A Chat with Michael Peck, Operations Manager & Superintendent at IWR North America

Focusing on priorities, an attitude of gratitude are key

By Chris Maday Schmidt

With almost four decades under his tool belt at IWR North America, Michael Peck’s background includes field experience from journeyman to operations manager – building enclosures & superintendent. Today he is in charge of day-to-day operations with a focus on quality control, labor management, material and equipment procurement and safety, and is responsible for 93 field employees. Join Construction Superintendent as Peck shares project challenges, time-management tricks and tips for the budding superintendent.

(Q) What types of communications tools do you use most often when supervising your 93 field employees?

Chain of command is my most valuable tool. IWR has some of the most talented project managers around and the same can be said about our field superintendents. I’ve always compared my job to that of a football coach or a military leader. When you have the right people in the right position and operate to accomplish the fundamentals they have been trained to do, things have a pretty good chance of going according to plan. On a more technical line, we keep iPads in our superintendents’ hands allowing for up-to-date details to be in front of them immediately for discussion if required. Cell phone cameras also serve as a beneficial communication tool since a picture is worth a thousand words.

(Q) How do you change your communication techniques/approaches when you have a small site?

Although all of our jobs are of equal importance to us to complete successful installs, the pressure of smaller sites can become lighter. However, the communication practices and procedures remain the same no matter the size.

(Q) What has been your biggest challenge as far as day-to-day operations?

By far, keeping up with the demands of project schedules is the biggest challenge. Everything seems to be on a fast track these days so juggling manpower to keep up can be challenging. There are certainly days that are less demanding than others, but you can rest assured you better be ready because the next demanding request is right around the corner.

(Q) Describe a trend in the industry that you’ve witnessed more and more; how does it impact the way you do your job?

Documentation is the most common business trend in today’s construction environment. I worked in the field as an ironworker for 29 years, starting before computers and online documentation were used. Now, documenting everything is vital for keeping a reference log of responsibilities if needed. Learning to create a history of facts is certainly a smart business practice.

(Q) Share any time-management tricks of the trade you employ in your position.

In the field with my employees, I use the phrase “Time is Money.” I always make the needs of my field superintendents my number one priority. Time is a valuable resource, and if we don’t use our working time to earn money, then consequently we are losing money. For me personally, taking detailed notes is very helpful with my time management.

(Q) What’s the craziest thing you’ve experienced onsite?

I have seen people do some of the craziest things, a lot of which are best left untold in this forum. However, I have always been fascinated by cranes lifting large loads. Even after so many years in this industry, I’m still fascinated by large machinery.

(Q) Do you have a preference on the type of project you work on?

It is quite rewarding to walk away from some of the accomplishments we experience on high-end architectural work. The pride that comes from finalizing a project that was full of challenges is very satisfying. I’m fortunate for my occupation in the construction industry because I’m left with lasting monuments reflected by me and my team’s daily efforts.

(Q) AGC of Missouri awarded you with two Keystone Awards on projects that required solutions to unique obstacles and challenges specific to those projects—talk a little about those challenges and solutions.

The first one came from our efforts on a paper machine enclosure at P&G. The challenge of installing a 9-foot by 250-foot ceiling, 67 feet in the air over a multi-million-dollar paper machine, was monumental. Working night shifts on a custom-built scaffold system on top of an overhead crane was interesting to say the least. The people we had installing in the field were the difference makers. They came up with various material handling ideas and worked diligently on a daily basis.

The second Keystone Award win was due to the rainscreen façade on the Shriners Hospital in St. Louis, [Missouri]. The radius geometry of the building and rotated square panel orientation presented some unique challenges in design. Once again, the field leadership we had on the project made all the difference in the world. We worked hand in hand with the panel manufacturer and devoted ourselves to preplanning every move we possibly could. We built it in our minds and then we incorporated those ideas into reality. Communication and teamwork are not a cliché; they are principles to operate by and were paramount in our success.

(Q) What do you feel has been your biggest success during the course of your career? Why?

Appreciation. It means a lot to me that the company I work for appreciates what I do and continues to show me their gratitude. I started at this company right out of high school in 1980, and this is the only company I have or will work for. The atmosphere of family is very important to me; I am the youngest of seven children so family is something I value highly. MHS Legacy Group is the holding company of IWR North America, along with four other subsidiaries that create a family of companies. The MHS Legacy Group family of companies is just that: family. It is a great blessing to work with people you care about and who care about you. I don’t think a lot of people can say that their C-suite bosses go out of their way to tell them how much they appreciate the work they do; but I’m one of the lucky ones who can.

(Q)  Have you been or are you a member of any industry organizations? If so, in what ways has it been beneficial for your career?

Every IWR employee is a member of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, an organization that provides networking opportunities, industry support and training courses. IWR is also involved with several other industry organizations that are beneficial for training and education. IWR is an Air Barrier Association of America-certified sheet metal contractor. IWR’s project managers are LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

(Q) What do you envision the role of superintendent to look like in the next 10-15 years?

Things have happened over the last several decades that I’m sure no one could have predicted so to envision what the future holds is difficult. One thing that is certain is that it will be high-tech and fast-paced! I work with men who are half my age and I am amazed at their talents. I’m confident that whatever comes about, there will be people who rise to the occasion.

(Q)  How should aspiring superintendents prepare for the job?

Having a good work ethic is something to always strive for, no matter what industry you’re in. I tell my employees to always work hard, be patient, let experience be your teacher, educate yourself in both construction and technology and be willing to go the extra mile. All of these traits go a long way to an employer.

(Q) What’s your favorite pastime activity?

I have several hobbies which include fishing, arrowhead hunting, gardening, studying for my Sunday school teaching responsibilities and archery hunting deer. My wife and I just built a new home, so completing her punchlist may keep me busy the rest of my life. I’ve given her a substantial completion date of 2025.

(Q) What is the secret to balancing your work and home lives?

My marriage is top priority without a doubt. My wife managed our home single-handedly back in the days when I traveled a lot. She understands the sacrifices that come along with my hard work. We are living in the home of our dreams, with a pond, breathing in the fresh country air.