In this episode of “Made with Brilliance,” I sit down with Ross Spivak, founder and CEO of RES Consulting, a project management and owner’s representation firm based in New York. Ross shares his unique journey from architecture to construction management, revealing how an early internship changed his career path and led him to focus on turning clients’ visions into reality. We discuss his core values of honesty, integrity, and communication, and how they shape his approach to managing complex projects like embassies and high-rise developments. Ross explains his strategies for managing high-pressure situations, resolving conflicts, and the critical importance of maintaining strong professional relationships in the construction industry. This conversation provides invaluable insights for anyone in the architecture and construction fields, highlighting the power of clear communication, collaboration, and forward-thinking in project management.

Key Takeaways:

Honesty and Communication: Ross emphasizes that honesty, integrity, and clear communication are essential for navigating the challenges of construction, allowing for proactive problem-solving and building trust with clients.

Planning for the Unexpected: Effective project management requires contingency planning. Ross suggests building in time and budget buffers to handle the inevitable surprises that arise during construction.

Strong Professional Relationships: Success in construction depends on strong relationships with contractors, engineers, and clients. Ross values face-to-face meetings and regular communication to keep projects on track and foster long-term trust.

Staying Level-Headed Under Pressure: From embassies to large-scale residential projects, Ross shares his strategy of taking a step back to assess and solve problems calmly, rather than reacting impulsively.

Anticipating Industry Shifts: Ross identifies trends in affordable housing and the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, underlining the importance of adaptability as the construction industry evolves.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - Introduction to Ross Spivak and the founding of RES Consulting.
[02:00] - Ross’s career shift from architecture to construction management.
[05:00] - The core values of honesty and integrity in managing client expectations.
[08:00] - Strategies for maintaining composure and solving conflicts under pressure.
[12:00] - Importance of contingency planning and building relationships in construction.
[15:00] - Trends in affordable housing and skilled labor shortages.
[20:00] - Final thoughts on navigating challenges and fostering lasting client relationships.

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