Second Generation Construction, United States Army Veteran, Small Business Owner, Union Carpenter Superintendent
I grew up on a farm in rural Hibbing, Minnesota. My father was a carpenter and cabinet maker. I have been in and around construction my entire life.
In 1985, I joined the United States Army. After Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), I was stationed in Germany and served in the Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Shield for operations leading to the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia and Operation Desert Storm in its combat phase, was a war waged by coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait arising from oil pricing and production disputes. I was honorably discharged in 1991.
After returning from the Army, I started my own construction company doing custom homes, small remodels, deck and siding projects. I was the sole proprietor/owner and employer to up to ten employees. I was responsible for all estimating, procurement, scheduling, project execution, financial and cash management, close-out and warranty.
After riding out the various economic cycles of residential construction, I decided to close my business and began working for larger union general contractors in the area. I advanced from being a journeyman worker to a foreman, onto a general foreman, and ultimately a general superintendent. This lifecycle of leadership has given me the broad understanding of being responsible for the day-to-day jobsite activities of scheduling, coordinating and supervising all union craft employees, as well as ensuring that design specifications are adhered to at all times.
I have experience in many different market sectors all across the Midwest and western parts of the United States. Markets such as Industrial, Power, Pipeline Pumping Stations, Mining, Pulp & Paper, Healthcare, Commercial, Education, and Municipal/Government. I specialize in planning and building safe scaffolding structures and managing erection crews; concrete placement for structural concrete, slab construction, stair construction, and architectural features; general rough carpentry and finish carpentry. I have a great deal of experience in coordinating many complicated interior build outs for new construction and occupied spaces in healthcare and educational facilities which requires solid communication and coordination with self-perform crews, subcontractors, architects and owners.
I have served as President of Local 606 Carpenters Union along with a voting delegate at the International Carpenters Union Level.
Expertize
Safety
I develop and implement project specific safety programs – HAZMAT, Evacuation and Emergency Communication Plans. Set project safety goals, conduct safety orientation, develop a site logistics plan – site security, fencing, cameras, employee access, COVID requirements. I understand customers safety expectations and communicate accordingly. I have experience in incident reporting and participated in near miss assessments and accident investigation root cause analysis.
Trade Partner Management
I take great leadership responsibility in overseeing the lifecycle management of subcontractors also known as Trade Partners. This involves enforcement of safety, executing specific scope of work ensuring adequate materials, equipment and manpower, communicating company and project expectations and policies. I require active participation from Trade Partners and second tier subcontractors in scheduling and weekly progress meetings. I do hold subs accountable for daily reporting, safety Pre Task Planning (PTP), safety meetings, tool box talks and daily huddles.
Project Planning
I specialize in planning the project with a predictable schedule that understands the specific needs of the project, knowledge of key milestones/completions dates, planning for customer activities and scheduling with allowable work hours. Short-term planning with pull schedules factoring in daily and weekly work plans.
Superintendent Triage
During my time at The Boldt Company, I became known as the “triage” superintendent that was brought in to help failing projects recover. Often times, I would replace the current superintendent on the site, makes necessary changes in craft leadership, work with inspectors and engineers to correct quality issues., update self perform productivity models by adding or deleting manpower, worked with trade partners to ensure proper planning and coordination with other trades. I would verify availability of materials and equipment necessary to meet the schedule and constructability demands. I was not afraid to travel to different geographies to support the team and the company.
Concrete
I have vast knowledge of concrete commonly used as the foundation for most structures and superstructure construction through the use of structural concrete, slab construction, stair construction, and architectural features. Foundations for structures constructed of formed and reinforced footings, walls, piers, and columns which are installed as surface drilled, earth bearing piers, caissons, or piles.
Scaffolding
I have extensive knowledge, training and experience in various types of scaffolding and their capacity: Scaffold platforms, supported scaffolds and suspended scaffolds and access requirements and use requirements. I have sufficient experience and knowledge to recognize scaffold hazards, correct unsafe conditions, and have shut down the worksite until any hazards are corrected.
TRAINING
CPR / First Aid Certified
Competent Person Scaffolding
Scaffold Erector Qualification
Rigging & Signaling
Symons Forms Seminar
United Brotherhood of Carpenters – Building Leadership for a Strong Future
300 Hitter Training
MSHA
ICRA Training
Builders Level & Transit
OSHA 10 & OSHA 30
Total Station 1, 2, 3
Delegate Training
TECHNOLOGY
P6 Scheduling Software
Procore
Bluebeam
Building Point Total Station
Microsoft Office
Plangrid
Openspace
COMPANIES WORKED
Rudolph & Sletten
With over five decades of building experience, Rudolph & Sletten has built the foundation of California’s industries building everything from biotech laboratories and medical facilities to corporate campuses and educational institutions.
Miron
Miron specializes in providing innovative preconstruction, construction management, design-build, general construction and industrial services to multiple markets from elementary schools to office buildings to casinos and clinics.
Max Gray
Max Gray specializes in commercial construction. Buildings reflect and showcase dedication to the highest of standards in workmanship, materials and service. Integrity and commitment to clients is unquestioned.
Lakehead Constructors
Lakehead Constructors has pioneered the construction industry since 1916 offering preconstruction services, equipment rental, construction management and traditional contractor services throughout the Midwest.
The Boldt Company
Boldt has been building since 1889. You’ll find their work from coast to coast, from universities and hospitals, to mills, manufacturing and renewable energy. Building that bring lasting value to communities they call home.
IMS
Industrial Maintenance Services is a diversified heavy industrial and general construction company which provides professional, technical and construction services to production facilities, municipalities, and private industry.
Northern Industrial Erectors
Northern Industrial Erectors has been setting the standard for steel erection, construction management, and millwright services for over 35 years. Industrial and commercial construction with core values of integrity, trust and innovation.
Brand Scaffolding
A leading provider of specialized services to the global industrial, commercial and infrastructure markets, BrandSafway delivers access and scaffolding systems, forming and shoring, industrial services and related solutions to more than 30,000 customers worldwide.
Let’s build something amazing together!
Joe DelGrande 