Arun Verma was recently hired as a Projects Control Manager. Arun has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research in India and a master’s degree in Construction Engineering and Management from Texas A&M University.
He has experience with theoretical and hands-on knowledge base, encompassing the entire spectrum of project controls and management for federal/Army Corps of Engineers, light rail, highway, commercial, industrial and energy projects. Arun has more than nine years of experience in scheduling, cost control, risk management, forecasting and optimization for projects ranging from $26 million to $2.7 billion. Much of that work has occurred in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including the development and maintenance of lane construction schedules for the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, a 17-mile partial loop between I-35 East and US-75.
Arun recently took a few minutes to answer questions about his new job and homeland of India.
What made you want to work at Sundt?
Sundt has a history of more than 125 years and has a very good reputation in the construction industry. The core values are not just on paper but are actually followed by the employee-owners. When presented an opportunity, it was a no-brainer to come work at Sundt.
What is the most important quality someone in your job must have?
Communication and problem-solving.
What are the similarities and differences between living in India and the U.S.?
Other than the metric system, there are two major differences that I notice. First is the traffic system. Drivers in U.S. follow traffic laws while in India it can get a little crazy. Second is the crowd. People in U.S. may not realize that places here are not as crowded. India has a population of 1.3 billion and every day feels like Black Friday. The similarity is in the people. It has been very easy for me to adjust to a new culture and society because the people are welcoming and friendly, same as in India.
Who has been your best professional mentor and what advice did he or she give you that has contributed to your success?
I have been fortunate to work with some of the best people in the industry. Daniel Kruger, Public Works Director for the City of Houston, has been my best mentor. His advice, “Learning never stops. Everything you learn is an investment in your future,” has helped me along my personal and professional life.
Where do you like to travel?
Seattle, Austin and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon definitely tops the list.