Sundt Senior Project Manager Ben Martin has more than 18 years of construction experience in field management, pre-construction and project management in the hospitality, retail, office and government markets. His daily responsibilities include business development and he primarily manages the execution of construction projects.
Ben believes in giving back to his San Antonio community. He is a Sundt Foundation volunteer, a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Association and an ACE Mentor at Lanier High School. He firmly believes in the role local youth play in San Antonio’s future.
What is the Lanier High School ACE program?
The ACE Mentor Program of America helps mentor high-school students and inspires them to pursue careers in design and construction. It’s the construction industry’s fastest-growing high-school mentoring program, reaching more than 8,000 students annually. Lanier is one of eight high schools in San Antonio that participate.
What are your duties as a mentor?
Each year, student teams come up with a project and spend the year designing, budgeting and scheduling as if it were a real construction project. The mentor team made up of architects, engineers and construction professionals helps guide them through the process as well as teach them the different fields of professions in the A/E/C world and how they can become a part of it.
How much of a time commitment is it?
We meet weekly with the student team from October to April. In addition, we take them on field trips to construction projects, participate in fundraising activities and sponsor their participation.
What has your experience been like as an ACE Mentor in the past?
It has been rewarding. This will be my fourth year involved with ACE at Lanier High School. I have seen students graduate high school and go to college to study within the A/E/C field. It is a great way to promote our industry. This year, I will be the Co-Team Leader for the Lanier program.
How much does Sundt support you in this volunteer duty?
Sundt supports and encourages this and any other program that raises awareness and teaches young students the opportunities and benefits in our industry. There is a growing demand for A/E/C professionals and we need to do everything possible to attract the most promising students. Sundt has also financially supported the program through construction material and scholarship donations.
What is your inspiration for helping this way?
Lanier has many students who are very talented but may not have the financial means or support to go on to secondary education. It is important that these students understand their potential and the opportunities that are there for them.