Introducing…Shane Malkowski, a new project manager in Sundt’s Heavy Civil Division. Prior to joining Sundt, Shane spent 13 years in the consulting engineering field designing and managing transportation and infrastructure projects in Arizona, Utah and Texas. In order to show him the customary Sundt welcome, we subjected him to our usual list of nosy questions.
We’re glad you’re here. What led you to Sundt?
The company’s great reputation, ambitious growth strategy and desire to pursue design-build and other alternate project delivery methods.
What’s the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on, and why?
The $210 million US 290 design-build project in Austin, Texas. Managing the short, nine-month design schedule with 120 staff in 10 different offices made the project challenging.
What are your favorite kinds of projects?
Rural highways are the best; I enjoy getting out into the country. It doesn’t matter if it’s the desert, plains or mountains; I enjoy getting out.
If you weren’t working in construction, what would you be doing?
Flying an airplane.
Is there something people often ask you when they find out what you do for a living?
Why is traffic so bad?
Where would you most like to travel?
The Marshall Islands; it looks like the most tranquil place on earth.
What career advice do you have for younger people just starting out?
My advice would be to follow your instincts, work hard and learn everything you can.
What’s the strangest/most interesting/most remote location you’ve ever had to go to for work?
The most interesting location I have worked was Austin. It’s a great city: lots of culture, great BBQ and football.
Is there a historical construction project that you would have liked to be a part of?
I think the Panama Canal would have been a great experience. The ingenuity and adversity those engineers and workers overcame was amazing. The project was a game changer for international commerce.