Skilled laborers are the key to Superior Construction’s success on every job site. We spoke with Rick McCarthy, Senior Project Manager at Superior Construction, to get an idea of why skilled labor matters, how Superior cultivates relationships with unions, and the value of teamwork when it comes to success.

“Skilled labor is the only way Superior has an opportunity to be successful,” said Rick. “Without skilled labor, Superior wouldn’t be anything.”

While this might seem like a strong statement, Rick explained that Superior values and cultivates relationships with area unions, as it brings the best possible workers to our projects. “We’re fortunate to have the talent pool of a strong union environment. We’re able to build projects that are complex and complicated because you put tools, materials, and equipment in front of skilled labor and they can go to work and build awesome structures — and they do it safely, to plans and specs, and on time and within budget.”

Because Superior values the work skilled laborers bring to the jobsite, we do everything possible to bring workers together and set them up for success. This means ensuring workers are equipped and safe as they work. “We do not ask anyone to do something that ‘might’ work. If we need a special piece of equipment to do the job, we will get it so work can be done safely and properly,” said Rick.

The Superior team also shows that they value skilled workers by listening and giving them the voice they deserve. “We listen to the local skilled workers from the start to finish of every job — these guys bring experience and know exactly what they are doing. We heed their advice, especially if they’ve done something similar on a different project,” said Rick.

And on the jobsite, the Superior workforce teams up with all skilled workers to work toward success. “As the saying goes, we are only as strong as the weakest link. Everyone matters — the superintendent, project manager, foreman, journeymen, apprentice, and interns, just to name a few. We all have to be pulling on the rope together to make a project successful.”

Because Superior crews complete one job and move straight into the next, we are able to continue to build on the success of previous jobs by continuing to hire great talent. “We hire people who have experience, are hard working, and have the ability to learn and take on more responsibility,” said Rick. “The typical Superior craftsman shows up to work every day ready to work and to adapt to changing conditions as they come. That’s what this industry is — even though you are doing the same thing, every day is different.”

Superior is also interested in developing the talent on jobsites. “We have safety training, give time off for craft training, and are always trying to hire apprentices to get them started so they can work with journeymen,” said Rick.

As to why skilled craftsmen keep returning to Superior, Rick summed it up nicely: “We work safe, we do quality work, and we get to work on a lot of awesome projects.”