We’re pleased to announce that David Ollanik is our newest Project Director in Tucson. He has 30 years of experience in the construction industry, including two decades running his own business.
After growing up in Missouri, David moved to Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, including a minor in management information systems.
He recently answered a few questions about himself and Sundt’s priorities in Southern Arizona.
How did you get started in the construction industry?
I started painting houses my first summer back home from college as a freshman and then started a company with a high school friend doing painting and roofing. We built the business during my remaining three years of college and evolved into home remodeling and additions. When I graduated, I decided to go to work for a Tucson builder to see how a “real company” worked. Within 2½ years, I started my own construction company in Tucson that I managed for 20 years.
What was it about Sundt that interested you in working here?
The history and reputation of the company were the driving forces in my search for the next phase of my career. I was searching for a company with stability, industry best practices and solid integrity standards. I have found all three here at Sundt.
You know the Tucson market well. What makes it unique?
Tucson is a big small town. It is resistant to change, which makes it both unique and a challenge for growing a business. The key to Tucson is understanding that it will probably never be a Phoenix or Denver. The interesting thing is the potential for growth is tremendous.
What are some of the Tucson office’s priorities over the next several years?
The top priorities are maintaining our existing client base, which is extremely strong, while expanding our presence in the private sector market.
Sundt put down roots in Tucson almost 90 years ago. How much has our history and proven track record worked to our advantage in forming strong working relationships with clients such as the University of Arizona?
The fact that Sundt is one of the oldest firms in Tucson is paramount to our success. We can sell local representation along with a 125-year history and a national as well as global resume. No other local firm can match that combination.
What’s your philosophy about building good client partnerships?
I have always found that people do business with people they like and trust. Sundt has built a foundation based on these same principles of being a trusted advisor and client advocate. By assuring customer success, we assure our mutual success as we become the builder of choice for our client. Learning about what makes our client successful as well as educating the client about how we can be successful as a team becomes the task most necessary in building the relationship. It needs to be a two-way street.
Where do you like to travel?
Our preferred travel location is anywhere with a nice beach! We tend to go to Mexico and have been lucky enough to have visited Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Zihautanejo, Rocky Point, San Carlos, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz as well as a little fishing village named Buena Vista where my wife and I got married.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from work?
My No. 1 activity is spending time with my family. As an empty nester (a son in college and two out and off the payroll), this does not happen as often as I like. I also enjoy golf, hiking, camping, fishing and playing pool and ping pong.