My 27-year career in commercial construction has exposed me to many different situations, both stressful and rewarding. Yet along with the stress of maintaining project schedules comes the wonderful feeling of looking at an impressive structure and knowing that you had a part in making that building possible.
Early in my career, I worked along side a seasoned estimator who was nearly 70 years of age and still working. Let’s say his name was Bill—not to protect his identity but because I have forgotten his name. I suspect that over the years, Bill had forgotten more about the business of construction than I had learned. We watched from his office as the nine-story office building across the street was demolished. It was a building he had helped construct when he was about my age.
Bill said, “You know you are old when buildings you helped build are now being torn down.” Although he laughed, I could see in his eyes that he was not ready to retire yet, even at his age. At the time, I thought it might be nice to be ready to put down your pencil and pick up a fishing pole. I don’t think he saw things that way though.
Now, some 25 years later, I know the feeling he was experiencing. In my case, however, many of the buildings I helped build are not necessarily being demolished, just remodeled. The way I look at things, why throw away what you can recycle? As long as the idea is popular, maybe I’ll go on living forever!
-- Joseph Bramlage
Director of Marketing
