Jackson Construction (Sac)

Vincent Fugina

Project Execution Champion

Building Project Discipline through Proactive Planning

For me personally, it comes down to planning ahead and staying proactive. I continuously watch the critical path, budget, procurement, RFIs, submittals, and change orders because those areas can quickly affect both cost and schedule.

I make sure scope, exclusions, submittals, procurement lead times, workforce expectations, safety requirements, and schedule milestones are understood before work starts. Our subcontract language is especially clear that subcontractors are bound by the current project schedule and must provide scheduling information when requested.

Using AI to Strengthen Estimating and Procurement

AI has changed how we estimate and procure work drastically. Using multiple technology platforms supported by AI for RFP setup/bid leveling and scope identification results in quicker turnaround and less overall time expense. In the current construction climate, the winning contractor isn't necessarily the company producing the lowest number.

It's the company that can find scope faster, quantify it accurately, identify risk earlier, verify subcontractor coverage, learn from historical costs, and determine the lowest price at which the company can responsibly perform the work.

Making Trade Partner Relationships a Competitive Advantage

For Jackson Construction, as a general contractor that does not self-perform, we rely on our trade partners heavily. Typical projects have dozens of subcontractors whose work depends on one another.

“Communication in my eyes remains the most important aspect of my job. The way I communicate dictates how every relationship is treated.”

The challenge is making sure each trade has the workforce, materials, approved submittals, and clear work areas needed to meet the schedule. Fostering good quality subcontractor relationships remains our biggest asset. Without it, we simply cannot compete.

Building Trust through Clear and Timely Communication

Communication, in my eyes, remains the most important aspect of my job. The way I communicate dictates how every relationship is treated.

As responsibility increases, technical ability alone isn't enough. It is important to learn to run productive meetings, negotiate difficult issues, document decisions, communicate bad news early, and translate complex construction problems into information that clients and partners can understand.