estimating department,” Chris explains. His internships provided him with a solid foundation in utility work, estimating, and project management.
Both Patrick and Chris were involved in a variety of projects during their internships, which allowed them to gain hands-on experience that would prove invaluable in their careers.
Learning and Development
Gray & Son supported Patrick’s and Chris’s learning and professional development in multiple ways. Patrick learned to read plans, interpret specifications, estimate quantities, and negotiate pricing. He also acquired practical skills such as operating a roller and checking grades. Mentorship played a crucial role in his development. “Every crew that I was on and every division that I worked in treated me with respect and helped me gain knowledge in the field,” Patrick shares.
Chris, too, benefitted from extensive mentorship during his internships. “Whether it was field personnel like Steve McHugh or Richard Stockslager, these individuals gave me the basic knowledge of utilities and how to effectively install them the Gray way,” he says. Chris’s mentors in the estimating and project management departments also provided valuable insights that shaped his career path.
Challenges and Achievements
Both Patrick and Chris faced challenges during their internships, but these obstacles ultimately strengthened their resolve. Patrick’s initial lack of field experience was a hurdle, but he overcame it by listening carefully to instructions and absorbing as much information as possible. His proudest achievement was assisting in the implementation of a new change order system through Viewpoint, a project he worked on with Pat G and John Lanahan.
Chris’s biggest challenge was staying motivated to complete his college degree after realizing that fieldwork, not design, was his true passion. However, he recognized the value of a degree in advancing within the construction industry and finished his studies. “I knew that if I completed my degree, I would have the ability to manage and advance much quicker within the construction industry,” Chris reflects.
Transition to Full-Time Role
The transition from intern to full-time employee was seamless for both Patrick and Chris, thanks to the strong foundations they built during their internships. Patrick initially stayed in the project management department in an administrative role, gradually expanding his responsibilities. Over time, he advanced from Project Engineer to Assistant Project Manager and eventually to Project Manager. “It was a seamless transition because I stayed in the project management department in an administrative role and continued doing what I was doing with the ability to expand my role,” he shares.
Chris, on the other hand, stepped into the role of Operations Management Specialist, a position that involved rotations through estimating, safety, and fieldwork. His internships had laid the groundwork for his success, and he quickly adapted to his new responsibilities. “My internship laid the foundation of the Gray way of estimating so I was able to come in as almost an assistant estimator and was able to almost immediately start helping with active bids,” Chris says.
Future Goals and Advice
Looking ahead, both Patrick and Chris have ambitious career goals within Gray & Son. Patrick aspires to be the best project manager he can be and hopes to mentor future project managers within the company. Chris, who has already advanced to the position of foreman, has his sights set on becoming a superintendent and eventually a VP of site operations. “As my knowledge of utilities continues to grow, as well as my managerial skills, I hope to be able to make the jump to super,” Chris explains.
To future interns or employees considering an internship at Gray & Son, Patrick and Chris offer similar advice: seize the opportunity. Patrick encourages prospective interns to choose Gray & Son for its supportive environment and growth opportunities. Chris emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and soaking up as much knowledge as possible. “It’s always good to get exposed to as much as possible and make sure you are getting out of your comfort zone,” Chris advises.
Patrick and Chris’s journeys from interns to experts at Gray & Son highlight the company’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive learning environment. Their experiences and growth within the company serve as inspiring testaments to what is possible when dedication meets opportunity. If you are considering a career in construction and looking for a place where you can grow and thrive, Gray & Son is the place to be.
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