Megan Muller
From her nomination:
In her role, Cecilia bids the jobs and then manages them. There are two main foreman that, although don’t report to her on the organizational chart, take direction from her every day. She has made such a positive impact on them and given then such a high level of support that they work harder and push to be successful for and with her in a way that is noticeable every day. Cecilia has also formed solid professional relationships with our owners, subcontractors and competitors. She is a high performer at every level professionally.
Cecilia Cain is the Construction Manager at Delta Companies Inc., the Colas USA subsidiary that operates throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. Cecilia was hired in 2010 and has held the titles of Estimator, Contract Administrator, and Project Manager.
Read more about Cecilia Cain through the following spotlight.
Describe your role to someone who is not familiar with the construction industry or Colas USA.
As a Project Manager, I manage and provide support for our asphalt paving construction operations located in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. I manage a team of employees that consists of estimators, project managers, and roadway foremen.
Our estimators complete bids or proposals for the Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation, local counties, and cities, as well as commercial parking lots and driveways. These estimators then manage the projects they successfully bid by working with project owners, roadway foremen, and subcontractors to execute the projects from start to finish. Our roadway foreman manages their crew and works closely with the project manager and the onsite owner’s representation to complete quality projects meeting the required specifications.
What has been your favorite project so far?
Projects at airports tend to be challenging, since they often require Federal specifications and are a change of pace from our typical work. Although these types of projects can be stressful during construction, they often provide a higher chance of reward and a great feeling of accomplishment.
What drew you to working within the construction industry?
Roadway construction is an industry that allows you to visibly see progress from start to finish. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment to drive through a project you helped construct and to know the ladies and gentlemen who worked hard to complete it.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work every day?
I’m truly motivated by my team and my colleagues. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of my teammates for over 10 years now, and I tend to think of my them as family. The thought of not being here for them is disheartening.
What is one recommendation you could make to help Colas USA operate better?
One way to better operate is to listen to our hourly workforce and be aware of their concerns. Without these hard-working individuals our jobs wouldn’t be possible.