Meet the Interns: Pierce Gelhaus
This summer, four Iowa State University students have joined us for hands-on experience in the construction industry. They will work with our project management staff to learn everything from how we bid projects to running OAC (owner-architect-contractor) meetings; from take-off to close-out; from meeting minutes to trade partner contracts. One joined our field staff to learn more about how the field and office operate together.
Pierce finished his sophomore year at ISU and joined us again for the summer. Pierce completed an eight month co-op with Neumann last summer and fall. This time, Pierce is taking on field work to give him experience with both the office and field sides of the industry.
Q: Remind us, what degree are you pursuing?
A: I’m working towards my degree in construction engineering with a building emphasis.
Q: You completed a co-op with us last fall, what made you decide to complete an internship in the field with us this summer?
A: I started working construction my freshman year of high school and field work has always been something I’ve enjoyed. Experience in the field will only better me in the future with this industry.
Q: What are you learning so far through your internship?
A: I’m learning a lot about the communication between trade partners and Owners and keeping to the schedule. Keeping a good schedule helps solve or eliminate future problems that could occur on site. Every day it is our goal to make that day the most efficient and trouble free day possible. I’m working under Superintendent Scott Richeal on Farm Bureau and he does a great job on-site. He’s taught me how important it is to take care of the contractors around you. If you take care of them, they’ll take care of you!
Q: What are your future goals in construction and how is your time in the field shaping your goals?
A: My future goals are still the same – to go to work for a good contractor as a Project Manager. Finishing a co-op with Neumann Brothers showed me that project management really is what I want to do. Know what I want allows me to take the additional pieces I’m learning in the field and apply it to the office setting. I think having experience on both sides will be very helpful later in my career.
Q: What brought you back to Neumann Brothers this summer?
A: People at Neumann made me feel at home and treated me like I was one of them and they are the reason I wanted to come back. Having a good relationship with so many people in the company makes it easy to get up in the morning.
Q: What are you most excited for this summer?
A: I’m exciting to meet new people and expand my knowledge in construction. Most of my previous experience has been on the residential side of construction. I look forward to learning more about the construction side by really getting my hands into the work. The more I can take in, the more I realize how much there is still to learn.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you expect to face?
A: Honestly, getting up every morning at 4:30. I can do the work and I like learning how everything works in the field – but 4:30 AM is really early!
We’re happy to have PG back on the crew!