Q&A with Jon McLaughlin, Senior Superintendent at Swinerton Builders

Working hard, playing hard and giving back

By Chris Schmidt

In this issue, Construction Superintendent goes behind the scenes with Jon McLaughlin, senior superintendent at Swinerton Builders on the Hawaiian Islands with more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He started out in residential construction framing houses. He then moved into commercial construction and worked as a carpenter/laborer. Once he joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters as an apprentice, he began working on larger-scale jobs. At the beginning of his career, he was mentored by a superintendent who taught and lived quality and the importance of doing things right, from mobilization through the finishes. McLaughlin shares his insights into the industry today, its challenges and the role he plays.

(Q) What do you feel has changed the most in the industry since you started?

Most definitely technology. This year marks Swinerton’s 125-year anniversary; we have adapted and stayed on the cutting edge throughout the years. Our technology uses of BIM, robotic total station, P6 cloud-based scheduling, iPads and smartphones help us perform effectively and stay adaptive.

(Q) As a senior superintendent, what has been your biggest challenge and how have you either overcome it or work to overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been motivating and coaching personnel to operate as a high-performing team. I meet this challenge by continually setting clear goals and expectations, and providing support, resources and training.

(Q) What similarities and/or differences have you experienced in the construction industry in the states compared to working on the Hawaiian Islands?

The camaraderie amongst the crews in Hawaii is very noticeable. Hawaii’s weather is paradise. And I do not miss concrete blankets at all.

(Q) Describe a recent LEED project and the specific challenges you had related to its LEED rating.

I am overseeing multiple projects and one is a LEED Silver project. The biggest challenge with LEED projects is monitoring and enforcing recycling. We were able to meet the goals by providing clearly labeled recycling bins throughout the project [site] and by consistently addressing the importance of recycling at our morning huddles. This is a team effort and we all can make a difference for the project, for our children and for our future.

(Q) How is the topic of safety reinforced each time your crew steps onto the jobsite?

Swinerton is a diamond class sponsor to the Safety Trained Supervisor certification program. We are now reaching out beyond our superintendents and offering training and STS certification to our general foremen. We give site-specific safety orientations to all new workers on the first day and we conduct daily “huddles” to focus everyone on the day’s activities. Our safety inventory is also inspected and up-to-date. We walk the walk.

(Q) What role(s) do you play in any industry-related organizations and how do you feel these organizations impact the construction industry?

Safety Trained Supervisor — certified and member. I serve as the Swinerton division sponsor – promoting, verifying and providing guidance, support and resources for our employees to achieve the STS certification. STS is, without a doubt, a proven certification that significantly reduces risk in the construction industry. I also serve as our division rigging and signaling instructor/evaluator.

Tilt-Up Concrete Association — certified and member. I serve as the TCA contact person for Swinerton. The TCA is constantly sharing new methods, engineering and networking opportunities for the tilt-up community.

American Concrete Institute — certified and member. I am continually training, learning and passing along to our workforce ACI procedures and practices. The ACI provides a multitude of services, whether through seminars, e-learning courses or articles. Rumor has it that the islands might soon start its own chapter. That would greatly serve the construction industry here on Hawaii.

(Q) Tell us about your involvement with the Superintendent Career Training program with UBC.

As a young laborer with a young family and struggling to make a livelihood, the union prepared me by offering training, better wages and benefits. Today is a great opportunity to give back. Swinerton has been involved with the SCT program and given me the privilege of being a mentor for three up-and-coming superintendents. The UBC utilizes classroom instruction, company-sponsored mentoring and on-the-job training for the candidate, delivered in four programs and integrated with mentor sessions and on-the-job learning within an 18-month timeframe. Trainees (general foremen and superintendents) will go through the four programs at Carpenters International Training Center, including 30 OJT and 15 mentoring sessions with their mentors.

(Q) What advice do you commonly give the superintendents you’ve mentored over the years?

I have the pleasure of working with an outstanding group of superintendents. What has been passed to me I try to pass on: that our “word” is paramount … with honesty and fairness to all. Also to update the schedule regularly.

(Q) How do you balance personal and work life?

Work hard and play hard. I trust my “gut” when it comes to balance: date night with my wife, attending my children’s functions and vacations generally triumph.