Accelerate July 2021 Magazine

WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG Tell us a little bit about yourself. I began my construction career in 2014 as an iron worker during summer and breaks. I joined CCI in 2016 as a general laborer with a desire to continually acquire new skills. My willingness to learn and ability to successfully complete tasks led to my promotion to superintendent. I have successfully assisted with and supervised a number of commercial and industrial projects. Construction is more than just a job for me. Truthfully, I consider it to be one of my greatest hobbies. Aside from work I also enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors as much as possible! Why did you decide to get involved with the trades? During the summer of my sophomore year in high school, I started setting steel for a small company. I knew right away that I wanted to have a career in the trades. What led you to your current career path? At first, I was not sure specifically what I wanted to do in the trades, but I always knew that I wanted to make the biggest impact possible. After I began superintendent training, I quickly realized that this is what I wanted to pursue because I believe the superintendent role has a great impact on the project site managing subcontractors, site logistics, quality and safety. What is the hardest part about being in the trades? For me, it's learning to encourage and manage the variety of talents and diverse range of personalities working on a project. To develop a successful build-team I need to adapt and understand each person’s abilities, recognize different perspectives, and motivate the team to work together and continually give their best. What’s your favorite part about your job? I really enjoy building relationships with the workers onsite and being able to oversee all aspects of the project. Yet, my absolute favorite thing is the satisfaction you feel when you step back and can actually see what you have accomplished after a hard day, week, month, or even year! What would you say to someone who wants to get involved with the trades? Start as soon as you can, but do not limit yourself to a single trade or skill. Be willing to explore and try other trades to realize what you really love to do. Also, always keep moving and never stand still. Where do you see yourself going in the future? I really enjoy my position as a superintendent. My hope for the future is to continually learn and improve while being on the build-teams of large-scale, high profile projects that receive the highest industry recognitions. • SPOTLIGHT ON THE TRADES ISAIAH BAKER Superintendent Corporate Contractors Inc (CCI) 24