Chase’s Story: Building a Career in Construction

My name is Chase, and I joined Newcomb Construction in August 2025. I’m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved to Madison in early 2022. I earned my degree in Construction Management from Louisiana State University. After graduation, I intended to build a career in the industrial sector. But when the pandemic hit and my internship was canceled, my plans quickly shifted. That setback opened the door for me to explore other sides of construction.

I began my career as a residential estimator, first handling insurance claims and then property mitigation and reconstruction. From there, I transitioned into commercial landscaping estimating, which was my first exposure to competitive commercial bidding. That experience sparked my interest in becoming part of a General Contractor team – somewhere I could expand my knowledge and gain hands-on experience across all phases of construction.

When I joined Newcomb as a Project Manager Assistant, I started in the field with one of our tilt-up crews. Having come from an office background, stepping onto an active job site was both exciting and intimidating. Within an hour, though, the crew’s support and teamwork put me at ease. I learned how to lay out concrete forms, use power tools, and participate in pours. My favorite part was watching and helping guide the massive tilt-up panels into place – a powerful display of the skill and coordination that define Newcomb’s work.

After gaining that valuable field experience, I transitioned to the office to learn the administrative side of construction. This was a turning point in my development. I began working on project documentation, scheduling, RFIs, submittals, and subcontractor coordination. I quickly learned how vital clear communication and organization are in keeping projects on track.

Working closely with Project Managers, I’ve deepened my understanding of plans, specifications, and how field operations align with project goals and budgets. I’ve also gained insight into cost tracking and how everyday decisions in the field impact the bottom line.

Combining both field and office perspectives has shaped me into a more well-rounded construction professional. I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the collaboration it takes to deliver successful projects, from the laborers in the field to the executives in the boardroom. And I’m more motivated than ever to continue growing within this exciting industry.