Faces of Flatiron: Rob Richardson

What’s the best part about your job?

The people are by far the best aspect of my job. I get to work with a broad spectrum of people with different skills and backgrounds, from 18-year-old laborers to journeymen carpenters to professional designers. I enjoy seeing people achieve goals – mentoring young people and helping them bridge gaps as they advance in their careers.

Why were you interested in working for Flatiron?

I think construction companies are divided into two different types – those that focus on construction management and those that focus on building. I like the building part, and Flatiron actually builds their projects instead of always hiring and managing a long list of subcontractors.

What keeps you here after all these years?

I appreciate Flatiron’s commitment to staying on the path of being a builder first. They focus on the people and know that they are the key to the company’s success, not a bunch of processes and procedures.

How has Flatiron helped your career develop?

Flatiron has given me opportunities I never would have gotten somewhere else, such as working as a Project Manager on a huge $1.4 billion project. The company offers a scale and volume of projects that you just do not see other places.

What are 3 words that best describe working at Flatiron?

Commitment
Expectation
Values

What is your proudest moment at Flatiron?

At a project level, I am very proud of the way we were able to maintain the schedule for Northeast Anthony Henday while handling traffic switches and detours. It was quite an accomplishment on a project of that size.

What has been your favorite project at Flatiron?

All projects are unique in their own way. Northeast Anthony Henday in Edmonton, Alberta, is a massive job with lots of people and technical challenges. I also enjoyed working as Project Manager on the Big Bear Bridge Replacement in Big Bear, CA.

From your perspective, what differentiates Flatiron from our competitors?

Flatiron is a builder and not just a construction manager. The company believes people are its greatest asset, and it maintains a strong commitment to its core values.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I have five kids, so I spend a lot of time attending their sporting events, like hockey, lacrosse, and soccer. I also enjoy playing hockey, even though I am not on a team right now. As a family, we have traveled and lived in a lot of different places, and we believe in making the most out of anywhere we live.

Any additional comments about Flatiron that you would like to include?

Flatiron gives you the opportunity to go as far as you want to go. Managers show a confidence level in their employees and trust them to make the right decisions. If you are willing to work hard, they give you opportunities to advance.