Building a Career in Construction: Simon Says, Lay the Groundwork with Builders Now

by | Mar 7, 2025

Summary

Unlock the potential of a career in construction with Builders Now, where our co-founder Simon's journey from a 'tract rat' to company leader exemplifies the growth and opportunities available in our field. Whether you're tackling hands-on challenges or leading projects, discover how our commitment to integrity and problem-solving can propel your career forward. Join a team that values hard work and vision, where every day is a chance to contribute to building not just structures, but also a lasting legacy

We’ve really enjoyed sharing our stories with you through these blog posts. Last time around, Ernesto opened up about his day-to-day challenges and successes at Builders Now, giving us a real-world glimpse into the life of a project manager. This time, we’re turning the spotlight on Simon, one of our esteemed founders. We thought it’d be special to tell you about how he started in the world of construction. Disclaimer: Simon’s story might just inspire you to consider a career in this industry.

Before Simon helped start our company, he was deeply involved in the hands-on world of construction. He wasn’t always overseeing projects from a superintendent’s trailer; his first gig was what’s lovingly called a “tract rat.” For those not in the know, a tract rat is someone who fixes everything that goes awry—crooked walls, wrong-sized windows, you name it.

Recalling those days, Simon shared, “You get problems thrown at you almost by the minute. They’re not huge, but they demand quick decisions. And honestly? I thrive on that. Solving problems on the fly never scared me; it actually pumped me up.” This early role was crucial, crafting Simon’s ability to think on his feet and solve problems swiftly, which are now hallmarks of his leadership style.

Lessons from the Ladder

Climbing from the nitty-gritty work of a tract rat to becoming a head superintendent and a co-founder of our company was no small feat. Simon often says, “Do what you say and say what you do.” It sounds simple, but it’s a principle he lives by and one that has significantly shaped our company’s ethos.

His commitment to solving problems and his unwavering integrity were not just about getting through the day—they were about building a foundation for reliable and effective leadership. Whether it was addressing spontaneous queries from inspectors or navigating the challenges posed by suppliers, Simon’s experiences taught him—and by extension, our team—that with the right attitude, no challenge is too big to handle.

Building Careers

If Simon’s journey from fixing the fundamentals on the ground to leading large-scale projects intrigues you, then joining our team might be the right step for your career. At Builders Now, we cherish the grit and determination that Simon exemplified through his rise. We believe in empowering our team members to grow through challenges, just like Simon did.

Here’s the thing—our company isn’t just about building structures; we’re committed to building careers. We provide a platform where you can voice your ideas, demonstrate your capabilities, and yes, make those on-the-fly decisions that might very well define your career path. We foster a culture where your point of view matters, and your contributions directly impact our success.

A Glimpse into Our World

If you caught our last post about the roles of superintendents and project managers at Builders Now, you already have a sense of the ropes we’re talking about. Like Ernesto’s insights into his daily grind and decision-making processes, Simon’s story is another piece of our larger puzzle. These posts are designed to give you a real feel for the nuts and bolts of our operations and the people who keep them running smoothly.

Considering a Career in Construction?

Feeling inspired? Think you’ve got the problem-solving spirit and the ambition to rise? We’re always on the lookout for people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and jump into the world of construction.

Discover how you can start your journey with a company that values hard work and integrity, where your contributions shape not only your career but also the very structures we build. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shift your career into high gear, Builders Now could be the perfect place for you.

Let Simon’s story, and the roles we’ve shared in our previous posts, be your call to action. Building isn’t just a job at Builders Now; it’s a chance to carve out a legacy—just like Simon did.