Jeff "Chip" Smith starts his mornings like a lot of us—wrangling ducks, bunnies, and chickens in the yard while trying to get his three kids ready for school. Just another day in the life of a regular guy, right? Well, not quite. Chip might be humble, but the truth is, the projects he manages are anything but average. From complex to downright colossal, he's making sure everything runs smoothly. He’d never brag about it, but that’s what I’m here for—let’s take a look at what a day in Chip’s shoes as a project manager really looks like.
Early Starts and Daily Routines
Chip’s day kicks off with a 4:30 am wake-up. Why so early? Well, he’s got to beat the morning rush to the shower and get the day started on his terms. Afterward, it’s all about the coffee—first for him and his wife, then for the road. After some barn chores and family time, he’s out the door with another cup of coffee for the commute. By 6:15 am, Chip arrives at work, ready to tackle what the day has in store. “Not very exciting,” he says, “but it’s my routine every morning.”
Setting Priorities: The Start of the Workday
Upon arriving, the first thing on Chip’s agenda is going over his plan for the day. He reviews his appointment schedule, desk time, and on-site visits, making sure everything is organized. “I like to know what’s coming and what needs my attention,” he explains. This planning is crucial as it sets the pace and priorities for the rest of the day.
A key part of Chip’s morning is meeting with the crews heading out to the job sites. He reviews job details, equipment needs, and any potential hazards. But it’s not just logistics. “We also talk about the customer’s expectations for the day,” Chip shares. Communication is essential to ensuring everything aligns between the team, subcontractors, and clients.
Keeping Everyone on Track
Safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s woven into everything Chip does. Before any crew steps onto a site, known hazards are reviewed and documented in a Job Hazard Analysis. “Any hazards that are present and known to be part of a job are stated upfront,” Chip emphasizes. These reviews set clear expectations and help everyone stay vigilant throughout the day.
Throughout the day, Chip stays on top of the project’s progress. If he hasn’t received a progress report from a crew by noon, he reaches out for an update. “Usually, no news is good news, but I still like to check in,” he laughs. Keeping lines of communication open ensures that if adjustments are needed, they can be made quickly and efficiently.
Handling Client Feedback
Customer feedback isn’t just a box to check for Chip—it’s a vital part of his job. “If a customer has a question about the methods we’re using or if they have an issue, I want them to call me,” he insists. Quite often, these conversations happen with a quick phone call or a site meeting between Chip, the customer, and the Boulter foreman. This collaborative approach keeps projects moving forward smoothly.
Wrapping Up the Day
Before heading home, Chip checks on the status of all his projects. He wants to know: are the crews done and heading back? Are they working overtime to finish? Is there a need to return tomorrow? “I can’t just leave without knowing the crews are all set and that there’s a plan in place,” he explains. It’s a process that might sound meticulous, but it’s essential to finish each day on solid ground.
Beyond Project Management: What People Might Not Know
When asked about his role, Chip is quick to clarify that being a Project Manager at Boulter is about more than just managing projects. “Each of us are involved in job reviews, site visits, estimates, equipment planning, scheduling, material procurement, job ratings upon completion, and cost reviews,” he says. It’s a hands-on role, requiring an understanding of every facet of the project from start to finish.
For those just starting in construction project management, Chip offers a golden piece of advice: create a time management plan and stick to it. “Try to designate specific days or times for being in the office, visiting ongoing jobs, meeting with customers, and attending meetings,” he suggests. This structure helps prevent burnout and keeps you from feeling busy without accomplishing anything tangible.
A Day in Chip’s Shoes
At the end of the day, a Project Manager’s job is about juggling the needs of the project, the crew, and the client while staying ahead of potential problems. It’s not easy, but Chip makes it look that way. From early mornings with a cup of coffee in hand to wrapping up the day with his crews all set, Chip is all about finding the balance between planning, communication, and flexibility.
And for those who think managing projects is all meetings and checklists—think again. It’s about leading a team, keeping things on track, and making sure every detail is covered. Just another day in the life.
Wrangling Ducks and Wrapping Up
Of course, no conversation with Chip would be complete without a mention of his own personal zoo. Does he know their names? Not really. “My wife has names for all the chickens, bunnies, and ducks, none of which I remember,” he admits. Instead, he gives them unique nicknames, like “the white and tan one, the fluffy one, the cool one, the one that’s kind of a jerk,” and so on.
