LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Branden Murphy

Title: Estimator and Project Manager

Company, City: Old Philadelphia Associates, Inc., West Chester, PA

Years in Field: 6

Education: Temple University

Q/A

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?

My family, particularly my parents and uncles, had a significant influence on my decision to pursue a career in construction. They have had successful careers in the industry, and I was always interested to hear them talk about the business. During high school, I worked as a laborer to gain firsthand experience. That is when I realized that I was drawn to the tangible results of construction work.

How has the construction industry changed since you started your career, and how have you adapted?

The pandemic was a time of uncertainty and dramatic changes. There were supply chain issues, project delays, new safety guidelines, and workforce challenges. We had to adapt in order to keep working throughout the pandemic. This meant providing new PPE and following the latest government regulations. Procuring material was difficult due to the supply chain issues, so we substituted materials with long lead times for materials that were readily available and ordered excess amounts of the materials that we use regularly.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far?

The most fulfilling moment of my career so far has been working on a Housing Authority apartment building for the elderly in Allentown. We were deck coating all the balconies and replacing joint sealant. The residents were all very nice and they appreciated the work that we were doing to fix their leaks and restore their balconies. We have since been back to the apartments for maintenance, and the residents still remember us and thank us for the work that we did.

What unique challenge do you face in your role, and how do you overcome it?

As an estimator and project manager, I wear a few different hats, and I find myself spread too thin at times. Sometimes I get overwhelmed when I look at my to-do list, but then I focus on starting small and checking off one thing at a time.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the construction industry?

I recommend to anyone starting out in the construction industry to take classes and learn as much as you can from more experienced colleagues and mentors. The GBCA offers a lot of continuing education classes both online and in person.

What leadership principles guide you in your professional life?

I was fortunate that my mentor had an open-door policy with me which allowed me to ask him questions. We also rode together for on-site visits and meetings where I could also pick his brain any time. Now that I am leading others, I use the same principles of being available at any time and always making others feel welcome to ask me questions.

How has being part of the CLC contributed to your personal and professional growth?

At the first CLC event that I went to, I felt like I barely knew anyone, and I was forced to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people. That was over two years ago. Since then, I feel like my networking skills have improved tremendously and I have made genuine connections and friendships with future leaders in the industry.

What’s a recent accomplishment or skill you’ve developed that you’re proud of?

I feel much more confident in myself, and my knowledge of the industry compared to when I first started. I’m proud to be a source of knowledge of my trade when I communicate with customers, engineers, and other contractors. I no longer second guess myself like I did early in my career.

How do you stay motivated and inspire those around you?

I try to lead by example with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. Collaborating with a colleague to achieve a common goal is also a great way to stay motivated because there are others relying on you.

What qualities do you think are most important for the next generation of construction leaders?

I believe that the most important qualities for the next generation of construction leaders are effective communication, networking skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to change.

What’s your favorite CLC event or initiative, and why?

My favorite CLC event is the Phillies Outing event. I’ve been a huge Phillies fan my entire life, so I always enjoy going to a ball game. This past year was especially great because the CLC provided tickets to the game. We all sat together in the same section allowing members to casually network with each other while enjoying the game.

How has participating in CLC activities impacted your career?

As I mentioned earlier, the friendships and connections that I have made from CLC have been invaluable. GBCA is such a vast network from general contractors, specialty contractors, engineers, insurance, surety, and suppliers. The CLC members are the future leaders in the industry, so establishing these relationships now is incredibly important.

What makes GBCA membership valuable to you?

GBCA membership is so valuable to me because of the many resources that are offered such as continuing education and safety classes. Networking in the GBCA is extremely valuable as you are able to connect with the largest and most reputable companies in the area. GBCA also represents the Philadelphia area construction industry in Harrisburg and Washington D.C. to advocate for policies and legislation that encourage union construction in the area.