Sundt has promoted Travis McCarthy to vice president and manager of concrete construction. Travis, who has been with Sundt for 14 years, previously worked on the operational aspects of the company’s heavy civil, mining and industrial, and concrete work. Prior to that position, Travis was the construction manager for two highly successful design-build road construction projects, the $90 million Loop 101 design-build project and the $189 million Loop 202 design-build project, both located in Phoenix, Ariz. He has a civil engineering degree from the University of Arizona. We recently corralled Travis into answering a few questions so we could get to know him better:
What led you to Sundt?
I grew up in Arizona, and Sundt has always had a local presence. As I looked to get out of engineering and into construction, it was a natural choice to want to work for Sundt.
How did you get involved in the specialized area of concrete construction?
I have been lucky enough to work in multiple positions at Sundt, with a lot of them centered around concrete. I was a field/structures engineer on my first few projects with Sundt, helping with multiple bridges on both the I-17 and US-60 design-build projects. I also helped manage and oversee Sundt’s concrete paving operations for a period of time and now I am fortunate to have the position of Division Manager of Sundt’s concrete division.
If you weren’t working in construction, what would you be doing?
Teaching high school and coaching high school sports.
Is there a historical construction project you would have liked to be a part of?
Either the Hoover Dam or the recently completed Hoover Dam bypass bridge.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Traveling with my wife and two kids, and exercising.
What is your favorite book and/or television show?
I’m not sure I have one, but I recently read Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. It’s a great story about unbelievable courage and resilience. I also enjoy watching U of A basketball and football games.
Where would you most like to travel?
Ireland.
What’s the best career advice you ever received?
Treat every assignment like it’s your own project, regardless of your level. Complete projects on time or early if you can, and ask questions if needed. If you do those things, then greater assignments will come.
Would you recommend a construction career to a young person just starting out today?
Absolutely. In what other career can you use your technical background, have the opportunity to be a part of building things and interact with people?